I don´t own the copyright, or any rights. I just think it´s beautiful, so I uploaded it. Townes Van Zandt. Waitin´ around to die. James Szalapski. Heartworn Highways. Recorded in 1975, released in 1981.
Just devastating. That's it, folks, as true as it gets. The heart laid bare, and the tears all in flow. No flashy costumes and makeup, no double-tracked vocals, no dance routine to replace actual musicians, no canned backing track, no hype; just some straight blues coming at you with no apologies.
Malcom Platt, this is how REAL music should sound. When TVZ wrote and sang his song it truly came from the bottom of his heart. Agree? RIP MR. Townes Van Zandt
I used to think that I didn't like country music. But songs like this, from this era, keep reminding me that what I don't like is corporate country; the kind that dominates the radio these days. This, though is the real deal. You can't hear this and not be affected by it.
Country music has some of the best and some of the worst in it. Fortunately it's not just that era. There are still some fantastic artists around who keep writing in that tradition. Chris Stapleton has written corporate songs to pay the bills and let him do what he wants. So we get albums like From A Room (Part 1).
My go-to song when drinking. I am bipolar, same as Townes, and going to law school in an effort to be normal, just like he did. I've read that alll his life was about trying to cope, to fit in somehow, while knowing deep inside that there would always be a glass wall between him and them. I feel his songs coming to me like poems from a brother i never met.
duh I feel the same way. I play guitar and write songs and I always veer into them coming out like on of his songs. Had some fallbacks in life that make me feel so insecure and like a failure. Townes was the Kurt cobain of folk and country for sure. I wish I could have known him too.
“ It was as if another glass, beyond the glass of the window pane covered everything, made touch between any two things impossible “. ~ Claude Bissell, introduction to The Mountain and the Valley/ Earnest Buckler.
Something tells me Seymour was thinking something along the lines of "here I am a poor ole black man on my last leg, struggled all my life, ending my life with my only friends these young beautiful white kids that are gonna die trying to find find the blues I've tried to forget. And this Townes kid, he's good. He's real goddamn good. But he's never gonna live to be my age. What's he really running from? His soul maybe....I need to cry".
+poetcomic1 yeah you gotta have hope in order to feel sad .. this guys tunes were so far from any kind of hope or emotions it was just hopeless music ..
I've always considered this one of the most touching clips ever recorded. An incredibly rare, real moment showing genius art merging with life and emotion into something incredible.
I love this.. reminds me of home and my upbringing.. strange to see how huge geographical differences can still produce a lot of the same culture.. I come from the northern tip of Norway but this feels so much like home to me.. guitar picking and drinking and good company with loved ones.. I love Townes van Zandts music, it is totally unknown here but it really shouldn't be, his songs are legend..:)
Im from Bulgaria and though our local music has nothing in common with the this one, I still feel like Im listening to my grandpa on his accordion. Music really is universal. And brother, growing up on the farm with all that brings, I believe is the same anywhere. It sure makes a man!
THERESA Loos Perhaps we need to be 59-60 years old to TRULY appreciate TVZ's music. It takes wisdom, experience and the "school of hard knocks" to be able to accept reality as it comes. We are travellers here ... music soothes our hearts. ❤️
Hugh Jass I was blessed to discover him in my early 20s. I'm now in my late 20s. You know how I found him? His live cover of Dead Flowers was in the Big Lebowski. Amazing how we discover things haha
His name was Seymour, affectionately known as Uncle Seymour. He died about 2 years after filming this documentary; before the release of the documentary itself. I believe he has a terminal disease, he was literally waiting around to die.
I've literally never commented on TH-cam in my 32 years of life, but who are the 24 thumbs down jerks on this video? This video is revealing, heartwarming, saddening, poetic and better than anything I'll ever get now.
This, my drunk friends, is my favorite video. The picture of the white chick's hands trying to comfort the black guy - genius. She means well, but she doesn't understand, she doesn't _feel_ anything. It's like two worlds colliding. Makes me cry tears of ... Oh, I dont't know. I'm just cryin' every time. Cheers!
Great comment. I too love this vid. I see the white chick as a loving soul on the verge of feeling.... about to be awakened... just my thoughts, my friend...
