In my misspent youth, I knew Townes for a while. I can testify that he could identify with "needle and spoon" lyrics, even if he didn't sing them here. I'd love to have heard Townes do Warren Zevon's "Carmelita"...
Townes forgot the lyrics in this song for 2 reasons. The first being he had memory problems due electroshock therapy, the second being he may have been drunk/high. In the documentaries about Townes, many of his friends stated that in his later years he often lost his place during song. On several occasions Blaze Foley would jump in and steer him back on the right course. Townes was a genius, but a troubled one. R.I.P.
Damnit! Did the Stones rip this Kat off? Was Townes the actual impetus for such a soulfull tome or, did Richards write it and then give Carte Blanche to Townes for the use of said tome? Does it matter? Only to old Hippies like myself.
its one of the reasons i'm so enraptured by the man and his music. luckily i was able to beat my alcohol abuse...but this isn't about me, townes touches some of us in ways that are indescribable, he can lift you up to olympian heights with his words and music, or show you the deepest darkest parts of the human soul with that same talent. amazing man, amazing songwriter, rarely a day goes by that i'm not singing one of his songs to myself. he helps me cope...
I love Townes and the Stones, both right up there with the very best. Sounds like it could have been written by Townes but I doubt it. Got Jaggers' fingerprints all over it.
Townes came from a very wealthy family in Texas. He just didn't care about money etc. He lived his life to the fullest. I have been following him, Gram, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, all of those wonderful musicians. I saw him and Guy Clark at a small club in NC. They were great!!!!
I think he did that on purpose, cause he specifically left out only the needle and spoon line. He was probably withdrawing or somehow otherwise unhappy in relation to his addiction
who gives a shit who hears what where, I'm 23 but I've delved into the oldies over the past few months and artists like townes and blaze are impressing me more than most, timeless
Sorry MrSandjan. Townes was one of the greatest songwriters ever, but Dead Flowers is his cover of the Rolling Stones original. Myself? I prefer Townes version. He wrote some of the best songs ever and ranks up there with the best song writers of his generation. But Dead Flowers is a Jagger/Richards written song.
@GCandD I hope you didn't take what I said as negative... I love Townes' music and respect his artistic integrity. I just think it is dangerous to idealize the way he lived his life, and not recognize that he was deeply troubled. I have known people who use artists like Townes to justify their own self-destructive behavior, as if art requires it.
Well, sort of made a decision. I think having shock therapy at a young age and having your memory erased might have had something to do with the "decision" to drink. Being what is now considered bipolar might have contributed to the way his life turned out.
@BLACKMETALHELLBILLY There IS music like this today. Just get outside the mainstream and look. There are still good singer-songwriters out there writing great music. I understand the frustration, but if you aren't supporting the underground music scene today you are just contributing to the problem. Some names to check out if you like Townes - Joe Pug, Justin Townes Earle (yes, named after Townes by his dad, Steve Earle), Malcolm Halcomb... or have a look at sites like nodepression com.
@roo7227 You are right, I shouldn't make assumptions about your experience. As for the rest, we have had that conversation. Your arrogance in is what irritates me. I have already said I think it is both a kiss off and a drug song. You might be right, but you don't "know" the meaning, or even that it was Mick's song with one line by Keith (there are also rumors it was Keith and Gram, with little from Mick) unless you are a friend of Mick's.
@nilradem live music...you get what you get. Yer not in a studio. That's a large piece of the beauty part. Live performance. Performers are human. Whether he forgot the lyrics...or hummed 'em...as was mentioned...'cause he didn't want to sing 'em...what have you, however I don't personally think so. AND, I don't figure it was an editing thing. It's live. My thoughts are...yer over figuring it. Let it roll.
