There is a sadness in this recording that is hard to shake. Townes is clearly on his last legs and the frequent references to the recently deceased Blaze Foley do not seem to be coincidental. Blaze was another unappreciated genius who happened to be one of Townes’ running buddies. Blaze was also a songwriter with a once in a blue moon talent that made him hanging with Townes seem appropriate . Townes was and is one of the greatest songwriters this world has ever produced. No one was better! You may make a colorable argument that some stand on the same ground but none looks down on him. While most who knew him tell of a often inebriated but usually funny drunk, at the depths of his songs is a sadness and tragedy to rival the Greeks or Shakespeare. TS Eliot wrote in Four Quartets, “Humankind cannot bear too much reality”. Townes stood in the inferno of that unbearable fire so us mere mortals didn’t have to. The ravages of that exploration is tattooed on the wrinkles of his face, every crackle in his voice and most clearly in those words that aspire to articulate the World’s yearning, love, hatred, laughter and fear. What he gave up for us is immeasurable; the fact that he had no choice in the matter just means he was an artist-whether he wanted to be or not. I just hope Townes was reunited with Blaze and they both found that peace that eluded them on this plane of existence-my vision is they are in a guitar pull right now with young and beautiful faces sharing stories and songs with Hank Williams, Guy Clark, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and all the others who articulated our pain in a way that helped us find the beauty and meaning in it.
Well said. Blaze was murdered in '89 so this was 6 years after he passed. I often wonder what these guys would be signing about today and what collaborations they might have done if they lived longer. Luckily they created a ton of timeless music for all of us who can find it can enjoy. TH-cam certainly makes it much easier than it used to be to find their music.
Just heard him today. I remember another person like him that was so I talented but wasted it away. He be looked alot like TVZ and add sounded like him. I wonder if he ever got it right!! Pray his life didn't end before he got started good!! To all great artist and can't see themselves as artist until their going and somebody writes their song!! Way too many have ended up like this!! Only God knows the reason, Only God Knows!! Pray TVZ is singing in heaven with his Marie!!
This was the most eloquent description of the song and writer that I have ever seen. You have perched yourself on the same pedestal as those you write about, beautiful words in a great honor. 💚
I love TVZ, I have loved his music forever, I wish I could have seen him live. I’m so glad for TH-cam.❤❤❤ I hope you exist somewhere in heaven ❤❤❤ RIP Townes You were so loved ❤❤
Rare talent he had in writing songs with the life story's of many of us. I think of Townes then I'll get to thinkin about Guy , Blaze , Jerry Jeff then I get something in my eyes. What if John Prine and Steve Goodman had been in that Austin bunch. What's y'all's favorite Townes song ? I can't pick just 1 so I'm pickin 2..🎶 dead roses 🎶 Pancho and Lefty 🎶
Who in their right mind could dislike this video. Mr. Van Zandt passed before I was even born but fortunately I stumbled upon his music when I was young and I have been a fan ever since. I'm sure he's still picking somewhere. RIP Townes Van Zandt
Just discovered this guy....'me and Marie found a burnt out van, thought we'd do some settlin' down'... Holy shit!. Wish it didn't, but goddaamn this speaks to me. Deep Soul.
I been a fan of his for a while, stumbled on him via Bob Dylan somehow. Maybe you looked up Guy Clarke, Steve Earle, those guys? Love them all. hope you are doing good.
@@cameronmurie yeah I'm aware of those guys, all class poets with a cracked heart. Check out Jackson. C. Frank, if you're not aware, esp ' The Blues Run the Game and 'Here Come the Blues' ( which kills me and uplifts me every time ). If you don't know him you're in for a treat. Cheers
The album title he mentioned "No deeper blue" is so apropriate. Somehow some of those Country songwriters', especially Townes', blue notes are of a shade of blue that 'blues' singers rarely ever touched. Love to a tender soul!
I Believe It Was On The Corner Of Dawson & Jewel St. One Night Blaze Heard His Next Door Neighbor & Drinking Buddy Cry For Help As His Son Was Beating Him For His S.S. Check & When Blaze Opened The Screen Door To Render Aid The Son Shot Him Down Claiming He Was Breaking & Entering ! R.I.P. Duct Tape Messiah….J.T. Van Zant Has Blaze’s Guitar They Retrieved From The Pawn Shop !
Some of us have to live the way that works for us and if that means check out time comes sooner we’ll that’s the way it goes. Townes will live on through his music and I’m sure that would makes him happy.
