Lyrics: Livin on the road my friend, is gonna keep you free and clean Now you wear your skin like iron Your breath as hard as kerosene You weren't your momma's only boy, but her favorite one it seemed She began to cry when you said goodbye And sank into your dreams Pancho was a bandit boy, his horse was fast as polished steel He wore his gun outside his pants For all the honest world to feel Pancho met his match, you know, on the deserts down in Mexico Nobody heard his dyin words, ah but that's the way it goes All the Federales say, they could've had him any day They only let him slip away, out of kindness, I suppose Lefty, he can't sing the blues all night long like he used to The dust that Pancho bit down south ended up in Lefty's mouth The day they laid poor Pancho low, Lefty split for Ohio Where he got the bread to go, there ain't nobody knows All the Federales say, they could've had him any day They only let him slip away, out of kindness I suppose The poets tell how old Pancho fell, and Lefty's livin in cheap hotels The desert's quiet, Cleveland's cold And so the story ends, we're told Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty too He only did what he had to do, and now he's growing old All the Federales say, they could've had him any day They only let him go so long, out of kindness I suppose A few gray Federales say, they could've had him any day They only let him go so long, out of kindness I suppose
There's a real cool story about one of Merle's last concerts. Toby was there and Merle was failing, and he wasn't sure how long he could make it on stage. Toby told him he'd help out. Merle asked him how many of his songs he knew and Toby said, "Hell Merle, I know 'em all!" He ended up finishing the show for him.
Losing Toby was sudden and hard to take ..We worked the same oil fields at the same time in west Oklahoma ..we never met in those days but we sure chewed the same dirt at the same time ..Miss you boss
When you mentioned "west Oklahoma" I had to think for a bit to remember working there back in 1981. Guymon area. April. Thought I was going to see my first tornado (coming from Canada). A fairly dry and desolate place. Friendly people though. Oklahoma has brought us so many great entertainers!
I made as far west as Laverne Oklahoma and was about 60 miles away from you in ,81. Oklahoma has produced some great artists . Leon Russell , Garth and Toby .. Reba Mcentire used to be a waitress and served my dad back in the day . Ronnie Dunn and Roy Clark lived near me and I did meet Ronnie just before he left for Nashville ...many , many others from our state @@chrisbenoit129
Looking back, I'm thinkin "live like you were dyin" Tim McGraw song (idk who wrote it) is about Toby Keith. That's based on nothing at all, just sayin. Also you and I might've choked on the same dust. I lived in Boise City "at the turn of the century" and Amarillo since '05. Drove a flatbed over the road, probably delivered a million miles of drilling pipe and sacks of 'mud' from MT and ND to TX and LA (seen one or two oilfields)
My 21 year old son loves this song... This song will NEVER DIE. Willie and Merle are legends and the addition of Toby in this song up'd the song! 3 COUNTRY LEGENDS!!!
Merle could have been! But in the song there is the higghwayman, the sailor, the dam builder and the astronaut... There should have been a fifth verse!
Oh someone else was on the stage with Merle and Willie ? Between Merle making that Fender ring and Willie making Trigger sing I didn't notice anyone else..
dear doug believe is ol scotty boots emerick on the right of the stage but not sure he usually on plays acoustic guitars he told me a few stories about backing up willie abd in studio with merle when they recorded she aint hooked in me no more he gave me merles best of cd advance copy with the song for my 50th birthday he dated my sister for quite alwhile do know him well if so must have been highllight of his music career also pretty sure is ol boots emerick told friend of mine has loads of guitars so maybe he is playing electric my nephew knows scott toby whole bunch thougt he said scott was in the band for the show have to ask him either way great performance by all old boys look like sorry spelling server poor rural virginia he also showed me pictures of whole bunch toby band in jimmy buffets studio but the show must have been special for ol toby love him or hate him sister called him sweet old bear scott and band good ol.boy.very laid back great sense of humour nephew says bunch of good ol boys he traveled with them from nville on tour bus to nissan pavillion met my neice and husband backstage passes they knew band and crew also great show nephew said then ol boys headed back to nville exhausted but ol tobys drivers and crew got them back safe and sound thanks driver my nephew on the bus ultra professional kept everyone safe
I am so grateful we can still watch live performances such as these. Are they perfectly sung and played? No, but that’s the beauty of live music. Willie was picking that guitar like a boss, and Toby Keith knew he was on stage with two absolute legendary artists. That’s what made this special.