Why is there a gap in the lyrics from 2:13-2:20. The lyrics for that section are "Well when you're sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac Making bets on Kentucky Derby Day *Ah, I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon* And another girl to take my pain away" What's up with that, people cuss and curse, mention sex here and there, but this song with a powerful expression of agony, loneliness and love lost is edited?
danahall5558 Incorrect murpleturkey is correct. Townes had covers too Roadsongs is an album released singersongwriter Townes Van Zandt in 1993. "These songs were recorded over a number of years in joints all over America. I wish I'd written every one. No such luck. This collection represents a lot of love and fun."This is off of the liner notes for Townes album Roadsongs. Note he says that he wishes that he had written every one of these songs but that he didnt. Dead Flowers is on here
Not sure if I am feeding trolls,,, but I have never seen any evidence that Townes gave or sold this to the Stones. No interview with Brian Jones and no claim by Townes or his estate. I don't think it was beyond the Stones to take a song and I am more a fan of Townes, but if you do a search, all you find is people repeating an unfounded rumor. It might be true that Parson's influenced the song, as he was hanging with the Stones. I suspect that the two have been conflated in this rumor.
. igets blurry. I grew up not knowing TVZ with only hte stones doing thr nmber. But Townes is by far my favorit covererer. The mans ag tragic genius.. as are jageger rchhards and Dylan.. Are you a richard thompson fan? that would be an entire othr can since 646-65 he's been a f88ING GUITAR MONSTER. BUT A STYLE AL TO HIMSELF. ... I think Jay Farrar is very close to the Dylan of our day. (uncle tupelo, Son Volt.. no offense if you know these folks. . Take care
That commenter posted the same comment on several different covers of the song around the same time. I do think Mick sings it more as a kiss-off, in your face song, but art has layers, and not being able to recognize that also makes me think the guy was either clueless about art, or perhaps just trolling.
@pmarti1000 I don't think it is editingor that he was avoiding the emotions, I think Townes forgot the lyrics. He was certainly not someone to edit a song. He was a genius, but he was also an alcoholic who was not always the best on stage. There used to be a better version of this on youtube witht he sound synched properly, and it seemed like he was humming at that point.
Jivezilla, he only had a hard life because he chose to. He was born with money and decided to walk away from it, and chose to drink heavily and use drugs. I'm a huge fan of Townes, but that's the truth. If I'm not mistaken, most of the Stones have had similar issues. It's a miracle that Keith Richards is still alive. And the Stones did write some really good songs.
@Jivezilla yeah, keith didnt lose a child, have a rough upbringing, have his gardener shoot himself in his bed with his gun after an affair with his wife, and no way did they have a lot of love for country music. townes didnt write his most famous song, fucking tragic huh? well thats life kids. the stones wrote KILLER songs.
stones own the rights to this song which flat out means they wrote it, otherwise townes could sue. the song does not need to have needle and spoon dropped its what made this song so edgey
What you say can be true and I love Townes, but I think outside of Americana/roots fans and fans of the Big Lebowski, the song is still primarily identified with the Stones. Ask the average person if they know the song and I expect the majority would say it is a Stones song if they know it at all.
@towleyman What makes you think that the Stones didn't write Dead Flowers... especially when Townes attributed it to the Stones on the album. You seem like someone who cares about music, so you might want to do some research and start reading liner notes instead of trusting rumors.
@roo7227 That is how you hear it... but it doesn't mean others interpretations are wrong. Yeah, it is a kiss off to the woman, but it is still a blues song musically and thematically. And if you have experience with dope, you wouldn't see this as a happy song.
@TalamoxSmith If you would take the time to read back a few comments you would see that no, not everybody knows that it's a Stones cover. In fact, many people think Townes wrote it. And I agree that Townes recorded the definitive version, so no need to get all indignant on everyone.
@darlincommitme I should add that I am not counting JimmyG's citing WIkipedia as citing a source. He is obviously a troll since he carefully took one line out of context. The article is clear the it is a Stones original. It says they recorded it in '71 but then stopped singing it live until 89.
@roo7227 needle and a spoon,funerals, dead flowers, another girl to take the pain away, seems pretty sad to me. But its good that we have a self appointed spokesman for the song to let the rest of us know how to feel about it.
