This video should be in the Smithsonian. It is a national treasure.

@raudivevoices

8 ай бұрын

Agreed. So many country artists influenced by just the one song. Its great.

@stevendixon5467

8 ай бұрын

Yo

@paintingonpurpose3917

8 ай бұрын

Not the Smithsonian! They take truth and Bury it.

@lvait957

7 ай бұрын

Right up there with Leonard Cohen. Great Jam. I agree we should send it to space.

@JohnnyLongstreet

4 ай бұрын

So was lefty

If your song makes a cowboy cry, that’s when you know it’s good.

@baileyrobinson1279

10 ай бұрын

This. That old guy probably hadn’t cried in decades…

@EARL-zl5mv

10 ай бұрын

Right on. I feel the same way every time I hear this tune, it's hitting him like a rock.

@alfaq654

9 ай бұрын

It's not the song making him cry. He's cryin' 'cause he knew exactly what the booze was gonna to do Townes. That man practically raised him.

@donaldabel1233

9 ай бұрын

his son killed Blaze Foley

@user-yc5lz6os3d

8 ай бұрын

I ain't no cowboy but yeah tears are streaming down

Can you even imagine the music that we never heard because there weren't any cameras or recorders just campfires, hard work and storytellers. Thank God we have these videos and songs passed down...

@bealiobealio

6 ай бұрын

jesus you aint lying bruv!! so many bangers!

@jeremywilson7975

6 ай бұрын

Sadly, never heard......and, never will.

@78ramcharger53

5 ай бұрын

We've missed alot unlike today so much is captured, wrong time though.

I actually got to see Townes, in Boston in the early 70's. I was a high school kid with no friends into music like this. Went alone and I'm glad I did.

@nbenefiel

Жыл бұрын

The first time I saw EmmyLou I went alone.

@scottmead7943

Жыл бұрын

When you think about it it is the best way to see a show I want to see Bob Dylan and Tom Petty at Red Rocks alone and actually had to sneak into the back but I made it and it was the best show ever been to. You don't need friends to tell you about good music nice to have friends. But sometimes friends don't understand what you love. Townes Van Zandt is like that so is Bob Dylan so Steve Earle so Neil Young. The best poetry is not the hit song is someone that hits you in the balls song

@johnladrig7980

10 ай бұрын

I wish I could have

@peterc772

9 ай бұрын

The first time I saw Richard Thompson I went alone. It was a small, intimate theater. Would have loved to see Townes that way. It's the perfect way to experience a true singer-songwriter. The music and the lyrics come through and hit you in the heart.

@powertrip6426

8 ай бұрын

The two best concerts I've ever been to I ended up going alone. Aesop Rock (rapper) and Japanther (2 man noise punk band). I made friends for the night at each show, even though we were strangers they treated me like old friends. Music is so amazing at bringing people together. One love ❤️

He deserved more recognition than he ever received.

@raudivevoices

8 ай бұрын

Agreed! As I said earlier, he inspired so many others.

@RavenaDenver

8 ай бұрын

When every songwriter you love sites Townes as one of their biggest inspirations and you don't go see why, I'm pretty sure that really is a sin. He's definitely worth all the listens.

@KahlessTheUnforgettable

7 ай бұрын

Let’s not pretend the man wasn’t the partial architect of his own lack of recognition.

@cadillacslim73

7 ай бұрын

You got dat right

@nbenefiel

7 ай бұрын

We still love him and his music.

I love how his friend sitting at the table gets teared up. What a beautiful moment in somebody's kitchen .

@JudsonParker

7 ай бұрын

Susanna Clark’s kitchen

One of the most beautiful and poignant songs ever written. It's power is clear to be seen in the face and eyes of The Man Behind Townes. The man was a genius. Ahead of his time. An outlaw in every sense. His death was a tragedy in that I don't believe this was the last song of this caliber he had in him. His loss is one that the whole human race suffers for. His is a great story of redemption. For his unbridled appetite for drugs which I believed stemmed from his deep understanding of The Human Condition and inability to cope with people who could be so horrible. While he was always good natured . He needed to find peace somewhere and we are all poorer for his loss. We love you townes! You will never be forgotten!

