Watch The Song and the Sorrow

The Song and the Sorrow is a 2018 documentary film which delivers an insightful look into the life of Nashville country music sensation, Gene MacLellan. Directed by Millefiore Clarkes, it explores the mystical world of one of the great, underrated songwriters whose stories remind us of the true nature of art and creation. The film takes place in Nova Scotia, Canada, on MacLellan's home turf, where we learn about his early upbringing, which was made up of a lot of hardship, bare bones living and unremitting mental health problems. MacLellan's lyrics never felt contrived, and his music is always thought-provoking, a sparse and soulful blend of country, folk and rock 'n' roll. He struggled to find an identity in Nashville, but with his profound songwriting ability, he made a lasting impact on American country music.

The Song and the Sorrow starts on a note that is both heartfelt and audacious. The documentary explores the stories behind MacLellan's biggest writing triumph- "Put Your Hand in the Hand" (1971). The song became a new staple of modern gospel, inspiring Christian people to write to their religious identity. As the film documents, "Put Your Hand in the Hand" often overshadowed MacLellan's other music, making him feel typecast over time. Nevertheless, the filmmakers ensured that we saw MacLellan's other work through interviews and insightful commentary from his peers and loved ones.

Director Clarkes and editor Liam Byrne carefully weave music and interviews, archival footage and still photographs to create a top-notch documentary. The interviews with people who are closer to MacLellan are sincere and make the narrative feel more authentic.

Despite suffering from a severe anxiety disorder and carrying the lifelong grief and trauma from his troubled upbringing, MacLellan never shied away from chronicling the stories of those who struggled. His songs did not sugarcoat pain and struggle- they were the driving force behind his music. His ability to deliver songs that were both reflective and hopeful kept him on the edge of the mainstream. Folksinger Emmylou Harris explained how MacLellan's narrative songs had 'a sincerity and a truth'. Reviewing a performance of MacLellan's alone behind a piano: "He was like one of the lonely angels, longing for what he could not have, compassionately seeking some relief for what he could see so clearly: the sorrows and joys of life. The piano was as responsive to him as his heart was to the world around him."

The Song and the Sorrow is an intimate portrait of a deeply introspective artist that endured emotional tumultuousness and personal struggles, ultimately making a tremendous contribution to the world of country music. It highlights the unrelenting realism of MacLellan's music and the heart that was central to his genius. The movie is more than just nostalgia - it effectively showcases how a songwriter's struggles can become larger than the music itself. MacLellan's songs carried an emotional weight, each one a unique expression of his pain and his aspirations. His writing is a reflection of his life, providing insight into his struggles and triumphs.

The Song and the Sorrow is a must-watch for anyone who loves country music or those who are inclined towards music documentaries. The film sensitively covers the tragedy and the grace of MacLellan's life and long-standing legacy with his music. The documentary does justice to the spirit of MacLellan's music and to a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

The Song and the Sorrow is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 42 minutes.