WOW!!! Do you complaining people want some "cheese with your whine". Most of the musicians that I play music around are amazed at the way Willie is able to break time and rhythm with his voice and guitar and come back to where the band has kept the back beat and rhythm. I will bet you can't do it!!!!!!
No, I can't, but I don't bill myself as a singing star and charge lots of money for people to come listen to me slaughter a classic and be pitchy as hell. That guy on the right, whoever he is, was just gawd awful. If I'd been there and paid the gate, I'd have been asking for my money back.
R. McBride The guy on the right is Toby Keith......a certified super star. All three are super stars. A live show can be a bit confusing if you try to compare it with a released studio recording. The timing will always be different. Just being in the same room with these guys is worth the ticket. RIP Haggard.
RIP Toby Kieth and Merle Haggard, this is in my top ten best songs, we still have Willie, who I dearly love!!❤️ 😢❤ My thanks to the LEGEND Townes Van Zandt for writing this pearl.
Nothing could sound any better, Waylon, Willie and Toby. I'm sure Waylon and Toby are singing up in Heaven keeping an eye on Willie. Willie's voice after all these years is pure perfection. Love them all so much.
Amen,we are beyond saddened as we lose the best of them. Country music has lost its heart. Pop music has replaced pure country! Please bring back country music!!!
To all of those who complain that the singing is off, What do you want? A live performance will always be different each time (especially if the musician isn't lip syncing) and will always be different from the studio engineered version.
+D Ole People always need something to complain about. Fact is, the great majority of them are talentless, vapid bores who couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag.
RIP Townes...you suffered, for sure, and you weren't appreciated as you deserved, but by god you left us some serious music. I have Live at the Old Quarter on repeat; just Townes and his guitar, among friends... the way Townes should be heard.
Townes, lead a troubling life, died too young as a result. Kinda thought he had that James Dean philosophy, " Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse. " Most everyone I know appreciate , Poncho and Leafty.
Boy ol Townes wrote some great songs , this is one of his most popular. The Ballad of Ira Hayes is one of my favorite Townes song's. Merle and Willie do a fine job here , Haggard the great American poet
Just going to leave Toby out? He is a legend himself, imo the most underappreciated country artists of all time and honestly i think he is #1 on my list. The people who were there that night are so freaking lucky.
To me it is a failure to read "artist - Willie Nelson" without the genius Townes Van Zandt mentioned... 'cause a genius songwriter, Townes was! No question about that.
Lyrics:
Livin on the road my friend, is gonna keep you free and clean
Now you wear your skin like iron
Your breath as hard as kerosene
You weren't your momma's only boy, but her favorite one it seemed
She began to cry when you said goodbye
And sank into your dreams
Pancho was a bandit boy, his horse was fast as polished steel
He wore his gun outside his pants
For all the honest world to feel
Pancho met his match, you know, on the deserts down in Mexico
Nobody heard his dyin words, ah but that's the way it goes
All the Federales say, they could've had him any day
They only let him slip away, out of kindness, I suppose
Lefty, he can't sing the blues all night long like he used to
The dust that Pancho bit down south ended up in Lefty's mouth
The day they laid poor Pancho low, Lefty split for Ohio
Where he got the bread to go, there ain't nobody knows
All the Federales say, they could've had him any day
They only let him slip away, out of kindness I suppose
The poets tell how old Pancho fell, and Lefty's livin in cheap hotels
The desert's quiet, Cleveland's cold
And so the story ends, we're told
Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty too
He only did what he had to do, and now he's growing old
All the Federales say, they could've had him any day
They only let him go so long, out of kindness I suppose
A few gray Federales say, they could've had him any day
They only let him go so long, out of kindness I suppose
Los Bukis Los Bukis
👍💓
how he got the bread. the words and guitars just harmony
😊
Oh my word, thank you for the kindness ❤and appreciation 💖 4 these 2 GIANTS of popular music 🎶 and definitely copying the lyrics for us, well done 👏
RIP Toby and Merle !!
