My Dad passed in 2013. Willie was his favorite artist. My Dad used to sit me on his lap and play these songs. In 2022 now and I still take time to listen and think of my Dad, my Hero.

People make fun of country music for not rhyming, or the rhymes “being stupid” but they miss the real meaning of the songs. These songs have meaning, they have soul. Today’s music doesn’t understand what that is.

Anyone else here listening in 2024 ?

Cash, Willie, Merle, and Waylon. Those effortless, storytelling voices. Gives you chills.

@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426

Жыл бұрын

Kris too!!!!

@YodaZemunski

3 ай бұрын

And not a single mention of the late great Townes Van Zandt. The musician who wrote this song

I am 47 and my dad died 15 yrs ago at just 54. Thanks to him I grew up with Merle. His voice and music were one of a kind. I will be missing you just like my dad.😢

@franciscojavierbacalladove6891

3 жыл бұрын

Reclax

@franciscojavierbacalladove6891

3 жыл бұрын

Chago Melian

I've never known a life without Willie Nelson. I certainly can't and refuse to believe music without him.

In early 1984,my history teacher had a question for me "Why do you spell it " Federales" when writing about the Federal government? " This song was the reason.

@justinsimpson6103

6 ай бұрын

Because Townes Van Zandt said to.

A classic, archetypal and timeless song. God bless Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, and their musical legacies.

Willie has such a iconic voice.

I watched Ken Burns special on Country Music last week...that's why I am here. Amazing story behind this song! Loved it!

@HoboJoe1416

4 жыл бұрын

pegleg09able Looks like Towns Van Zandt in the video as well.

@MC-hs4mf

4 жыл бұрын

Story??

This is quite possibly the greatest song ever written

“The dust Poncho bit down South, ended up in Lefty’s mouth “. The dumbed down lyrics of what is played on so-called country radio today makes me weep.

@mandymine4963

4 жыл бұрын

Agree. Thank goodness for Anericana music.

One of the great American folk songs. Thank you Townes Van Zandt for leaving us this song to enjoy. It captures the spirit of West Texas and the border. Makes me cry. I miss that country so. Thank you Willie and Merle for your beautiful performance.

Two of the most incredible vocal timbres I have ever heard.

One word for this song "perfect" thanks pancho and lefty !!!!!!

Was fortunate to see Willie in Brookings, SD a couple days ago on Aug 11, 2021. That man is a true American treasure ☆

Man I love this song. It reminds me of being a kid jamming down the highway in my dad's 18 wheeler.

With Merl's death we have moved closer to an end of a era, where country music was as it never will be again

@joelreynolds9395

4 жыл бұрын

you need hear brad paisley and allison cross song whiskey allyby for a companion song losin each ,its sad song but country

@mandymine4963

4 жыл бұрын

@@joelreynolds9395 Yes, written by one of the old timers I believe. Listen to to the music on the Americana stations,even from the very young artists.

Your songs live on, Merle Haggard...thank you, Willie Nelson, for sharing us this one ...

It’s 2019 and I’m still watching this..... still get goosebumps

@jasonfrank6929

5 жыл бұрын

Yep. That's a fact...

Just fell in love with Willie Nelson! On my last episode of ‘Country Music’ now ...great documentary!

One of the greatest songs ever. When Merle starts singing I get goose bumps every time. Perfect cameos by the song's writer Townes Van Zandt in the video.

@justlookin11

8 жыл бұрын

+squeakeththewheel Would guess not many viewers caught that appearance, Townes was a GREAT talent and sadly missed also.

@kaohsiung99

6 жыл бұрын

Goosebumps ALL OVER. Been hearing this song 30+ years. Solid goosebumps from neck to knees.

@andrewpantalones

6 жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard this version, let alone watch the video, but I’m glad Townes shows up in it.

@Cl-1993

5 жыл бұрын

squeakeththewheel i can listen to this song on repeat and get goosebumps everytime Merle comes in...

@jasonsibley9754

5 жыл бұрын

...well said squeak......

How’s gonna fill there shoes, so true George Jones. Merl Haggard thank you 🙏

I was listening to this song in school today when I found out Merle passed. I wish I could have appreciated his music earlier then when I did.

@bostonbrotherhood3763

8 жыл бұрын

+MSD2712 he left it to all of us. Listen listen listen young fella

@jimhambleton6854

8 жыл бұрын

+MSD2712 I've been a fan of Merle's since the 60s. You're never too late late to appreciate it.

