My father used to sing this song drunk as hell by the fire, alone, for years...when i wised up i finally asked what he was singing, he told me "everything i needed to hear"
No one like Townes, to me, he was in the mold of Cash. He's that guy who wasn't traditional country. A folk singer speaking from his heart, more beautifully than anyone. No fake accent, not waving the American flag, No pretentiousness. Just telling truth, connecting with others disconnected like he was, but more beautifully than anyone else was...
It’s present with other signers, but I’ve never heard pain like Towns could sing it. You knew he had a personal relationship with his lyrics. He was a true artist
Not only that but how she comforts him and he keeps telling her thats hes okay... shes super sweet for trying to soothe him. Not everyone would've done that. You gotta reach out, especially to people who may not have been reached out to before. I hate when i cry in front of people, its rare. I hate when people think im not a strong person. But being comforted is always a help. And im not saying crying makes you weak either, its just that some people see it that way.
That’s “uncle Seymour” and Susanna Clark comforting him. He was singing “waitin round to die” when uncle Seymour started crying, I think he was crying for Townes. Uncle Seymour embodied the level of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of hard work, and I think he was crying for the path Townes was going down.
Like Townes Van Zandt, I suffer from alcoholism and depression. These things run in families; they gallop in mine. Sometimes, this song is affirming to me; other times, it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Depends on the day.
This is stunningly beautiful, it is like a great painting from the master painters from long ago. this fine black gentleman with tears in his eyes as he listens to Townes Van Zandt, also the kind lady consoling his as he would have remembered bad and sad days of yesteryear. Townes Van Zandt's songs are loaded with the human emotions and the touch Now this old man is resting in eternal peace in heaven, I hope that the young lady is still around enjoying her life and telling her stories about Townes Van Zandt, this old mana and many other stores of her life
Yeah, no kidding. I wonder where this came from, because its not in the documentary or the outtakes, from what I remember. That One for the One song by John Hiatt is really powerful and good too. -Shen.
I've got 3 kids. Your mother I just bet wouldn't want you to hold onto the guilt. Feel it.own it.work through it and remember all the good you can about her..for her. She'd smile..for you
"Sorrow and solitude, these are the precious things, and the only words, that are worth remembering." As terrifyingly dark as these lines are, I believe that they reflect true wisdom, the wisdom that all souls must come to one day, and that all of us who know Townes's music are blessed, in a strange way, by the fact that his music forces us to reflect upon these things. You can listen to empty-headed nonsense all day, fill your mind with empty-headed ideology and be an ignorant person as much as you want, spend your hours buying futile products and futile ideas. This is the music of a man alone with himself, facing himself, facing the void. Few people would ever want to accept these thoughts, but that's exactly why this song is wise and not, like so much of our culture, foolish.
His voice is so honest and real and his playing is simple and complex at the same time, if that makes any sense. He provokes real emotion when I listen to him. I wish I'd found him sooner.
i hear you hugh.... i discovered guy clark back when he was starting out... but didn't find tvz until about 5 years ago... i've made up for lost time .... guy and townes are about all i listen to by choice anymore
faithful827 I might suggest you slide Mickey Newbury into the Guy Clark, TVZ rotation. Townes and Mickey were great friends and had similar song writing talents.
thank for the suggestion jay ...i was aware of the friendship ... look what i found "Anybody who can't recognize the genius of Townes Van Zandt, I don't want to spend more than five minutes talking to them about music," says Newbury firmly. "How could it get much better than 'If I had No Place to Fall' or 'Our Mother the Mountain' or 'Quicksilver Daydreams of Maria' or 'St. John the Gambler'?" He speaks the titles of these Van Zandt songs as if they were Biblical psalms. and the respect was mutual Just as Newbury speaks of Townes' songs with the highest regard, Townes expressed an intense respect and admiration for his friend's music as well. "It was really funny trying to explain -- I can't call it 'explain' -- but I'd tried to tell Jeanene [Townes' wife] about the sound of Mickey's voice and the guitar on a good night at the same time. It's hard, you can't do it. It's like from outer space. I've heard about people trying to explain a color to a blind person. Like Helen Keller. There's no way to do it."