❤❤❤❤❤
Toby Keith's smile when Merle starts to sing is priceless. He adored Merle.
God bless both of them ❤
There's a real cool story about one of Merle's last concerts. Toby was there and Merle was failing, and he wasn't sure how long he could make it on stage. Toby told him he'd help out. Merle asked him how many of his songs he knew and Toby said, "Hell Merle, I know 'em all!" He ended up finishing the show for him.
Sure the hell am going to miss Toby.........
I captured it. 🙂 It'sva beauty.
I'm still so heart broken 💔
I can't believe Toby is gone
Thank You Toby for looking out for Merle.
Losing Toby was sudden and hard to take ..We worked the same oil fields at the same time in west Oklahoma ..we never met in those days but we sure chewed the same dirt at the same time ..Miss you boss
When you mentioned "west Oklahoma" I had to think for a bit to remember working there back in 1981. Guymon area. April. Thought I was going to see my first tornado (coming from Canada). A fairly dry and desolate place. Friendly people though. Oklahoma has brought us so many great entertainers!
I made as far west as Laverne Oklahoma and was about 60 miles away from you in ,81. Oklahoma has produced some great artists . Leon Russell , Garth and Toby .. Reba Mcentire used to be a waitress and served my dad back in the day . Ronnie Dunn and Roy Clark lived near me and I did meet Ronnie just before he left for Nashville ...many , many others from our state @@chrisbenoit129
sorry bro from this texas boy sad
Looking back, I'm thinkin "live like you were dyin" Tim McGraw song (idk who wrote it) is about Toby Keith. That's based on nothing at all, just sayin. Also you and I might've choked on the same dust. I lived in Boise City "at the turn of the century" and Amarillo since '05. Drove a flatbed over the road, probably delivered a million miles of drilling pipe and sacks of 'mud' from MT and ND to TX and LA (seen one or two oilfields)
Toby Bought a beer for me and the rest of the bar in Hazard KY
I'm 74 and play this great song on my guitar...We must not let it die...
Great songs never die
Keep the faith.
Amen
This song will NEVER DIE
That's awesome! Keep on rocking!
My 21 year old son loves this song... This song will NEVER DIE.
Willie and Merle are legends and the addition of Toby in this song up'd the song! 3 COUNTRY LEGENDS!!!
Wow...how many other entertainers got to sing this with Merle & Willie...speaks volumes. ❤
Rest In Peace Toby
Only Willie left. Merle & Toby 2 greats we miss!
😇😇 👀 down. 🎶 together! Wow amazing concert!
🙏🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸🙏
AMEN❤😞💔😇🙏🌹
❤
😂😂❤❤❤
Willie probably never thought he would out live Toby.
Just pure natural talent on that stage
If Toby was older, he could have been the fifth highwayman.
Merle could have been! But in the song there is the higghwayman, the sailor, the dam builder and the astronaut... There should have been a fifth verse!
❤
100%
❤❤❤
@k😂😂❤❤❤arinwallblom9991
Toby respected his elders and loved and admired Merle and Willie. Just beautiful. ❤
Toby was a great musician. A great loss for all of us. We should treasure his recordings.
Wow three great legends whom I love all their music, now only one left. Good old Willie and he is the oldest. RIP Toby and Merle
Yes, Willie's last day will be terribly hard to accept as it was when we lost Merle, then losing Toby! These men are irrireplaceable!!