Angus Dewangus If you're referring to my comment: Their skin colours have nothing to do with my impression of world's colliding. It's more about her being young and naive and him having lived a rich life full of experiences and emotions she couldn't remotely fathom. Yet ... But hey, thanks for your comment anyway. As soon as I find out whatever the fuck George Soros has to do with anything, I'll let him know you said Hi.
I was privilidged to meet with Townes just one in 1994 in England and spent some time talking with him before his concert. Easily one of the nicest and gentlest least star like person I ever met. Will never forget it
For a long time I thought he sang Cody at the end, believing it was a person and I felt good about the end. Then I learned what the real word was and the song's complexion changed completely for me. DAMN YOU Townes Van Zandt for making a brother cry with your beautiful and melankoli poetry!
The old man represents the evil life can bring, that hardship. Townes represents the beauties of life and how good always prevails over evil, no matter how hard its hit ya
Really? Townes Van Zandt is one of the best songwriter poets of his generation, if not the best. The lyrics are at least half of the beauty and truth here.
there was i story heard in an interview with some of the other artists in the movie. they (i wish i remembered who) said that there was suppose to be a film shoot with a couple of performances , but it had to be postponed because of tech problems. they said townes was living in a trailer, just outside of austin, with this "mean, crazy woman" and all they did was drink and fight. they thought it would be funny to send the film makers out into the middle of it without telling them. this is what they got and though townes was never really "famous" in the hollywood sense anyway. he definitely steals the picture. its such beautiful stuff. havent seen it in a while. maybe its a good day to skip work.
I thought I was hallucinating, I kept hearing this fucking barking dog at it was annoying me, so I'm taking my headphones off and on like 3 or 4 times before I realized the dog barks I was hearing was coming from this song lol no more for me. Amazing tune.
I was depressed for a long time, and I committed to a little bit of self harming when I was drunk. (Clearly the drink didn't help), but now I have me a friend at last. His name is Codene and he's the nicest thing I seen, and together we gonna wait around and daaaaa..
THEYS ALWAYS A SONG LEFT ON A ROAD OF TIME, A ROLLING RIVER THE SKY OF CLOUDS OR BIRDS &A LOVE AWAITNG OR A LOVE AIKING , BREAKING KIND, CARING HATEFUL,HEARTFUL GRATEFUL LOVING ONE OR ANOTHER A S7RE SONG OUT N THESE SINGULAR THINGS EVEN A PHILLY OR A MARE THE STUD SELDOM WINDS UP IN A SONG ITS ALWAYS ABOUT THE LADY DRIVING A MAN CRAZY THRU HIS HEART
Just devastating. That's it, folks, as true as it gets. The heart laid bare, and the tears all in flow. No flashy costumes and makeup, no double-tracked vocals, no dance routine to replace actual musicians, no canned backing track, no hype; just some straight blues coming at you with no apologies.
Trey B. Cartwright Well said brother!
Trey B. Cartwright "cept that large bottle of Whiskey they had to pour out. LOL
+Christopher Pederson ...in a cup, mind.
Nicely stated and spot on.
Malcom Platt, this is how REAL music should sound. When TVZ wrote and sang his song it truly came from the bottom of his heart. Agree? RIP MR. Townes Van Zandt
One of the most powerful songs ever written. Townes Van Zandt was the real deal.
I used to think that I didn't like country music. But songs like this, from this era, keep reminding me that what I don't like is corporate country; the kind that dominates the radio these days. This, though is the real deal. You can't hear this and not be affected by it.
Country music has some of the best and some of the worst in it.
Fortunately it's not just that era. There are still some fantastic artists around who keep writing in that tradition. Chris Stapleton has written corporate songs to pay the bills and let him do what he wants. So we get albums like From A Room (Part 1).
My go-to song when drinking. I am bipolar, same as Townes, and going to law school in an effort to be normal, just like he did. I've read that alll his life was about trying to cope, to fit in somehow, while knowing deep inside that there would always be a glass wall between him and them. I feel his songs coming to me like poems from a brother i never met.
duh I feel the same way. I play guitar and write songs and I always veer into them coming out like on of his songs. Had some fallbacks in life that make me feel so insecure and like a failure. Townes was the Kurt cobain of folk and country for sure. I wish I could have known him too.
