https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAZJAzCshN4

Okay, you’ll have to give me some rope on this one. It’s the idea that a large amount of classic Appalachian arts, music and history directly flowed out of the results of Scots-Irish immigration in to the States, roughly from the 1700’s and 1800’s in origin.

The song “500 Miles” is evidently unclear as to its origins, but as I understand it, flows nicely out of the Appalachian folk music aesthetic. Other examples being “The Raggle-Taggle Gypsy,” “Pretty Saro,” and “Knoxville Girl.” (seriously, they’re catchy songs; give 'em a listen if you can)

The irony upon the song above is that British actress Carey Mulligan traveled over to the USA in order to act in a movie and sing the song above, assisted here by Justin Timberlake and Stark Sands, for the Coen Bros’ Inside Llewyn Davis film.

So, in other words (and in a sense)-- it’s a song based on a critical flight from the UK to the States, later embraced by… a UK singer, kindly coming over to the States and revisiting the whole thing, centuries later. If that makes sense. 🙃

Now, if you happen to like this lovely song, I have a further two more great renditions to share–

Joan Baez: (magic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_K6z3HiRAs

The Hooters: (badass)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2BXcf3DcQc