GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter David Nail released his adaptation of the Bruce Cockburn classic, “Pacing The Cage” today to coincide with the song's appearance in the film “Take No Prisoners” premiering at SXSW this weekend. Nail effortlessly covers the deep and reflective song with his moving and mesmerizing voice, marking his musical film debut with this stunning rendition, featured in the Vanity Fair and P3 Media co-produced documentary about US hostage recovery efforts. Listen here: fm.to/pacingthecage.OPR
David Nail offers a fresh take, infusing it with raw emotion and authenticity. His rendition blends his signature sound with the powerful themes of the documentary, resonating deeply with its focus on resilience, determination, and the fight for freedom. The film’s directors, Adam Ciralsky and Subrata De, sought Nail out to record the song for the film’s gripping final act. Nail’s longtime collaborator, Frank Liddell, produced the song with musicians Harrison Whitford and Dustin Christensen providing the stripped down instrumentation.
“Take No Prisoners” offers unprecedented access to America’s top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, as he battles to free LA public defender Eyvin Hernandez from a notorious Venezuelan prison called “The House of Dreams.” The film captures the raw, emotional fight of Eyvin’s family as they pressure the president for action. With rare behind-the-scenes moments—from tense White House meetings to chaotic Caracas streets—this gripping documentary exposes the dangerous, high-stakes world of U.S. hostage recoveries, filled with setbacks, breakthroughs, and relentless determination.
“I was honored to be asked by Adam and the team to do this song for this important film. I can honestly say I had no idea the amount of work, emotion, and time that goes into these hostage recoveries. I can’t wait to see the film premiere this weekend and meet Roger Carstens and the rest of those involved in this harrowing work,” said David Nail.
“As we were searching for the perfect song for the denouement of the film, I couldn’t help but imagine David’s voice shedding new light on Bruce Cockburn’s masterpiece. I’ve long been a fan of David’s, so I was thrilled to sit in the studio as David sang his heart out. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” said Ciralsky.
David Nail continues to build on his successful two decade career, which has seen numerous chart-topping hits and critical acclaim. This song marks another milestone on his long and important journey. With his distinctive voice and introspective songwriting, Nail has built a loyal fan base and continues to solidify his place as one of music's most powerful and emotional storytellers.
About David Nail
Hailing from Kennett, Missouri, David Nail is well-respected up and down Music Row. Some might even call him a “tour de force” as his songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. The GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum singer/songwriter’s early releases, I’m About To Come Alive, The Sound Of A Million Dreams, I’m A Fire and Fighter, ignited his reputation as an innovator and creative risk-taker yet left Nail feeling restless. This led to the departure of the only record company home he’d ever known, MCA Nashville, where he’d formed friendships that endure even now. Through dealing with his own journey of mental health and the feeling of needing to “rebel against what people expect you to be,” Nail began making his most “organic” work to date, David Nail & The Well Ravens, with Jason Hall and Andrew Petroff. That project liberated Nail and propelled him into his next adventure. Writing solo for the next few months led to his debut solo independent EP Oh, Mother, a reflective piece of work. Of the title track, Rolling Stone noted that “the song creeps in like a sunrise — quiet, restrained cello and keys are the only underpinning for Nail’s powerful vocals at first. But then it slowly builds to something more massive and majestic.” That release was followed by Bootheel 2020 and Bootheel 2021, projects dedicated to the singer/songwriter’s hometown in the “bootheel” of Missouri. Nail released an EP titled Best of Me in 2023 and the title track has seen heavy press support and country radio airplay. 2024 brought more touring than ever, two great single releases “If I Could Call” and “Why” featuring Aubrie Sellers. Nail plans on releasing his debut Christmas project this year, A Campfire Christmas, leaving behind any self-imposed restrictions. In Nail’s own words, “My philosophy has always been, I just hope to have a good enough year that I can have a next year while staying as true to myself as I possibly can.” Find more at DavidNail.com.