505slikrik Keep writing songs man. It’s a different world these days but there is always a place for a good song.
Just please be an honest lawyer. Don't represent corporations.
“ It was as if another glass, beyond the glass of the window pane covered everything, made touch between any two things impossible “. ~ Claude Bissell, introduction to The Mountain and the Valley/ Earnest Buckler.
Something tells me Seymour was thinking something along the lines of "here I am a poor ole black man on my last leg, struggled all my life, ending my life with my only friends these young beautiful white kids that are gonna die trying to find find the blues I've tried to forget. And this Townes kid, he's good. He's real goddamn good. But he's never gonna live to be my age. What's he really running from? His soul maybe....I need to cry".
One of these days, I want to fall in love with a woman who understands this kind of music.
amen brother
+mwells219 I second that, bro
+mwells219 me too !
and one of these days, I want to fall in love with a man who understands this kind of music. :)
+mwells219 It's a TRAP!
I always imagined the old man is crying to see Townes in such a state.
That old fella breaks my heart.
Gets me every time
Dont ever break. Built to last you are. ;)
+TRIPLESEVENSIX :)
Stay safe friend. ;)
Love ya'll =)
A friend once asked Townes why he wrote such sad songs. Townes said "I don't write sad songs, I write hopeless songs.
+poetcomic1 Great comment.
+poetcomic1 Alright, I am asking why he wrote hopeless songs.
Actually these songs give me a bit of hope.
+poetcomic1 yeah you gotta have hope in order to feel sad .. this guys tunes were so far from any kind of hope or emotions it was just hopeless music ..
+Jack Dawes one very quoted comment. It's been said that Townes is better than Dillon....I understand why someone would compare. Townes for me.
I've always considered this one of the most touching clips ever recorded. An incredibly rare, real moment showing genius art merging with life and emotion into something incredible.
That old man probably lived every word of the song.
A beautiful long haired woman, some whiskey and cigarettes, and a good song played well. It just doesn't get any better than that.
I'm sure things couldve been better than being hooked on opioids, poor and with mental health problems. But sure it generated some great songs
Not to mention shes doin the dishes 😬
Fran looks worried. I understand.
I almost cry every time I see the tears start flowing.
This is the greatest thing on TH-cam.
Without question one of our greatest poets.
I love this.. reminds me of home and my upbringing.. strange to see how huge geographical differences can still produce a lot of the same culture.. I come from the northern tip of Norway but this feels so much like home to me.. guitar picking and drinking and good company with loved ones.. I love Townes van Zandts music, it is totally unknown here but it really shouldn't be, his songs are legend..:)
Can't be *that* unknown.
Your Swedish neighbors, "First Aid Kit," do a pretty creditable cover of this song. It's here on TH-cam.
Cheers
It's just the essence of rural life brother, it transcends geographical boundaries. Much love from Northern California.
Im from Bulgaria and though our local music has nothing in common with the this one, I still feel like Im listening to my grandpa on his accordion. Music really is universal. And brother, growing up on the farm with all that brings, I believe is the same anywhere. It sure makes a man!
Possibly one of the greatest songs ever written
Someone once asked Townes why he wrote such sad songs. He said, "I don't write sad songs, I write hopeless songs."
poetcomic 😁
I thought I've been sad lately. Am I hopeless?
No doubt.
Great tune, great folks...thank you for the opportunity!
What three most beautiful people.....what a beautiful song.....Rest in Peace Townes
Love the animal sounds at the end. Horses whinnying, cows lowing, dogs barking, man singing. Beautiful.
wow, one of the best videos on youtube....
Chris Craft I feel ya!
Why, at the age of 59, am I just now discovering Townes Van Zandt? I feel cheated.
Hugh Jass at least you discovered it. some people may never listen to these wonderful songs.
Hugh Jass I was 60 before I found him. too busy listening to dance stuff. today this matters.
THERESA Loos Perhaps we need to be 59-60 years old to TRULY appreciate TVZ's music. It takes wisdom, experience and the "school of hard knocks" to be able to accept reality as it comes. We are travellers here ... music soothes our hearts. ❤️
Hugh Jass I was blessed to discover him in my early 20s. I'm now in my late 20s. You know how I found him? His live cover of Dead Flowers was in the Big Lebowski. Amazing how we discover things haha
Sometimes we're not ready for an artist or a type of song. It might be on our radar but doesn't speak to us at the time.