@lepetitoiseau

Жыл бұрын

you're right he died while preparing an album with Sonic youth, he didn't want to be hospitalized after his fall for finish this project, he said he still had songs in him, but his years of wandering have caught up with him ,i miss Townes

@shanehopson8644

Жыл бұрын

well said

@patricklink8527

Жыл бұрын

@@lepetitoiseau I'm a huge Sonic Youth fan. The fact that he chose to record with them says a lot about who the man was.

@JennyWren333

Жыл бұрын

A real sweet tribute. ❤

@roncarpenter7240

Жыл бұрын

This song should be taught in university literature classes on how to tell a story.

Imagine drinking a beer and eating a country dinner while Townes plays this next to you

@dmac8949

9 ай бұрын

Paradise???

@neilwilliams6196

9 ай бұрын

Yes@@dmac8949

@ajwetzel3303

2 ай бұрын

​@@dmac8949probably

@user-pm3bo5no2b

28 күн бұрын

Out in the west Texas sunset on a cattle drive evening drinking whiskey and a smoke quiet and still, watching the stars fall down and I tip my hat to that starchaser

Townes, man. I tear up every time.

I love this version because it is so down to earth and humble. No bells and whistles just like a toyota truck thats all rusted out but keeps running

the black old timer in the background says it all, you know great music when you hear it

@jesstwocrow1005

6 ай бұрын

He's crying from the beauty of it

@78ramcharger53

5 ай бұрын

Beautiful moment.

@sandyburke3222

3 ай бұрын

Who is he? He's crying because he knows something about this song.

@MrUtubejeff

3 ай бұрын

I love that old timer 🖤❤️‍🩹🖤

@jimwilliams232

2 ай бұрын

His name is “ Lefty”

Pops in the background is listening to the story.. Shows the power of the narrative.

@AndyRiot

4 ай бұрын

And the power of surrendering to great art!

A song that puts you in a whole different time period

@thomasdupont7186

Жыл бұрын

It kinda is timeless in a way isn't it ? Totally Universal, this clip could move a muslim from Irak, A Buddhist in Tibet, a French guy like me who has a love/hate relationship with the USA.... I have to admit I'm obsessed with these folk heroes....

@MrEpeeFencer

3 ай бұрын

@@thomasdupont7186 This music was born from the old America, the REAL America. Before it all went wrong.

Man, I got choked up watching the old guy tear up!

@wanderer0617

3 жыл бұрын

me too

@travisthornton1792

Жыл бұрын

He was actually breaking up during Townes’ “Waiting Around to Die.” This video mashed up videos of the two songs

@Coldcasereview

Жыл бұрын

@@lepetitoiseauHe's Seymour Washington, a travelling blacksmith and was Townes van Zandt 's neighbour at this point in time

In 1979 I was tending bar in a restaurant in Nashville, Ruby Tuesday’s. Townes and a couple of his friends sat at the bar for drinks and dinner. What an interesting evening. Great talent and I’m honored to have had a bit of time to talk with him.

1975 was a different world. I miss it...

Townes and Bob Dylan are both proof, you don't need a great voice... You need a real voice, and something to really sing about.

@andrew3606

4 ай бұрын

I think Townes does have a great voice too tbh

@shittysunglasses

4 ай бұрын

100%. I love unconventional voices

He was a local hero in Houston in late '60s early '70s...radio, concerts, albums

Some realize early this whole show is temporary and some hang on to hope to the bitter end. Some live and some are merely alive its not up to us to say whos right or whos wrong. I for one will keep living while im alive and only a few like towens has what it takes to enjoy the misery of living free.

Incomparable. Chilling. Two lives pared down to a llittle song by a busted old cowboy. Thank you, Townes. Thanks to all who brought this great work to us to witness. Townes: if there is another side once we're done, I'll see you on the far bank of that dark river. If I am fortunate, we'll get a chance to sit about and sing a song.

