Benjamin Tod, “We Ain’t Even Kin,” // GemsOnVHS™
We traveled to rural Kentucky to find Benjamin Tod, who had a collection of songs to share from his new solo record, “A Heart of Gold is Hard to Find,”. We recorded on the porch of his grandfather’s home. These days, it has been great to see Ben really come into his own, comfortable with who he is and where he comes from. There’s a maturity to this record that reflects his own growing up, songs with angles of him I haven’t seen before.
This song in particular is a departure from the usual internal dialogue, or narrative song. Here Ben writes personally, about his paternal relationship with a man he calls his grandfather, despite, as the song says, them not being kin by blood. It’s relatable subject matter in the 21st century, so many of us coming from non traditional homes.
Those of you paying attention might find a fitting connection in a song off of Lost Dogs early album. I can only think of one song where he has addressed family, and the tone of that one was very different. Those who know, know.
It really seems Benjamin has come full circle, a coming home and healing.
You can pre-order Benjamin Tod’s new album, “A Heart of Gold is Hard to Find” here;
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/benjamin-tod-2nd-album-pre-order-specials#/
Find more of their music here;
https://www.Benjamintodmusic.com
https://www.Lostdogstreetband.com
https://www.Lostdognashville.bandcamp.com/
https://www.Benjamintodmusic.bandcamp.com
Find them/us on Instagram.
@benjamintodmusic
@lostdogstreetband
@gemsonvhs
Big thanks to VJ Arizpe and Richard Harmon for making this episode possible.
Want to learn how to play this song? Check out these tabs: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/benjamin_tod/we_aint_even_kin_chords_2813078
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@GemsOnVHS
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
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@miccummings5679
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
This song hits so close to my heart my Tata (grandfather) isn't even related to me but my biological grandfather had passed before I was born my Tata was always there we havent talked much since him and my grandmother split but I still see him as my grandfather
@bryanthussung7681
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Genetics are only half the equation.
@boonarang73
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
One of the most beautiful tunes I ever done heard.
@KyleGraham-bi6kf
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Man, I love being a kentukian
@SpongeTMM
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
My welding instructor in high school played this song all the time ~6 years ago. He introduced me to Ben, and subsequently Lost Dogs, Matt Heckler and so many incredible musicians. Very thankful for that.
@cjhardy386
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
It’s a privilege to live and die. I’ve always loved that line.
@kevinbthemyth6285
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
This is one of the best songs ever written
@danferrell1
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
The best song of my generation and a lesson for everyone after to follow.
@PostDimIV
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
🧱
@junebug313
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Grandpa passed away this year, He was kin to me, but this song still resonates. Especially since I moved from Detroit to live with him in Kentucky for awhile in my early teens. He was a great man, an even better grandfather. Love and miss you gramps
@richarddevlaminck5501
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
never knew either of my grandpas,one died on the rhine in ww2 the other was a cb in the armt ww2.never knew them but this song brings me closer to them.thank you ben.
@JeffinBville
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
I remember when this first came out how exciting it was to hear that voice and probably one of the more powerfully written songs in a long time
@Cinekultur_1
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
My grandmother remained widow since the age of 25. Back in 1967. Because my grandfather died in a car accident together with their first born son. She raised my mother and my aunt the best she could, working hard as a nurse as few people can even imagine. She is the strongest person in my life and really I’m struggling thinking about she doesn’t have much more time left to live. Please share love your grandmothers and grandfathers, they deserve that❤
@user-PUNK4LIFE
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Man my granddaddy taught me how to fish , shot guns, and respect woman . I sure do miss him. Im 47 he died when I was 16 and I spent every summer with him and spent time with him On my spring breaks while he was dying cancer …this song makes me choke up and tear up
@richarddevlaminck5501
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
never met either of my grandpas but i love this song. puts me in a place that i can feel that bond. im learning to play this song because its so heartfelt.wish i knew them but they both were causualtise of ww2
@moondance4556
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Good 👍 hearted ♥️ words
@PaulGrey-h9w6i
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Maybe one day we can talk face to face Ben……
@PaulGrey-h9w6i
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
My grandfather's brother was from there. Richard Romans of Virginia…..he is the spitting image of the man who is seen at the end of this video.
@JulesEAbril
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
i dont even do country like that but this song slaps.
@terryhughes4371
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
I grew up thinking my father was my blood, until 21 I believed just that. Finding out differently in the oddest/hardest way….this songs hits in a way many can never feel or understand. It is doubtful at 70 years old I will make it through it tear free because at 50 it is impossible. Cheers to you, the pain and all others that recognize it or feel it.
@FloridaGooses
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
6 years ago today I posted this to my Facebook ❤
@brentjohnson7472
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
From another old hi line tramp, im somehow still alive and growing fruit. Much respect
@ThomasLunsford-s2k
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Country soul good shit. For years. Talented
@SkyGerald
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Glad I was able to share this with my father before he passed. They say he wasn't my biological father, but I don't need a DNA test to tell me who my dad was. He raised me to be the man I am today. Ups and downs, good times and bad. Love you dad, rest up. See you on the other side.
@terryhughes4371
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
This is story of my father and I, who sadly have endured the distance beyond his passing. A loss I have never come to terms to until hearing this song. Thank You for this
@trieditdied8681
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Strong men make stronger men. Bless you and your Grandpa. Be well
@lukeray1743
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
This is for anyone with a step parent or grandparent who didn’t have to but did anyway
@cyclon74
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Jewels. Shiny–ass jewels.
@Iggyfrankilott
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
I nearly left this planet this week and this kept me living. I'm in a band called The Liaisons and that helped till I started getting abused for my 'shit vocals' on Youtube. I cry all the time and I can't stop. Starting therapy tomorrow but in the meantime ben thanks man, from England x
@jefferyburke5717
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Thank you for sharing your music with us. Climbing ladders driving screws and making a life at home . Peace ❤
@Dustin-z1i
March 22, 2026 at 10:25 pm
I love this guys music
Comments are closed.