We do have WILLYS SON THE LEGEND WILL LIVE ON
R.I.P Merle Haggard!
April 6, 1937 - April 6, 2016 (age) 79
And now Toby, i can't believe it 😢
Good for Toby getting to jam w/ two of the greats i know he lovend it. 🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉
Great to see Willie shredding!
Look at Toby's Smile. He is in Awe
Beautiful 3 awesome guy's just doesn't get better 😊
I can only imagine how Toby felt on that stage performing such a great song with two legends like Merle and Willie. Awesome.
blessed
Oh someone else was on the stage with Merle and Willie ? Between Merle making that Fender ring and Willie making Trigger sing I didn't notice anyone else..
dear doug believe is ol scotty boots emerick on the right of the stage but not sure he usually on plays acoustic guitars he told me a few stories about backing up willie abd in studio with merle when they recorded she aint hooked in me no more he gave me merles best of cd advance copy with the song for my 50th birthday he dated my sister for quite alwhile do know him well if so must have been highllight of his music career also pretty sure is ol boots emerick told friend of mine has loads of guitars so maybe he is playing electric my nephew knows scott toby whole bunch thougt he said scott was in the band for the show have to ask him either way great performance by all old boys look like sorry spelling server poor rural virginia he also showed me pictures of whole bunch toby band in jimmy buffets studio but the show must have been special for ol toby love him or hate him sister called him sweet old bear scott and band good ol.boy.very laid back great sense of humour nephew says bunch of good ol boys he traveled with them from nville on tour bus to nissan pavillion met my neice and husband backstage passes they knew band and crew also great show nephew said then ol boys headed back to nville exhausted but ol tobys drivers and crew got them back safe and sound thanks driver my nephew on the bus ultra professional kept everyone safe
he probably felt shivers
The next day he wrote "I'll never smoke weed with Willy again" that's how he felt lol
Two of the greats passed away but Willie is still with us , this is one of my all time favorites
Toby showed respect to icon legends. They all hwd natural respect for each other. I Love watching these videos.
Look at how the older stars let Toby Keith step forward and sing a good song with them !!! ❤🎉😊
Iconic performamce of iconic song. Man, doesn t get any better with Willie, Merle (RIP)
, and Toby
Let´s not forget the song´s creator, Towne van Zandt who left us too soon.❤
@@lordemed1ciao amico! 🙋♀️😊😘💘🌅
I am so grateful we can still watch live performances such as these. Are they perfectly sung and played? No, but that’s the beauty of live music. Willie was picking that guitar like a boss, and Toby Keith knew he was on stage with two absolute legendary artists. That’s what made this special.
@Toby Keith Official Chanel Ever since you started singing. I'm in Georgia.
All of the newer singers nowadays Can't even come close to the older country, Western singers.
Townes Van Zandt was one of the best songwriters ever, and one of Ft Worth's most talented sons.
Well this song anyway.
Townes, bless his heart, so sad he is gone too.
all i can say is legends like you’ll never see on stage together ever again rip merle god bless willie and toby and prayers for toby
RIP Toby Keith 🇺🇸
😢😢😢😢
One of the best songs ever written. Townes Van Zandt the legend. Of course Willie, Merle and Toby... great job!
Willie is left alone to carry the torch now.
Thank you ✌️
Gosh, I sure miss Toby Keith! He was such a special person!
WOW!!! Do you complaining people want some "cheese with your whine". Most of the musicians that I play music around are amazed at the way Willie is able to break time and rhythm with his voice and guitar and come back to where the band has kept the back beat and rhythm. I will bet you can't do it!!!!!!
No, I can't, but I don't bill myself as a singing star and charge lots of money for people to come listen to me slaughter a classic and be pitchy as hell. That guy on the right, whoever he is, was just gawd awful. If I'd been there and paid the gate, I'd have been asking for my money back.
I think they sounded great!