@danahall5558 Yes, Townes was one of the greatest American songwriters, but no he did not write Dead Flowers. You have an internet connection, you have access to allmusic etc., go figure it out for yourself.
@JimmyGtunes Jagger and Richards wrote it dude. In 1970. Believe it or not, they did do a thing or two original. You probably think Johhny Cash wrote "Hurt" too. Talk about looking stupid...
sorry i totally posted that out of ignorance, honestly thought that tvz wrote it, never knew he paid tribute to the stones! i guess in my mind it sounded like something he wrote.
If anyone could find a way to sync up the video with the audio, this would be amazing. But, considering Townes was too messed up to remember the lyrics, I guess it's appropriate.
That is a common fan interpretation - but the Stones have never confirmed it and tend to leave interpretation to the listeners. So it can't really be declared a fact.
@HarryPowell7 It's funny, because when I heard the stones version I thought, "What a bunch of hacks," but then when I realized they actually wrote it, I was cool with Townes covering it. Who knows why. It makes no sense. It's just Townes. He can do what he wants and it's all cool.
you dont know it because its not in your age category. you get all your info from movies and wickpedia. this was our info. life talent. not video makeovers.
Who gives a flying fig who stole/borrowed it? No one on here knows the truth that's for sure. They're both excellent songs and I'm too busy enjoying them to care
ye but its about heroin man not some rich bitch but i lik both versions just cause they make the song 2 different things, and both are valid for the lyrics content
huge townes fan, but i'm sorry bud, this song was written by m.jagger and k. richards. townes does a great version of it, and it certainly suits him well
This will forever be the version of the song I hear whenever any version of it plays, for as long as I abide.
@Ariel Johan telemundo also
Fellow duder!!!!
The Jim abides..... and he was a lazy man,..... but sometimes there is a man, there is a man..... :-D
Eh,.. fuck it Dude , ... let's go bowling.
The Dude abides... I dunno about you, but I take comfort in that. Nice knowin he's out there. The Dude. Takin er easy for all us sinners.
In my misspent youth, I knew Townes for a while. I can testify that he could identify with "needle and spoon" lyrics, even if he didn't sing them here. I'd love to have heard Townes do Warren Zevon's "Carmelita"...
You from Fort Worth Ric?
Bull crap you lie
4 dislikes? This aggression will not stand, man.
That's just like...your opinion.
Lets go bowlin'!
My favorite Exit song in a movie. Inspired me to teach myself how to play guitar. Eternally thankful.
Fuck it dude, let's go bowling.
It's really rare when I prefer a cover to the original (with the exception of Joe Cocker playing any Beatles song) but this one here is.....my God.
Townes forgot the lyrics in this song for 2 reasons. The first being he had memory problems due electroshock therapy, the second being he may have been drunk/high. In the documentaries about Townes, many of his friends stated that in his later years he often lost his place during song. On several occasions Blaze Foley would jump in and steer him back on the right course. Townes was a genius, but a troubled one. R.I.P.
Thanks for sharing hombre!!!
such a great song, I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon.
i'm calmer than you are dude
Damnit! Did the Stones rip this Kat off? Was Townes the actual impetus for such a soulfull tome or, did Richards write it and then give Carte Blanche to Townes for the use of said tome? Does it matter? Only to old Hippies like myself.
in his later years he was always doing shows under the influence of heroin
its one of the reasons i'm so enraptured by the man and his music. luckily i was able to beat my alcohol abuse...but this isn't about me, townes touches some of us in ways that are indescribable, he can lift you up to olympian heights with his words and music, or show you the deepest darkest parts of the human soul with that same talent. amazing man, amazing songwriter, rarely a day goes by that i'm not singing one of his songs to myself. he helps me cope...
well Ill be stuffed,the stones wrote this.
I always believed it was Townes however frankie miller does it well
sounds like a guy in an alley dropped his needle and spoon,picked up a guitar and started singing....perfect for this song.