@timothydouglass7829

6 жыл бұрын

MSD2712 ee is hg

@williamscaff2761

6 жыл бұрын

I grew up listening to Merle Haggard love all his music

@moloney0218

5 жыл бұрын

than

RiP my daddy. One of his favs. I hated this song as kid, listening to Rock and New Wave music. Now. It's one of my favs. Took me moving from home 25 years ago, to appreciate it and so many other old classics. HighwayMen....

One of my Dads favorite singers, RIP Merle :(

One of my first country albums wonderful ahhh the memories I gave it to my niece years ago she still plays it too hun love you always Willie r.i.p. Waylon

one of my all time favorites from my childhood. Fly home "Hag" may you reunite with all of your fallen family and friends and have the ultimate legend jam session !!!!

The most amazing talented man to come in a generation Willie Nelson is absolutely the greatest the compassion and empathy and sympathy of this man is off the charts Willie we love you

I grew up in Austin, TX, and I know the horse Willie Nelson rides in on. It's a half Arab, half quarter horse named Aardvark. He belonged to Bastrop Farms, where I took riding lessons. We were excited when he was chosen to be in the video and ridden by Willie Nelson.

Boy Merle Haggard, was so handsome when he was Young!! I like this song with Willie and Merle. Great Men, great entertainers. 👍🎶🐎🤗🥰

I woke up to Merle , willie, johnny, George jones and the rest every morning eating breakfast with my dad. That radio dial never left that country station !

What a smooth voice Mr. Haggard has. The city of Bakersfield will forever miss you man. RIP.

............ A TIMELESS COUNTRY CLASSIC.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the first country music videos and certainly THE BEST! Lots of love to Willie & Merle!

Grew up on Merle Haggard and Willie and more. Daddy loves this song. R. I. P Merle Haggard. 😔

Love you Merle and Willie!!!! RIP Merle, you will always be a legend!

This is for you,my dear brother. I never understood Country music before. I miss you.

I have to listen to their version every now and then. Townes wrote a great song. These two made it iconic.

@DaysofNotty

Жыл бұрын

I think they shouldn't have tried to cover Townes, didn't do the song any justice at all.

As an American Indian myself the verse about the Cherrokees gets to me especially including the very last part "He who tries to beat her down will lose her to the rest. They'll never win. Ill ride again." Is such a big realization to me about what more modern natives see in their lands their ancestors had taken care of for multiple years. After hearing that line it gave me goosebumps but made me step in their shoes and see what I hadn't seen before, amazing.

@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426

Жыл бұрын

@montana martin how would someone go about finding out about their heritage? My maternal great grandmother was of Cherokee heritage. Though I favor my dad's people, you can see the Indian heritage in my daughter

@montanamartin2774

Жыл бұрын

@@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426 I would start by contacting the Cherokee Heritage Center here in Oklahoma, they specialize in that sort of thing and for a fee they can use genealogy and also look through records. That would probably be your best bet. If you wanted more history there always museums and more resources in Oklahoma such as the American Indian Museum.

@talesfromtheleashexpatdogl1426

Жыл бұрын

@@montanamartin2774 thank you so much.... you're comment was pretty old so I didn't expect you to even reply.

Glad to see Townes did a cameo in this since it is his song.

Two of me top ten faves....merle and willie......RIP Hagg....the very best

My beloved late father loved this song & asked us to play it for him many times. He loved the beautiful Spanish background music. I listen to it & think of him.💔

The original Pancho and Lefty. Brought to life in words and music.

A damn good classic! Pure Country gold!!!

I've been a music fan for 60 years, and have settled on The Beatles and Motown as my all time favorites. But this is the gem that touches my soul the most. it doesn't matter that I'm not a big Country music fan .... as this sad, magic, and pastoral piece rises above all. I came back to it today for the first time in awhile, and it has penetrated my heart yet again. It's simply priceless ...

There's just something mesmerizing about Pancho and Lefty...

I love all songs that tell a true country story, thankyou guys for sharing this

So good to see Townes Van Zandt in this video - he was such a brilliant songwriter. He looks a little sad here, I thought. Wish he'd got more recognition while he was alive.

I’m thankful my dad introduced this kind of music to me as a young age. Now I’m 26 and this is one of my top 3 favorite songs.

RIP Merle - thanks for the music ..:( - You will live forever through the great music you have left behind. Thanks for the tribute Willie- another hero.