@@r.mcbride2837 obviously you moron dont knowxyour country muscians
R. McBride The guy on the right is Toby Keith......a certified super star. All three are super stars. A live show can be a bit confusing if you try to compare it with a released studio recording. The timing will always be different. Just being in the same room with these guys is worth the ticket. RIP Haggard.
That's our Mr Nelson, unique.☘️
The smile on Merle’s face when Toby hit that certain tune with his voice. So awesome to see right now
RIP Toby Kieth and Merle Haggard, this is in my top ten best songs, we still have Willie, who I dearly love!!❤️ 😢❤ My thanks to the LEGEND Townes Van Zandt for writing this pearl.
RIP Toby and Merle... two greats are gone. Amazing music with three great legends!!
Olá 👋 linda música 🎶 🎶 🎶
3 country in music.
Legends, don't get any better than that.
Genius. Could tell Willie was motivated by Toby’s singing. R.I.P. legends. Willie slashed the guitar. Love Willie too.
Wow. 3 great legends of country music!
RIP Toby and Merle
I really enjoyed TOBY'S music it was awesome. The Lord wanted him more. RIP your battle is over.
This is a classic performance. Willie’s guitar solos are spot on as well.
A GREAT DAY when You get 3 Great Performers
Man, it doesn't get much better than that!! Three of the best on one the best songs!!
Only one left is WIILY- RIP MERLE & TOBY HIWAYMEN ALWAYS 4 EVER ❤❤❤ SING LOUD IN HEAVEN, MY COUNTRY CUTIE LADY WILL HEAR Y'ALL ❤❤
Only Wiilie would play a guitar onstage that looks older than him.
I will never stop hearing you sang Toby with any one
Willie and that guitar is not to be ignored. Three great and stylistic voices!
Nothing could sound any better, Waylon, Willie and Toby. I'm sure Waylon and Toby are singing up in Heaven keeping an eye on Willie. Willie's voice after all these years is pure perfection. Love them all so much.
I love it!!! Thanks to all of you!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
3 Greats mighty Merle Willie Big Tobe love these guys
This was written by Townes Van Zandt a great music artist RIP Townes Van Zandt
Wow great songs guys I always love listening to this song over time love from Australia ❤️😘❤️
God given talent from these Men which we were privileged to see! RIP Merle and Toby and to Willy.. Thank you
Linda música 🎶 🎶 🎶
The look on their faces and smiles, what joy they have singing together!
Treasures each one of them!
i agree whaty a legends
@@renevanderschuur4811 ciao Rene! Come stai? 🙋♀️🤩😍😘💕
@@anelladambrosio2513 hello how are you 😘
love Merle 👌
@@renevanderschuur4811 ciao Rene'amo Willie e Merle...🙋🥰😍😘❤️
This song always reaches my deepest emotions and I haven't yet figured out why.
@Toby Keith Official Chanel I litterally listen to this every day while at work, always pulls me back 👌
@Toby Keith Official Chanel NEVER !!! 👌 much love from the UK 👌😁
Same here! And I don't know exactly why but it always has.
Thank you Towns Van Zant!!
If pure talent could keep you alive, Mele would have lived to be two hundred and four, or so....
Willie and Merle are true legends. They can sound any way they like and be great. Subtle differences in versions are appreciated.
So is Toby!!
RIP , Toby Deeply loved for what you did.
I love how Toby pipes in with the harmony!
Such a sad loss of Toby Keith, I myself am okie as well from Paul's valley Oklahoma we will miss you forever Toby and Merle
Thank you 😊
Outstanding performance Thanx for sharing this Great Content and Video
RIP BROTHER TOBY 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 🙏
What a thrill it must have been to share the stage with the Hag and Willie. Legends!
Absolutely fabulous!
February 2024
RIP, Merle. RIP, Toby. BRAVO, Willie!!