I love Townes and the Stones, both right up there with the very best. Sounds like it could have been written by Townes but I doubt it. Got Jaggers' fingerprints all over it.
Townes came from a very wealthy family in Texas. He just didn't care about money etc. He lived his life to the fullest. I have been following him, Gram, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, all of those wonderful musicians. I saw him and Guy Clark at a small club in NC. They were great!!!!
Townes Van Zandt is a good man...and thorough
LOL
Townes Van Zandt. Rest in Peace. A life filled with pain and sadness.
well dude that's just like your opinion man
I think he did that on purpose, cause he specifically left out only the needle and spoon line. He was probably withdrawing or somehow otherwise unhappy in relation to his addiction
who gives a shit who hears what where, I'm 23 but I've delved into the oldies over the past few months and artists like townes and blaze are impressing me more than most, timeless
hahaha! mark it eight dude!
Sorry MrSandjan. Townes was one of the greatest songwriters ever, but Dead Flowers is his cover of the Rolling Stones original. Myself? I prefer Townes version. He wrote some of the best songs ever and ranks up there with the best song writers of his generation. But Dead Flowers is a Jagger/Richards written song.
@GCandD
I hope you didn't take what I said as negative... I love Townes' music and respect his artistic integrity. I just think it is dangerous to idealize the way he lived his life, and not recognize that he was deeply troubled. I have known people who use artists like Townes to justify their own self-destructive behavior, as if art requires it.
Amazing one, so smooth, so soulful. And a perfect ending for a perfect film.
Well, sort of made a decision. I think having shock therapy at a young age and having your memory erased might have had something to do with the "decision" to drink. Being what is now considered bipolar might have contributed to the way his life turned out.
@BLACKMETALHELLBILLY
There IS music like this today. Just get outside the mainstream and look. There are still good singer-songwriters out there writing great music. I understand the frustration, but if you aren't supporting the underground music scene today you are just contributing to the problem. Some names to check out if you like Townes - Joe Pug, Justin Townes Earle (yes, named after Townes by his dad, Steve Earle), Malcolm Halcomb... or have a look at sites like nodepression com.
@roo7227
You are right, I shouldn't make assumptions about your experience. As for the rest, we have had that conversation. Your arrogance in is what irritates me. I have already said I think it is both a kiss off and a drug song. You might be right, but you don't "know" the meaning, or even that it was Mick's song with one line by Keith (there are also rumors it was Keith and Gram, with little from Mick) unless you are a friend of Mick's.
@nilradem
live music...you get what you get. Yer not in a studio. That's a large piece of the beauty part. Live performance. Performers are human. Whether he forgot the lyrics...or hummed 'em...as was mentioned...'cause he didn't want to sing 'em...what have you, however I don't personally think so. AND, I don't figure it was an editing thing. It's live.
My thoughts are...yer over figuring it.
Let it roll.
Why is there a gap in the lyrics from 2:13-2:20. The lyrics for that section are
"Well when you're sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac
Making bets on Kentucky Derby Day
*Ah, I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon*
And another girl to take my pain away"
What's up with that, people cuss and curse, mention sex here and there, but this song with a powerful expression of agony, loneliness and love lost is edited?
danahall5558 Incorrect murpleturkey is correct. Townes had covers too Roadsongs is an album released singersongwriter Townes Van Zandt in 1993.
"These songs were recorded over a number of years in joints all over America. I wish I'd written every one. No such luck. This collection represents a lot of love and fun."This is off of the liner notes for Townes album Roadsongs. Note he says that he wishes that he had written every one of these songs but that he didnt. Dead Flowers is on here
Not sure if I am feeding trolls,,, but I have never seen any evidence that Townes gave or sold this to the Stones. No interview with Brian Jones and no claim by Townes or his estate. I don't think it was beyond the Stones to take a song and I am more a fan of Townes, but if you do a search, all you find is people repeating an unfounded rumor. It might be true that Parson's influenced the song, as he was hanging with the Stones. I suspect that the two have been conflated in this rumor.