Few songs are as beautiful as this one.

This is what an epic ballad is all about by an epic songwriter.

one of the best country songs of all time.

I was living in a shop where I was employed to climb and remove and prune trees, the ones other companies didn’t want. I had a mentor that turned me onto Townes. I tripped mushrooms every afternoon for over a month with my Pitt bulls stockin the fire to warm the shop overnight and listened to Townes. I will go happy when I finally go.

One of the most human and beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed. That tuff ole cow poke wouldn’t cry easy over anything ya know. That’s it. That’s why God is real. Because tuff ole gentleman like him still feel that and because this song got wrote.

@ben-jam-in6941

5 ай бұрын

Watching this video again a few weeks after discovering it. With a little less emotions because I know what’s coming I still find it beautiful and amazing but… this time I noticed the guitar more and would love to be lucky enough to find it in some closet somewhere. I think it’s a Gibson and that just makes it even better idk for sure because the camera guy almost shows the headstock clearly then just as it’s about to happen it pans away. lol. Any brand would be great but Gibson or another one of the more expensive brands would be better.

One of my favorite Townes songs! Just fantastic! We are lucky to have had him if only for a little while...

@mikewashburn6484

3 жыл бұрын

Hi

@walliegirl2

Жыл бұрын

Who is the woman in this video?

I sing this song and love the words and emotional content...Townes was such a brilliant songwriter and his songs have given me and many others joy...what a gift he had.

The old man crying was beautiful 💚

Raw and Rare.I love this one.

Prolly the most underrated dude ever...wish I could see him sing White Freightliner on ACL..

The story of how this song came to him blew my mind. I've loved this song for years. I never get tired of it.

@jonathanlantzy7526

Жыл бұрын

Can you explain this to me? I literally stumbled upon from a Josh Riiter binge to a Bob Weir binge.. and ended up here. Now I'm... I don't know.

@dotwalston3055

3 ай бұрын

This is a great song! I loved hearing him sing and I love Willie and Merle singing and playing it! Too bad he died so young😢

Man, to see an old timer like that tear up get's you in the feels something serious.....

“They only let him go so wrong… out of kindness I suppose” Just in one line, he says so freaking much.

old black man and the hotness smoking a cig in the background says it all with the vibe

@thewyldness

4 ай бұрын

she is indeed

Love the Elder smoking a blunt...perfect setting for this song. Brilliantly played...

Emmylou harris sang this song the first time I heard it. She has a lovely voice. Its nice to hear the song writer sing it. It sure is making the man behind him emotional.

@davidholton9667

9 ай бұрын

Hello how are you? So sorry for the infringe on your privacy. Beautiful song

Um mostro o maior compositor da América!

I don't know why but this song always reminds me of my first husband and his partner (cops) patrolling the border of Mexico in the back country of San Rafael Valley.... Rest in peace both of you.

I’ve watched this video countless times, only to just now see Uncle Seymour seemingly look up in the heavens and remember what it must have been like when his momma “Began to cry when he said goodbye, sank into your dreams.” What a moment. I can’t believe I just now noticed it.

@frugalaudio

Жыл бұрын

That's because it's from a different part of the film, in which Townes is singing "Waiting Around to Die".

Townes had the heart of a nation...sometimes profound in its silence...but assured in his voiced words. The expansive west delayed revolutions to be faced when imposters of wealth and power sought their fortunes over the ordinary citizens.

“Like a gift you’re still bringin,”Guy Clark.Thanks old friend.

Holy fluppin sheeaht!! What a gem of a video. This is super classic.

I lived in Austin in 75, had some great times and some great music.

@JeffMTX

Жыл бұрын

Catfish parlour, oat willies and liberty lunch ma friend

@nbenefiel

9 ай бұрын

I was in Dublin in 75, great times, great music. I guess it was an international phenomenon.