….SHAWN LANE A MUSICIAN, GENIUS, WHO BURNED TO QUICK BECAUSE TRUE GENIUS THE GENIUS THAT WHEN YOU HEAR IT YOU REALIZE YOUR HAVING A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE, GENIUS LIKE THAT IS A SHOOTING GALLERY IN A STAR
walk my friends in the light of day don't go sneaking round no holes there might be something down there that want's to gobble up your soul - this man had a way with words, sometimes we feel to much and cannot let it pass
in the particular video ? my friend, here's the good news, nope, God doesn't exist BUT, with a little work a guitar and passion, you could (almost easily ?) play these songs in one or two years. From a basic amateur.
@@mrtambourineman6107 so how is it going foy you? I hope you got to learn some of his songs. I discovered Van Zandt a couple of months ago and Iove playin his songs
@@stefanmladenovic5583 yeah good thanks, I found a good TH-cam dude that has some really good lessons on a lot of his main songs. So, I can play 4 or 5 pretty well now, just nowhere near the touch of Townnes yet! Ha
I know this only to well.... Was out of control for years. Now at 55 it helps keep me ground out some but TVZ i know how you felt so well. R.I.P Townes. PS; Please listen to what he sings younger folks because its true that drinking n drugging only takes from you what you can never get back.
The 1st song the way it doesn't change. Just like the man's and woman's life in the song didn't change. You kept waiting for a chord change but it doesn't come. It's like the hopelessness is perfectly diagrammed. Genius.
Would I be out of line saying that TVZ is the best singer-songwriter of all time? I’m kind of getting that vibe. RIP Townes and thank you for all the great songs. They are moving
I could never pick one singer-songwriter over all the rest. Still, I feel incredibly fortunate to have watched Townes perform live countless times back in the 80's & 90's. The thing is, you never knew what you were going to get when he played live - some nights were magic, others were tragic. Sadly, the nature of so many of his songs were borne out of the reality of his life. His was a tortured soul. He is missed.
I play a few of his tunes..some have a dark side..but I see that in is life..childhood..drugs and booze..wild women...as a adult...is music has so much feeling
Can’t understand why I missed this guy I’m 71 in February 2024 remind me of Woody Guthrie talking blues more so than singing. Dead flowers 🌺 I always thought it was a Jagger Richards song 🎶 just goes to show how wrong. Whiskey drinking Indian one of the best songs ever recorded
It wasn’t a drug overdose for what it’s worth? Townes was an alcoholic and after a fall the doctors said he wouldn’t of survived a detox and so his wife took him home and he died. From his heart packing in which is how he designed it P K
Found him in a Corpus Christi in a Salvation Army store in the late ‘70’s, he hasn’t left my side since. I’m 77, listening till I die.😻🎶🌈
😊
I knew him. Met in NYC and later in Davis. He was real, sad, funny, brilliant. I wept when he passed. So brilliant, disturbed and profound.
‘Cannot stay too long you know I left some friends at home’
This man had no clue how much he was loved. God speed TVZ and hope your still picking in heaven ...
“Keep picking it’ll never heal”
Towns Van Zandt
nice
@@scottmurphy6727 yes Bro ♥
Glad I met Townes..That concert at "Madigans Brunswick Melbourne" is on ytube..6months after meeting Townes he was gone😢Adios Brother🌻
Just got turned on to him. Never heard a writer like this.
There is a sadness in this recording that is hard to shake. Townes is clearly on his last legs and the frequent references to the recently deceased Blaze Foley do not seem to be coincidental. Blaze was another unappreciated genius who happened to be one of Townes’ running buddies. Blaze was also a songwriter with a once in a blue moon talent that made him hanging with Townes seem appropriate . Townes was and is one of the greatest songwriters this world has ever produced. No one was better! You may make a colorable argument that some stand on the same ground but none looks down on him. While most who knew him tell of a often inebriated but usually funny drunk, at the depths of his songs is a sadness and tragedy to rival the Greeks or Shakespeare. TS Eliot wrote in Four Quartets, “Humankind cannot bear too much reality”. Townes stood in the inferno of that unbearable fire so us mere mortals didn’t have to. The ravages of that exploration is tattooed on the wrinkles of his face, every crackle in his voice and most clearly in those words that aspire to articulate the World’s yearning, love, hatred, laughter and fear. What he gave up for us is immeasurable; the fact that he had no choice in the matter just means he was an artist-whether he wanted to be or not. I just hope Townes was reunited with Blaze and they both found that peace that eluded them on this plane of existence-my vision is they are in a guitar pull right now with young and beautiful faces sharing stories and songs with Hank Williams, Guy Clark, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and all the others who articulated our pain in a way that helped us find the beauty and meaning in it.
Well said. Blaze was murdered in '89 so this was 6 years after he passed. I often wonder what these guys would be signing about today and what collaborations they might have done if they lived longer. Luckily they created a ton of timeless music for all of us who can find it can enjoy. TH-cam certainly makes it much easier than it used to be to find their music.
Just heard him today.