Such a heavy damn song. Very humbling.
great clip that. The old dude has the look of pure emotive expression. Love Townes.
His name was Seymour, affectionately known as Uncle Seymour. He died about 2 years after filming this documentary; before the release of the documentary itself. I believe he has a terminal disease, he was literally waiting around to die.
Dr Gonzo Did not know that about Uncle Seymour. Thanks for sharing.
this song is why minor chords
were invented.
such a great comment, man!
I've literally never commented on TH-cam in my 32 years of life, but who are the 24 thumbs down jerks on this video? This video is revealing, heartwarming, saddening, poetic and better than anything I'll ever get now.
So great seeing Townes young and sharp.
I wasn't expecting to be hit in the feels so hard :(
This is as true and honest as could ever wish for. Tear in the eye...
I wanna give the old black guy a hug, very moving
More people need to hear this.
Damn, this is a great song. First time I've heard it.
The unforgettable Townes.
Thats some powerful music that can make a grown man cry like that!
What an incredible amount of footage. Townes on this is just unbelievable. Pick it, and it'll never heal.
beyond beautiful
This, my drunk friends, is my favorite video.
The picture of the white chick's hands trying to comfort the black guy - genius.
She means well, but she doesn't understand, she doesn't _feel_ anything. It's like two worlds colliding.
Makes me cry tears of ... Oh, I dont't know. I'm just cryin' every time.
Cheers!
Great comment. I too love this vid. I see the white chick as a loving soul on the verge of feeling.... about to be awakened... just my thoughts, my friend...
Angus Dewangus If you're referring to my comment: Their skin colours have nothing to do with my impression of world's colliding. It's more about her being young and naive and him having lived a rich life full of experiences and emotions she couldn't remotely fathom. Yet ...
But hey, thanks for your comment anyway. As soon as I find out whatever the fuck George Soros has to do with anything, I'll let him know you said Hi.
If I see George before you do, I'll let him know too, cuz I I'm at a fucking loss too!! lol
yes, God willing indeed! Well said....
i think she did. and iam wicked drunk. townes was a poet. so beautiful words.God rest his troubled soul.
This man could make a rock cry.
TY leiro1...I discovered this song at age 64 and now I see and hear from a true artist what I've lived!!!
I was privilidged to meet with Townes just one in 1994 in England and spent some time talking with him before his concert. Easily one of the nicest and gentlest least star like person I ever met. Will never forget it
That sweet old black man gets me every time the song the words I'm touched and thinking about my best friend as a youth
takes me back when ppl gathered around guitars. and days never ended
So powerful, I have shivers every time I listen to it...
Hauntingly beautiful.
Powerful stuff, I'm 56 years old and never been moved so much by one song
Old black blacksmith man gets it. He's lived the blues and knows it when he hears it. Watch the whole documentary.
Alex Tocqueville what's the name of the documentary?
heartworn highways
****Townes is sucha a great poet with a guitar that is worthed a constant worshiping 'till the end of days!
(One of the) best singer and songwriter(s) that has ever existed. Lived in some old cluttered trailer. The man deserved way better.
I was never sure, but in this video it is clear the young lady was singing along and it makes this song even more perfect, I love Townes Van Zandt!
Susannah was a very special and gifted lady who will be sorely missed...
Quite familiar with hard roads and such..aint nothin like havin the blues and pickin a few strings to shake em ..
This is how I discovered Townes Van Zandt, and I do not regret it.
For a long time I thought he sang Cody at the end, believing it was a person and I felt good about the end. Then I learned what the real word was and the song's complexion changed completely for me. DAMN YOU Townes Van Zandt for making a brother cry with your beautiful and melankoli poetry!
Constantly amazed at what a cool time capsule youtube can be. There so many beautiful video/ films that might never have been seen again.
Oh man, so fkn good, I love this so much.. Lay it on me momma!! Ayuuuuuu
The old man represents the evil life can bring, that hardship. Townes represents the beauties of life and how good always prevails over evil, no matter how hard its hit ya
wow, such honesty and raw emotion things, that are missing from todays music
My god this is the best thing ever!