. igets blurry. I grew up not knowing TVZ with only hte stones doing thr nmber. But Townes is by far my favorit covererer. The mans ag tragic genius.. as are jageger rchhards and Dylan.. Are you a richard thompson fan? that would be an entire othr can since 646-65 he's been a f88ING GUITAR MONSTER. BUT A STYLE AL TO HIMSELF. ...
I think Jay Farrar is very close to the Dylan of our day. (uncle tupelo, Son Volt.. no offense if you know these folks. . Take care
That commenter posted the same comment on several different covers of the song around the same time. I do think Mick sings it more as a kiss-off, in your face song, but art has layers, and not being able to recognize that also makes me think the guy was either clueless about art, or perhaps just trolling.
@pmarti1000
I don't think it is editingor that he was avoiding the emotions, I think Townes forgot the lyrics. He was certainly not someone to edit a song. He was a genius, but he was also an alcoholic who was not always the best on stage. There used to be a better version of this on youtube witht he sound synched properly, and it seemed like he was humming at that point.
Jivezilla, he only had a hard life because he chose to. He was born with money and decided to walk away from it, and chose to drink heavily and use drugs. I'm a huge fan of Townes, but that's the truth. If I'm not mistaken, most of the Stones have had similar issues. It's a miracle that Keith Richards is still alive. And the Stones did write some really good songs.
@Jivezilla yeah, keith didnt lose a child, have a rough upbringing, have his gardener shoot himself in his bed with his gun after an affair with his wife, and no way did they have a lot of love for country music. townes didnt write his most famous song, fucking tragic huh? well thats life kids. the stones wrote KILLER songs.
stones own the rights to this song which flat out means they wrote it, otherwise townes could sue. the song does not need to have needle and spoon dropped its what made this song so edgey
unless he sold his rights before the song was published
What you say can be true and I love Townes, but I think outside of Americana/roots fans and fans of the Big Lebowski, the song is still primarily identified with the Stones. Ask the average person if they know the song and I expect the majority would say it is a Stones song if they know it at all.
@towleyman
What makes you think that the Stones didn't write Dead Flowers... especially when Townes attributed it to the Stones on the album. You seem like someone who cares about music, so you might want to do some research and start reading liner notes instead of trusting rumors.
@roo7227
That is how you hear it... but it doesn't mean others interpretations are wrong. Yeah, it is a kiss off to the woman, but it is still a blues song musically and thematically. And if you have experience with dope, you wouldn't see this as a happy song.
@TalamoxSmith If you would take the time to read back a few comments you would see that no, not everybody knows that it's a Stones cover. In fact, many people think Townes wrote it. And I agree that Townes recorded the definitive version, so no need to get all indignant on everyone.
@darlincommitme
I should add that I am not counting JimmyG's citing WIkipedia as citing a source. He is obviously a troll since he carefully took one line out of context. The article is clear the it is a Stones original. It says they recorded it in '71 but then stopped singing it live until 89.
@roo7227
needle and a spoon,funerals, dead flowers, another girl to take the pain away, seems pretty sad to me. But its good that we have a self appointed spokesman for the song to let the rest of us know how to feel about it.
@danahall5558 Yes, Townes was one of the greatest American songwriters, but no he did not write Dead Flowers. You have an internet connection, you have access to allmusic etc., go figure it out for yourself.
@JimmyGtunes Jagger and Richards wrote it dude. In 1970. Believe it or not, they did do a thing or two original. You probably think Johhny Cash wrote "Hurt" too. Talk about looking stupid...
sorry i totally posted that out of ignorance, honestly thought that tvz wrote it, never knew he paid tribute to the stones! i guess in my mind it sounded like something he wrote.
If anyone could find a way to sync up the video with the audio, this would be amazing. But, considering Townes was too messed up to remember the lyrics, I guess it's appropriate.