I remember another person like him that was so I talented but wasted it away.
He be looked alot like TVZ and add sounded like him.
I wonder if he ever got it right!!
Pray his life didn't end before he got started good!!
To all great artist and can't see themselves as artist until their going and somebody writes their song!!
Way too many have ended up like this!!
Only God knows the reason, Only God Knows!!
Pray TVZ is singing in heaven with his Marie!!
Beautiful words thankyou ❤
This was the most eloquent description of the song and writer that I have ever seen. You have perched yourself on the same pedestal as those you write about, beautiful words in a great honor. 💚
@@ultrageist8388 thanks-very kind words
I love TVZ, I have loved his music forever, I wish I could have seen him live. I’m so glad for TH-cam.❤❤❤ I hope you exist somewhere in heaven ❤❤❤ RIP Townes You were so loved ❤❤
if townes cant make you teer up i dont know what will
I hate the fact 🎶 , We won’t ever see Towns again.... his lyrics could drive tears from a stone. ---- > 💫🌟⚡️🎶
Towne, blaze, Steve Earl, Tom Russell,John prime.... Love them!!!!
Townes was one of the most captivating performers I’ve ever seen.
And all he needed was his guitar and his haunting poetry
Leonard cohen
Rare talent he had in writing songs with the life story's of many of us. I think of Townes then I'll get to thinkin about Guy , Blaze , Jerry Jeff then I get something in my eyes. What if John Prine and Steve Goodman had been in that Austin bunch. What's y'all's favorite Townes song ? I can't pick just 1 so I'm pickin 2..🎶 dead roses 🎶 Pancho and Lefty 🎶
Just over a year later this beautiful soul went on his next great journey and we never saw him age one day more
Such a tragic story of this genius. The saddest part is he wanted to die for most of his life, and he got it in the end
He got off this planet right before it all really went to hell and left us with some beautful heart breaking music .
Makes you hope he found peace before he left us. I understand, I have fourght addiction all my life. It just kills you slowly no matter what you do.
Hope and pray you win your battle.
Who in their right mind could dislike this video. Mr. Van Zandt passed before I was even born but fortunately I stumbled upon his music when I was young and I have been a fan ever since. I'm sure he's still picking somewhere. RIP Townes Van Zandt
Just discovered this guy....'me and Marie found a burnt out van, thought we'd do some settlin' down'... Holy shit!. Wish it didn't, but goddaamn this speaks to me. Deep Soul.
I been a fan of his for a while, stumbled on him via Bob Dylan somehow. Maybe you looked up Guy Clarke, Steve Earle, those guys? Love them all. hope you are doing good.
@@cameronmurie yeah I'm aware of those guys, all class poets with a cracked heart. Check out Jackson. C. Frank, if you're not aware, esp ' The Blues Run the Game and 'Here Come the Blues' ( which kills me and uplifts me every time ). If you don't know him you're in for a treat. Cheers
@@markwhite2207 shall do so. it takes one to know one, i sometimes find. keep on keeping on as someone once said :-)
Marie and waiting around to die and lungs kill me every time
The album title he mentioned "No deeper blue" is so apropriate. Somehow some of those Country songwriters', especially Townes', blue notes are of a shade of blue that 'blues' singers rarely ever touched. Love to a tender soul!
I miss Blaze and Townes. Too hard living dudes.
Blaze?
@@kakenasty the late great pal of TVZ, Blaze Foley. Brilliant if colorful singer, songwriter tragically murdered in Austin Texas
@@davidmccaffery7977.
I Believe It Was On The Corner Of Dawson & Jewel St. One Night Blaze Heard His Next Door Neighbor & Drinking Buddy Cry For Help As His Son Was Beating Him For His S.S. Check & When Blaze Opened The Screen Door To Render Aid The Son Shot Him Down Claiming He Was Breaking & Entering ! R.I.P. Duct Tape Messiah….J.T. Van Zant Has Blaze’s Guitar They Retrieved From The Pawn Shop !
Definitely a contender for the greatest songwriter ever
I find it so condescending to the artist to compare them to another.
I do not consider Townes a contender, and please do not compare him
Townes paved the way
Just the best there ever was.
Townes was a huge talent and greatly respected song writer by his peers and fans . God Bless Townes .
Some of us have to live the way that works for us and if that means check out time comes sooner we’ll that’s the way it goes.
Townes will live on through his music and I’m sure that would makes him happy.
Well said
….SHAWN LANE A MUSICIAN, GENIUS, WHO BURNED TO QUICK BECAUSE TRUE GENIUS THE GENIUS THAT WHEN YOU HEAR IT YOU REALIZE YOUR HAVING A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE, GENIUS LIKE THAT IS A SHOOTING GALLERY IN A STAR
A beautiful soul torn asunder, he was so unwell at this point and still. But some of the late stuff really tears up my heart.