@marknine8061

Ай бұрын

Definitely! The armadillo!

never thought I'd see Townes on this channel but a welcome surprise for sure

My dad love this song. By Townes no one else. There’s a story on a road trip but we will leave it there.

Heartbreaking stuff. Long live Townes.

@tia2all501

Жыл бұрын

You do know he passed away Jan 1st.1997 he still lives on in our hearts ♥️

The best he ever played it.

I got to open for Townes when that became a HIT for Willie at place called EMMAJOES. I'd never had more than 5 people listen to me before and when faced with a crowd I sucked. The Management were so mad at me they wanted to have the Biker security fk-me-up, but Townes came in, saw I was in trouble and made peace before I was hammered. 🙂

Nothing better.I was crying like old guy sitting to Town's right....

This old hippie girl born a decade too late absolutely clings to everything Townes

He was hard down during this time in his life. He got clean for a while but relapsed in the 80s.

Fortunate to have grown up in and around the Texas towns he played/lived. Remember well just walking into a place downtown Houston, or in Austin, etc... Forever grateful, thanks for making my afternoon warmer. Thanks SP, take care, debs

The late great Townes Van Zandt. So great they named an entire county for him, and that not done in Texas very often. Dead way too early at age 53.

I suddenly feel the urge to stand on Bob Dylans coffee table.

@kevindrago2701

3 жыл бұрын

Earle!!

@SamiShah2004

3 жыл бұрын

As Townes would have put it "I have met Dylan's body guards, it you think you could do that, you are severely mistaken."

@patricklink8527

Жыл бұрын

It's a shame that such a silly and laissez-faire attitude towards such an important document of one man's unparalleled genius has been parsed down to a joke to you. The fact that 62 people find that the best comment is just a sad commentary on today's state of Affairs. Let's talk about the man's genius. Not a one-time drunken antic. There is so much more to him than that. But that you would even mention it betrays your ignorance to that fact. Why don't you go find a Garth Brooks video.

@mikehotel3970

Жыл бұрын

@@patricklink8527 Yup, not funny.

@BobBobSquared

Жыл бұрын

Why?

Thanks so much for posting this. I've been singing this song for years and I am truly humbled.

I worked for his uncle and went with his cousin. Back in the early 1980's something happened and the law was after him. He came down to San Antonio to hide out at his uncle's house. He had lawyer working on it so he need some where to hide out. Townes was there around a month. He played guitar every day. And slow on drinking some times. He could play guitar. He could play alot of old country songs. He was quite the character. He could stop playing guitar. But the guitar or a story in his mind. He could be talking to all of the and get up walk away and go somewhere to play a song or a tune it was the guitar that was his mind. It was like 24/7 guitar that was Townes life.

@suzramuse

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. The way you put it seems so real I can just imagine. Lucky you!

@duke40229

9 ай бұрын

Chopping onions at 7 am.😢

That's really fine. So many covers just skip over the words with no emotion...Only Townes can do it justice.

@ericlehmkuhl3187

6 ай бұрын

He wrote it.

This is the first time I heard this Legend ....He did not disappoint.😲😲😯

My daughter and I would play Pancho, by Emmy Lou, and we wept Every time. Real tears for real music.

So heartfelt and raw....one of the best bits of music ever filmed.

A man, a guitar, and a great song

I met him shortly before this when my boyfriend interviewed him for The Daily Texan. Glenn Jones (RIP) was my ticket to ... the rest of my life. I will always love him for (screw)ing up and us getting to move to San Francisco in January 1975 to, in his words, "keep an eye on the situation down in Carmel." Therein lies a tale; I'll have to wait to tell it. I pray there's time and an easing of statutes of limitations ... Texas woulda still had me jailed. Rest in Peace, Fat Charlie (Pritchard). Now that you and Glenn are both gone and Rhett Beard has joined you on the other side too, there's just me left to tell our story. I still laugh and cry.

I can listen to this song again and again no matter who sings it. Thank you Townes for that and more, of course!

JESUS, I LOVE YOU MAN

Im crying like the old man in back. Because now....im an old man.