I love this video, love this song, it hearts my soul
Such a raw beautiful song so simple yet so much meaning.
Wow! Don't know how I got to this song, but it is amazing. Great song writing.
No doubt one of the most beautiful videos I've ever had the pleasure of watching. This song is powerful on every level of the psyche.
Anyone who can cry during fame and burn a pile of money is a genius in my book. Great song.
Now when a grown man cries listening to another grown man sing you got a songwriter on your hands!
you know what this is real thats what something that i think dont exist anymore great to hear!!!
Damn...no one makes music like this anymore...
Powerful!!! Such sad tears! He knew, he knew!
David Allen Coe...I still sing the old songs...at the end...awesome song
I love that old black guy. All of em in fact.
***** Really, you love all black people. How hard I find that to believe. Just saying.
Christopher Pederson Because there are about a billion of them here. Just saying'
+Christopher Pederson I'm fairly certain TSS meant that he loves everyone in the video.
First time I saw this it put tears in my eyes.
It still can too!
What a cool, smooth and relaxed tune
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!
Pure emotion!
old guy is amazing :)
+Teo Simeonova Seymour Washington, "The Walking Blacksmith". He's a bit of a folk figure in his own right.
Powerful! Real magic....right in front of our faces....
The absolute best....such a sad but brutally REAL man.
Those are the multitudes of beautiful faces that make america great.
My man Townes :-)...............beautiful song.
One of the most powerful and AMERICAN videos and songs period. Ya'll pay attention. It'll do ya good.
If Bob Dylan deserves a Nobel Prize, so does Van Zandt.
I agree he should have, but it is given only to living people,.
Real music
Thanks for uploading this little bit. You're right, it is beautiful.
Really? Townes Van Zandt is one of the best songwriter poets of his generation, if not the best. The lyrics are at least half of the beauty and truth here.
This is what I love about music
Probably 1 of the most powerful clips to be seen online.
the honesty n this song kills
there was i story heard in an interview with some of the other artists in the movie. they (i wish i remembered who) said that there was suppose to be a film shoot with a couple of performances , but it had to be postponed because of tech problems. they said townes was living in a trailer, just outside of austin, with this "mean, crazy woman" and all they did was drink and fight. they thought it would be funny to send the film makers out into the middle of it without telling them. this is what they got and though townes was never really "famous" in the hollywood sense anyway. he definitely steals the picture.
its such beautiful stuff. havent seen it in a while. maybe its a good day to skip work.
I thought I was hallucinating, I kept hearing this fucking barking dog at it was annoying me, so I'm taking my headphones off and on like 3 or 4 times before I realized the dog barks I was hearing was coming from this song lol no more for me. Amazing tune.
I know right! I heard that too
Me too I kept muting the volume saying to my dog who the hell is barking? She never did answer! I shouldn"t
drink so much i guess.
So good every time!
She is Susannah Clark. She passed away in mid 2012, She also wrote the song "Easy From Now On." She was the wife of Guy Clark.
Indispensable rural blues, entre le rire et les larmes, entre la bouteille de Whiskey et une femme ...
This is humanity right here.
I had this on video in the 80's. Didn't really appreciate it like I should have. Pity. I wish I had it still.
this makes me cry every time.
Great song and artist, but i gotta admit when the old guy starting tearing up, so did I.
Southern pride folks
I love the animals. Nice video, nice song.
beautiful......I love this scene
Besides Townes,Uncle Seymor is probably the only one in the room who understands that song.
I was depressed for a long time, and I committed to a little bit of self harming when I was drunk. (Clearly the drink didn't help), but now I have me a friend at last. His name is Codene and he's the nicest thing I seen, and together we gonna wait around and daaaaa..
THEYS ALWAYS A SONG LEFT ON A ROAD OF TIME, A ROLLING RIVER THE SKY OF CLOUDS OR BIRDS &A LOVE AWAITNG OR A LOVE AIKING , BREAKING KIND, CARING HATEFUL,HEARTFUL GRATEFUL LOVING ONE OR ANOTHER A S7RE SONG OUT N THESE SINGULAR THINGS EVEN A PHILLY OR A MARE THE STUD SELDOM WINDS UP IN A SONG ITS ALWAYS ABOUT THE LADY DRIVING A MAN CRAZY THRU HIS HEART