Townes Van Zandt is on the Mount Rushmore of influential musicians to me.. he is the definition of raw country music.
It doesn't come any better than this!
walk my friends in the light of day don't go sneaking round no holes there might be something down there that want's to gobble up your soul - this man had a way with words, sometimes we feel to much and cannot let it pass
He plays guitar like I do in my dreams ! Just wow
in the particular video ? my friend, here's the good news, nope, God doesn't exist BUT, with a little work a guitar and passion, you could (almost easily ?) play these songs in one or two years.
From a basic amateur.
@@thomasdupont7186 true, can't beat a shitload of practice for sure 👌
@@mrtambourineman6107 so how is it going foy you? I hope you got to learn some of his songs. I discovered Van Zandt a couple of months ago and Iove playin his songs
@@stefanmladenovic5583 yeah good thanks, I found a good TH-cam dude that has some really good lessons on a lot of his main songs. So, I can play 4 or 5 pretty well now, just nowhere near the touch of Townnes yet! Ha
@@mrtambourineman6107 oh I think U know which youtuber it is. Well that's great to hear! Keep on learning than, all the best
Peace on earth.
I know this only to well.... Was out of control for years.
Now at 55 it helps keep me ground out some but TVZ i know how you felt so well.
R.I.P Townes.
PS; Please listen to what he sings younger folks because its true that drinking n drugging only takes from you what you can never get back.
Yeeaah did Townes get a couple picking lessons from howling wolf!! Love this
Beautiful songwriter. So sad he died far too young.
Truly my country hero. Made Dylan look like an amatuer.
He sings my life
Such a beautiful song.. Marie.. great singer and song writer
Hes a great ispiration for me.He worked hard at his craft and influenced so many.
Love cant fix what got broke inside a man that dont want it to be fixed
Cries for help unheard. RIP
Sadly the main thing Townes wanted his whole life was death. Depression and addiction had a death grip on him
You lived , and we did in your poetry. Thank you Master ♥
Thanks for the inspiration from beyond.
The 1st song the way it doesn't change. Just like the man's and woman's life in the song didn't change. You kept waiting for a chord change but it doesn't come. It's like the hopelessness is perfectly diagrammed. Genius.
I just fell in love with you all over again.
a true legend
he never seems wasted in his concerts. such an incredible writer
That’s one of the best sounding SJ-200s
Would I be out of line saying that TVZ is the best singer-songwriter of all time? I’m kind of getting that vibe. RIP Townes and thank you for all the great songs. They are moving
It's a toss up between him,blaze foley and john prine.my top 3 anyway with Benjamin Todd rite behind them
I could never pick one singer-songwriter over all the rest. Still, I feel incredibly fortunate to have watched Townes perform live countless times back in the 80's & 90's. The thing is, you never knew what you were going to get when he played live - some nights were magic, others were tragic. Sadly, the nature of so many of his songs were borne out of the reality of his life. His was a tortured soul. He is missed.
Grow a pair-ah-nutz!!!
I play a few of his tunes..some have a dark side..but I see that in is life..childhood..drugs and booze..wild women...as a adult...is music has so much feeling
@@seancrutcher525 Guy Clark could join that list
He’s so, so good!!!
Can’t understand why I missed this guy I’m 71 in February 2024 remind me of Woody Guthrie talking blues more so than singing.
Dead flowers 🌺 I always thought it was a Jagger Richards song 🎶 just goes to show how wrong.
Whiskey drinking Indian one of the best songs ever recorded
Dead flowers is a Jagger / Richards song, Van Zandt covered it
had to dig him up to get the pawn ticket for the guitar! :D
Haunting.
sad stuff, just reading his biography now
He's the best of the best dean dillion song writers I like tvz
The real thing here
Thanks for this
Great!
txh for this video
🥀
Why do I love this rubbish ?
R I P Townes
I wonder if that's blazes guitar.he was playin that same guitar in the recording of long gone from the sidetrack productions Texas sogwriters video
It was Blaze's guitar. 😊
There are a lot of musicians named Van Zandt
He reminds me of kris Kristoffison just darker
Is there an audience there?! Confused by the lack of response.
What kind of guitar is that and why does it look like a Taylor with those dials?
It’s a Gibson.
Sj200
Another drug overdose victim. Went way too early.
... Towns had more addictions than one, all the pain came out in his Lyrics. Yes, he died too young, RIP. 🌟🎶🌟
It wasn’t a drug overdose for what it’s worth? Townes was an alcoholic and after a fall the doctors said he wouldn’t of survived a detox and so his wife took him home and he died. From his heart packing in which is how he designed it
P
K
To bad his ex wife is what led to his cause of death