Good stuff! I remember hearing this on repeat back in the 80s on my dad's Willie Nelson tracks. Only now in 2023 did I get to hear the original writer/singer.

The most moving performance and footage of all time

Hurts me to see the old man in tears rip Van 🙏

This song was quoted in my murder trial: “he wore his gun outside his pants, for all the honest world to feel…”. This man sang real life. …not guilty. “and that’s the way it goes.”

Good God, what a song, what a rendition !!!

The first time I watched this I was affected emotionally by the tears apparently shed by by uncle Seymour at a critical point in this song. Much later I discovered that the footage in this section was spliced from a different song, "Waiting around to die" which was in the movie "Heartworn Highways", whereas "Pancho & Lefty" was an outtake and is not featured in the movie.

@Unplugged70

Жыл бұрын

Insane that this was an outtake in anything.

@bigrig4385

9 ай бұрын

​@@Unplugged70 The opening credits is an amazing performance of L.A. Freeway by Guy Clark.

He ain't cryin' from the song. He's cryin' 'cause he knows Townes is headed down that road and he ain't never comin' back.

@MichaelCherau-kt8gy

6 ай бұрын

I think you are right.

One of a kind. Made me cry too. Strikes cord in you heart.

True gold hides away 😏👍

Wow, amazing work. Thank you!

Thats just the way it goes

A true treasure……we are so fortunate to have this forever….

This is so special, thank you ❤

Loved this. What a National treasure

still my favorite song of all time.. thank you so much.

Life is so fucking hard. Songs like this make it all worthwhile.

No words.... This is *powerful* and *beautiful* beyond words, RIP

@michaelturner795

10 ай бұрын

Amen.

Many others recorded this, but this is my FAVORITE, clean , heartfelt , Genuine , Smooth to the soul ..

Great song. What a beautiful restoration! Great job!!!

Lots of big love. Thanks for the upload. Bless you

Townes was such a great songwriter ! r.i.p. ; (

This is just beautiful. Beautiful!

Such a great video of one of my favorite songs ever🎶🕊️💜🕊️🎶 Thank you for sharing it 🙏

An amazing song writer and performer! Only wish I could have seen him live!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this website, but it's one of my favorites! I first heard this song in a performance by Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson that really got to me, so hearing it from the person who wrote it has been a treat!

@johnbrinkman4609

Жыл бұрын

Lungs,nothin,if i needed u..... DYLAN wishes he could write this good.

@JJG86

8 ай бұрын

I never heard the version with Bob Dylan. Of course, I’ve listened to the Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard version 1000 times and I never get tired of it. I also like the Emmylou Harris version very much.

@patrickmacleod2415

8 ай бұрын

@@JJG86 And while I love those guys, nothing beats the Townes version.

I've never heard your sound before...Love it!!You have it!!Kick Ass on the acoustic and chilling voice!! Thank you...

See you on the other side of that dark river, Mr.VanZandt. Perhaps we might sing a song or two. Good luck and a fine New Year to you and yours.

Townes and Dylan are my two favs of all time. Thanks so much for this.

@nbenefiel

10 ай бұрын

I prefer Phil Ochs to Dylan any day, but Townes was brilliant.

@zoeyshoots

10 ай бұрын

Dylan sold his soul to satan. Freely admits it. I wouldn’t piss on him if he was on fire.!!

@walliegirl2

8 ай бұрын

I prefer Marty Robbins to Dylan.

i watch this video at least once every 2 weeks . and it makes me feel the same way every time i watch it. it's just something about the song

Thanks for your electronic mixing and restoration on this--not a simple matter!

If your song makes a cow cry, that's when you know it's great.

Thanks. His "Live at the Old Quarter" is one of my favourite albums and it's nice to see a live performance with decent sound.

Nothing but tears here when this song lives

"...she began to cry when you said 'goodbye"... did you see the guy in the background, his eyes and smile. He lived that. He felt those lyrics. Whoa

A treasure. Thank you SP 🐷 ❤