@mikebtrfld1705

6 жыл бұрын

John de Burgh another California boy.

What poor wretched soul doesn't love this! Just listen to it! It's from the soul!

Townes Van Zandt, the writer and composer of this masterful story, like so many others, left this world too soon. If he had written just this one song, he would be an American legend. But it's not just this one song. No wonder Bob Dylan tried repeatedly to meet him.

All the federalis say they could of had him any day ... Some of the greatest lyrics ever written.

Another piece of the "Soul of Country Music" has passed. So long, but not to be forgotten.

@hytk6481

7 жыл бұрын

Ken Logan not just soul of country music, the soul of America. another great one gone.

Another legend gone I won't get to meet this side of Heaven. God Bless the Hag!

@stephenbruce4052

7 жыл бұрын

Cheers xo

@stevebrindle1724

7 жыл бұрын

Another stupid yank who believes in fairy tales. there is no god you fucking moron

@kellylamb3774

7 жыл бұрын

steve brindle is an idiot

@gregoriodelmonte9458

7 жыл бұрын

We'll see soon enough.

@iannovak3166

7 жыл бұрын

+steve brindle why the hell do you care so much what other people believe? Fuck the hell off. You clearly have your own problems and you're taking it out on random people on the internet. You're the one who needs to grow up, you immature brat.

So long to you Mr. Haggard. Many thanks for a lifetime of great music and thanks too to our Creator for blessing us with your great talent. Your talent and gifts of song has made the often painful passage of time so very much more pleasant.

True Country Music along with the others. God Bless these Outlaws! Take Care Willie...

My coach (history teacher) showed me this the day after he passed away and i started to tear up... The music is really nice and soothing. Wish i enjoyed country music more and maybe of met merle before god took him. All things happen for a reason and i discovered this music for a reason... God bless you merle R.I.P. -JackLobbies

Now Merle belongs to the Ages! His music will comfort our sorrow and hope that your tears ,Willie will be few but well spent for your friend in life and in eternity! your grief and pain will soon be turned into joy when you see him at the pearly gates and hear welcome home! This world is not our home and we are just passing through it! Love you both like crazy in Christ!!

If a person thinks hope and the will of determination can't deliver a hell of a punch to your struggles in life. Read this man's life and learn, Thank you Merle

I listen to this song at least 5 times a day! I love this song so much!

One of my all time favorites. Thank you, MR. WILLIE NELSON!🎧😘

Gonna miss you Merle. Grew up on your songs, hate to see you go. Love for everything you meant to me and my dad.

Merle, Willie, Johnny, Marty, Charles .... the list goes on and on and on. I love hanging out listening to some amazing songs. I got to see Willie perform last month before he got sick and he still kicks ASS. Willie had some amazing friends and we need to remember what this music means to us. I am glad to hear great music and I feel great knowing that I am not the only one.

Merle Haggard, great story teller and artist. I'll always remember him each time I go thru California as he was native from Bakersfield, loved his voice.

" I love this song " ! It for some reason makes feel Humble , and sad .

RIP HAGG!!! You WILL be missed!!! Prayers to all the family... thank you Willie!

Nice tribute Willie, so sorry about your friend. He will be missed but his music will live on forever.

Another sad day, another Brother has slipped away. Townes and Merle and us all someday. So sorry for the your loss. To The Haggards, The Nelson's and the Vanzant's.

It's great to see Townes Van Zandt in this video.

Kindness? Is THAT what it was?!? Lolol love this forever. Mojave Memories, Camper Time!

I like his songs, great voice.

I'm 37 and just heard this for the first time...what a great freaking song

Solo Willie y Haggard dieron el carisma a este inolvidable clásico, que popularizó el no menos grande y único Townes Van Zandt...Muy recomendable el trabajo breve pero de un valor incalculable de estos dos colosos junto a Johnny Cash & Kris Kristoferson en Highway Men.¡ Impecable !

He will be very missed. This was my late fathers favorite song. Want to put a line in a tat for him and now for Merle as well. Love you Willie, so sorry for your loss.

Towns van Zant wrote it but Willie made it a legend. Some how I lived it and still living it. Good stuff.

Bless you all and glad to not only see Merle but Townes again as well. Timeless classics and a lot of talent.

I was a young man when this came out, my rookie year on midnight shift. My partner was a veteran, we'd hear this song many times on a slow night and would crank up that one dash board speaker in the cruiser Special memories. Awesome ole song........