Hey mama, when you leave Don't leave a thing behind I don't want nothin' I can't use nothin' Take care into the hall And if you see my friends Tell them I'm fine Not using nothin' Almost burned out my eyes Threw my ears down to the floor I didn't see nothin' I didn't hear nothin' I stood there like a block of stone Knowin' all I had to know And nothin' more Man, that's nothin' As brothers our troubles are Locked in each others arms And you better pray They never find you Your back ain't strong enough For burdens doublefold They'd crush you down Down into nothin' Being born is going blind And buying down a thousand times To echoes strung On pure temptation Sorrow and solitude These are the precious things And the only words That are worth rememberin'
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the lyrics posted, and that you are one of the chariahed few that appreciate this man, but the lyrics are, "and bowing down a thousand times" not, "and buying down a thousand times"
I also feel that he says he, "threw his years to the floor" and not "ears to the floor.". Although it's make sense with his following lyric that he, "couldn't hear nothin' " it fits better with the song, of how he regrets his behavior and substance abuse both personally, and that which he witnessed. He almost threw his years to the floor, and embraced those addictive behaviors, but if it weren't for her he would have embraced them fully?
God, this is just so raw an true. I'ts not a guitar, not a voice, not even a song... it's just a message, simply just a message I wanna hold on to forever...
Mattenthehatt just like life. no wonder that man says that life imitates art. if you think otherwise, think of the ur mann watching the birds moved to turn schreck and suhne into song. sorrow and solitude, we mistake them for burdens when they are gifts.
An astonishing piece of songwriting. So far ahead of his time and tragically taken away from us way to early, but his music lives on....we should consider ourselves lucky he walked the earth. Simply the best.
I often read comments like: ‘What a troubled soul Townes was. What a sad story of this self-destructive man.’ I don’t agree with these. I see Townes as a triumph, a glorious human being, exploring the depths and heights of mankind. I think of him with a smile on my face. The opposite is sad and troubled. Superficial living with not much meaning, not having any feelings, apathy, day in day out the same routine, following orders, buying stuff you don’t need, watching TV, ..
Deplaneetegmont Well said. I envy this man. He did what he wanted and had fun doing it. I would have loved to known him. We all need to take some of the ways he lived and looked at life and apply it to our own lives...The world would be a much better place.
You said it. 'He did what he wanted and had fun doing it.' That alone is a very subversive and inspirational thing to do. It's the essence of being an artist. As Townes said himself that 'watching Elvis Presley was the starting point for me to become a guitar player. He had all the money in the world, all the girls and all the Cadillacs, and all he did was play the guitar and sing.' It's a wonderful principle, laughing in the face of what you're supposed to be. I remember Bruce Springsteen saying the same thing about watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show. It's like millions of caged birds watching a free bird flying on the TV. It's beautiful!
Im sorry but the man has the largest discography o depressing songs ive seen and ended up making out with his shotgun. His songs are beautiful and great look into a broken soul. Anything but the sign of a happy man
William Jenkins I'm sorry but he died at his home from a heart attack after recovering from surgery. Not suicide. He was only 52 years old. A person can write sad songs and not be a sad person.
I would suggest watching "Be Here To Love Me" the documentary about his life. Words can't express how much I admire Townes for pursuing his talent and his dreams and making the mark on the world that he did; he is one of the most influential songwriters of all time or at least of modern times. But if you think the life of someone with bipolar disorder, who was a lifelong alcoholic and at one point a heroin addict who injected in front of his son when he was 8 years old, then I think you're missing something. The genius of Townes was his ability to combine both sides - the joy of freedom, and the despair of a free fall. I admire him as much as anyone but it is not reasonable to pretend that he did not have significant mental health problems (or at least that's what people would call them today) which caused huge amounts of misery to himself and those around him. I think these exact issues forced him to confront life and death in such a fearless way, but there is simply no way it was all good times for him. He suffered and you can tell.
I was splitting some wood and thinking about this tune. Had to put down the maul and pick up my guitar. Cant't get no work done today. The man haunts me.
Mark, take that haunting and let it inspire you brother. I played around Austin back in the day with many different players and my soul was cleansed and uplifted by the uniqueness of all of them. Music is more powerful than prayer for me. I miss this man more than my words could ever say.
A genius who wasn't long for this world. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to what old Townes had to say about life; and, at times, it can really bring you to tears. Your back ain't strong enough For burdens doublefold They'd crush you down Down into nothin'
I don't care if he is a different color and was three states away, I see the face of my grandfather in that old man. The look of hard livin' that only someone who felt the joy and learned about the pain can possess. RIP Pa-Pa
Good on you for saying and In love what you said about those fine old gentle old man who would have know hard and sad times and would have suffered from some people's insults just because he was black, those very great man Townes Van Zandt built up this man and gibe him strength to carry on in the most kind and gentle way God blessed you both also the lady in this video, you can see what the words men to all 3, they were like a pray to Goid above
25 year old german here. I knew Cash songs from my father and still think they're great. Listening to this guy since 10 minutes and Cash aint got shit against this guy. Why is Townes not more famous?