You THREE live in the WORLD's heart always & forever, heaven & earth! AMEN. TY xo
Amen,we are beyond saddened as we lose the best of them. Country music has lost its heart. Pop music has replaced pure country! Please bring back country music!!!
One of Townes van Zandt’s very best.
The memories live on. God Bless you. I will always remember.
I’ve lost all my favorites! Willie keep on smokin You are a legend!
I can’t believe we lost Toby Keith. 😢
I am giving them a standing ovation right here in my house. Fabulous
Willie, Toby, and Merl....how do you top that? Ya gotta love it
Dump Toby.
ED rossenthal BOOM! Laughed my ass off at this, mostly 'cuz it's true.
I think Toby did just fine,Merle definitely did the best with his verse to me.
***** ctd
ED rossenthal or maybe dump you bozo
To all of those who complain that the singing is off, What do you want? A live performance will always be different each time (especially if the musician isn't lip syncing) and will always be different from the studio engineered version.
+D Ole People always need something to complain about. Fact is, the great majority of them are talentless, vapid bores who couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag.
D Ole s
But atleast it's honest and real!
These fellas have stayed true to country period! Good stuff
I think its great
No massage stage production to bolster mediocre talent. Just three musical geniuses playing one of the greatest songs ever written. Pure joy!
Some music makes you glad to be alive...love and gratitude
Toby Keith did damn well. Somebody Got to pick up the songs of the past. Good job all. 👍
I am on the banks of the Erie Canal in Upstate NY. Truly enjoying these tunes.
Well you can't beat that
Merle Haggard = Country Cool...We miss you Merle.
Toby Keith could sing with anybody and to sing with the best of those two he did awesome give thumbs up to that man the best
I love this song country music legends ❤️🎶🎸🤠
I will miss you Toby 😢
Goodness this brings tears to my eyes ,loved Merle and Toby .
That is real music! Some of the younger generations don’t appreciate it, but that is ok, cause I don’t appreciate some of what they call music either.
BRAVO again!!
Three C&W Greats.
RIP Merle and Toby.
You will never be forgotten...
RIP Townes...you suffered, for sure, and you weren't appreciated as you deserved, but by god you left us some serious music. I have Live at the Old Quarter on repeat; just Townes and his guitar, among friends... the way Townes should be heard.
Townes, lead a troubling life, died too young as a result. Kinda thought he had that James Dean philosophy,
" Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse. " Most everyone I know appreciate , Poncho and Leafty.
Whats a tune and with Toby Keith in here it’s just amazing!
Best of the best ever!
Toby is a great singer. Obviously Merle is one of the greatest of all time. But Toby holds his own. Wow.
What 2 legants it's proud to sing with them Tony brilant rip meral
Hello 👋 Eugene how are you doing?
Watching Toby on this video is one of my favorite, he always had his own particular style! Muss Toby so much !!!❤😢
First ballot Hall of Famers. RIP Toby.
Boy ol Townes wrote some great songs , this is one of his most popular. The Ballad of Ira Hayes is one of my favorite Townes song's. Merle and Willie do a fine job here , Haggard the great American poet
Just going to leave Toby out? He is a legend himself, imo the most underappreciated country artists of all time and honestly i think he is #1 on my list. The people who were there that night are so freaking lucky.
Fantastic music!
Marle and Willie miss you both you guys. Yours musics always make me happy.
Singing in heaven, all three ❤❤❤
Willie Nelson is alive my friend
Willie has a new song , on earth .
Truly, I don't know why Willie choose a classical guitar to perform C&W music, but as long as I live I'll always be grateful he did. 😊
Amen 🙏. ❤️
That is Trigger, his classical acoustic Martin guitar.
To me it is a failure to read "artist - Willie Nelson" without the genius Townes Van Zandt mentioned... 'cause a genius songwriter, Townes was! No question about that.
i agree
llifeform me too.....
agreed my friend
Wonderfull
You said what we were all thinking
Toby does that song justice, making the Hag proud having him aboard