Watched Ken Burns Country Music on PBS. Interviews with Willie and the late Merle. Will still NEVER surpass this.

@uofmrebel

4 жыл бұрын

2 days ago? Had you seen the episode "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" at that point? The episode just got broadcast last night, but I know some people have PBS Passport and got to see it all early. I'm guessing you really liked that episode when you did watch it.

@gregoryjayvalent9641

4 жыл бұрын

@@uofmrebel Yep, lots o Willie and Merle.

I like how Merle anchors this song like a BOSS

Anybody listening in 2019?

@Thebiggestopp69

5 жыл бұрын

sarah c yup

@dallaswoody5458

4 жыл бұрын

Always 9/1/19

@troysizer260

4 жыл бұрын

You bet.

@lukasforst5334

4 жыл бұрын

Me, the band Fešáci sang comedians don't age.

@richardgazinia5482

4 жыл бұрын

Yes.

One of the best songs ever written, these guys performed it so well and this video will eventually make it to the annals of time - R.I.P. with your maker Merle and Willie keep defying them, your a geezer amongst friends.

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Willie...its so hard to lose such a friend...may he rest in peace knowing how much joy he brought to those of us who loved his music.

My uncle delbert. Looked exactly like willie Nelson. So much so that they went to a belamy brothers concert. They brought him up on stage thinking it was him. Later they had a big laugh and any time the belamy brothers were in town they would stay at his house and party. That’s how i met howard i was 13 memories

The best from the tortured genius that was Townes Van Zandt. Thanks for posting this timeless classic!

@teufeldritch

6 жыл бұрын

Robert Young - Nice of them to put Townes in the video.

@mooknick242

5 жыл бұрын

he is in the video

@mandymine4963

4 жыл бұрын

@@mooknick242 just noticed that today when I watched this, All these years and I didn't recognize him because I was watching the federales and willie and merle.

Been listening to this song for decades. And seeing the video helped me realize that Lefty sold Pancho out, and that was the mysterious bread to go north. Wow... guess im a visual learner.

@shannonware3449

6 жыл бұрын

vpirates62 lol used to listen to this with my friend on the car radio when we were like 13..It was popular at that time and was played quite often for awhile

I grew up on this music. It tears me apart that Merle died. R.I.P

@jdnewkirk5

8 жыл бұрын

me too man, me too

Only discovered you guys' collaboration on 'Django and Jimmie' a few weeks ago ... you were truly brothers in spirit and musicality - so sorry for your loss, Willie .... R.I.P. Merle, after a bloody good fight against the odds for so long. Well-earned rest.

Greatest song ever.

This has to be one of the best Story Telling videos I have ever seen! Well done.

I don't even like country western music ..............but I love THIS song !

What an excellent video!! RIP Merle Haggard. This video tells a real good story / about the old west. This is one among my many favorite songs / videos!!

Today is a sad day. Thank you Mighty Merle.

Great song! been listening to Willie for a long time. One song I liked was "That makes One in a Row". This song reminds me that my Grandfather was a teacher on the border and he saw Poncho doing something, didn't meet him though. Grandpa also took pictures of the shacks the Mexicans would build by the river, they were just patch work huts made with what ever floated down the river or whatever. Guess they stayed their and crossed to get some work in the USA.

Willie you are one of a kind. you and Merle or one of a kind. and it cannot ever be duplicated. but it will always be here Merle songs your songs will always be here for us to enjoy. I love you Willie. you have a sound to your voice that reaches right into my spirit. and so did Merle. God bless you for sharing what you were meant to be. smoke a joint for me. I don't do pot butt don't condemn anyone who does. God bless you. Suzanne

@suemosley8881

8 жыл бұрын

you are even able to sing songs that maybe you didn't write but you put your own special voice to them. let it be me Do Right Woman so many it's supposed to just be too long for anyone to read. love you sweet Willy

I vow to quit checking my email. And it was just lately that I've been getting into Merle's special voice. RIP Merle.

Song popped into my head after years of not listening to it. It always brings a tear to my eye because of how much feeling Willie puts into his part. I have fond memories of this song regardless. I remember hearing my dad murmuring the lyrics every time it came on and having that single tear in his eye. He was not a musical man, and could not sing, but to me, it was the sweetest sound I had ever heard. They don't make like this anymore.

Great song, love that piano ending ....

Beautiful, haunting passage by Merle.