TOWNES
That is a common fan interpretation - but the Stones have never confirmed it and tend to leave interpretation to the listeners. So it can't really be declared a fact.
@HarryPowell7 It's funny, because when I heard the stones version I thought, "What a bunch of hacks," but then when I realized they actually wrote it, I was cool with Townes covering it. Who knows why. It makes no sense. It's just Townes. He can do what he wants and it's all cool.
you dont know it because its not in your age category. you get all your info from movies and wickpedia. this was our info. life talent. not video makeovers.
Who gives a flying fig who stole/borrowed it? No one on here knows the truth that's for sure. They're both excellent songs and I'm too busy enjoying them to care
ye but its about heroin man not some rich bitch but i lik both versions just cause they make the song 2 different things, and both are valid for the lyrics content
huge townes fan, but i'm sorry bud, this song was written by m.jagger and k. richards. townes does a great version of it, and it certainly suits him well
jagger wrote most of the lyrics about getting old, keith chipped in. this is a cover. the real argument is whether its a richards/parsons song.
@dmellow45 are you kiddin me? This is the essence of the big lebowskii.Did you enjoy the big lebowski? Then follow the comments for christs sake.
DROP YOUR SHORTS PLEASE...
no no he punched me right here on the chin.....
I UNDERSTAND, PLEASE DROP YOUR SHORTS PLEASE....
Seriously, TVZ wrote this song NOT the stones. People, stop believing everything you read. You have a head, FUCKING USE IT.
@BLACKMETALHELLBILLY
Actually, having looked at your page, I would also suggest Jayke Orvis the site saving country music.
@gordondelma
You will see people saying he did, but no, this is a Rolling Stones song, co-written by Richards and Jagger.
Just to answer a earlier question, Townes lived in Barrington, Illinois. Barrington is a wealthy NW suburb of Chicago
you guys are way too biased if you think this is anyway near the original. stones wote it and they defined it.
@spinch1488 It is not just you spinch, if you have a pulse and you listen, you will choke up when you hear TVZ
What the hell is the picking pattern in this? Is it:
Bass note / two eighth notes / Bass note / triplette?
Ugh... The song is not supposed to be sad.. Why do these "artists" always get that wrong?..
@danahall5558 I think you forgot about Lou Reed. He's as great as Dylan and Townes IMHO..
did he skip: "I'll be in my basement room, with a needle and a spoon..." ?
Well that just about does her. Wraps her all up. Pretty good story if you ask me
Dead flowers refers to a certain chemical found in the sap of the poppy plant.
@darlincommitme He lived and died just like he wanted to; what's the problem?
it IS a rolling stones cover. the stones wrote it and recorded it first.
that aint the only reason i know it. Rolling Stone's Sticky Fingers is.
@jbstonesfan
Steve Earle's cover of "Dead Flowers" is great as well.
This one goes out to my bowling buddies! It’s just a game.
Who the fuck are the Knudsens?
where is my bag of dope and mi chica? no say; thanx townes...
skipped over the "needle and a spoon" line. on purpose...?
Trent Reznor said he liked Johnny's better than his.
@danahall5558 I believe you are forgetting Lou Reed.
SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOO much better than The Stones!
I was wrong the Glimmer twins wrote Dead flowers!
He kinda looks like Roger Waters in this vid
Best version. Great. Thanks for posting!
clearly, "he doesn't roll on shabbos"......
@TheEndKing Maybe he didn't want to say it.
He had no frame of refrence, obviously.
Ill be in my Basement room with a Needle and a Spoon
raw bone!
kinda disappointed he censored himself
yeah, that's a possibility. poor guy.
mick can make you sick, gimme Townes.
One of the few performers who can do justicve to a Stones cover.
It ain't a cover, he wrote it!
@@ianurie1536 He covered it but Mick and Keith wrote it.
Townes does a great Jagger/Richard
@spinch1488 Not just you, friend.
Where was this recording made?
Fuck it dude, let's go bowling.