Ryan says he didn't seek fame. See, it doesn't make sense to me. I cannot think of a singer who doesn't seek fame, you perform because you want people to listen to you. Townes was inspired by Elvis when he was just nine years old, how could he not dream of fame? If you want no fame you sing on your porch to the family. Perhaps he was behind the times. Van Zandt himself admitted that he started singing at the tail end of the folk movement when this music was going out of fashion. I mean why did Bob Dylan start playing an electric guitar? Not just for the shock value. In music you have to get on with the times or you stay a niche singer. Cash reinvented himself many times. This song right here is beautiful and raw and depressing but I cannot imagine the mainstream listening to this. It's not the music you dance to or kiss your girl to. It's not the music popular radio stations pick up. Also let's not forget the addiction to drugs and alcohol that cuts your life short unless you snap out of it like Johnny Cash or Elton John. Did van Zandt drink himself to death because he never achieved fame he wanted or did he never achieve the fame he wanted because he drank himself to death? Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I have found him recently just like you and am very happy for the discovery. An intelligent guy like that should have had a better life.
Doesn't get any realer and more honest than this. From the lyrics and the recording to his humble guitar. Same goes for guys like Johnny Cash. Parodies pop music as the soulless crap that it is.
You're spot on, my friend. I listen to Townes, Johnny, Merle, Waylon and all the others for validation...and they provide it...may they rest in peace and greet me with their message when it's my turn to enter the great beyond..
this is by far the realist, most emotionally raw music I've ever found. van zandt is one of the only musicians I've listened to that you can actually feel the pain and other emotions he experienced that gave him the inspiration for his music. its a true shame that more people haven't heard of his music...
for years heard about him as great songwriter, I am sorry I waited so long before listening. A true poet, every line of his is suffused with meaning and feeling.
You know that feeling when you're (experiencing) the blues with all your being, to the very core of your bones, although there ain't no particular reason for it?! You're simply feelin' the hard burden of life itself, (unwillingly) facing the pointless existence of every human being, to which we're all trying to put some meaning, give it a grand purpose & design (that may keep the sad reality away for a while, protect us from the 'ugly truth' about our lives, make that burden of the very existence, feel a bit lighter). Those are the moments, the states of mind, the uncharted territory of all sorts of ideas & feelings, where each of us eventually ends up in his/her journey. That is the big nothingness that reveals itself to every rational human, which makes us sad, feelin' the blues, with a big but hollow ball of our entire experience, up until that very moment, clinching in our stomachs, as we stare somewhere in the far landscape, listening to this Townes Van Zandt's perfection, called Nothin'. Wonderful piece of music, beautiful lyrics that cannot leave a person indifferent. And I don't even listen to a country music (with a few fair exceptions). Maybe I'm just shaking off my mind's crap through my mouth (and fingertips, in this case), but maybe there's someone out there, who feels pretty much (or less) similarly, while he/she listens to this beautiful song... Have my regards fellas!
You know you become a mature person when you start to understand this music and feel it, because no man who had seen too many things in his life can deny this music...
2:10 I know it's from another video but that lines up perfectly with for me the most hard truthful line in the song. "Being born is going blind and bowing down a thousand times"
After hearing this song, everything sounds hollow and opportunistic. I need a hug........ Tell someone you love them. Especially if you mean it! Peas.. Again, goodnight.
Just listened to this song for the first time,,,,630 am cup of coffee,,When it was done ,I listened again,then just sat in silence,save for the sounds of morning,birds,crickets,cars in the distance,,,,,nuf said
As a man in my 40's and as a musician of 27yrs. Townes music has hit me harder than any other ever... My girlfriend introduced him to me over a year ago and I have drove straight into his music and his amazing songwriting... It's Dark with a hint of light
This shit was rare back then .. Now it dont exist unless you look for it . Its very sad that it is not appreciated as it should be. Huge talent and amazing person lost to soon ..love you Townes .
IAMME00 yes, if you got empathie and a true heart, and in townes case being wise, also.. than its hard to take a look in the reality and see how times and people change. its a hard load this knowledge. and thats the reason why some, also very intelligent, people sniff clue, or trink, or take anykind of drugs. to had a break of thinking and find silence.... maybe just for one hour.
@@otis7778 Nah! Nice Thought Otis, But,,,'Idiots' Also',, Like to Drink' and Take Stuff' Though I 'Do, Respect' What you say, I play guitar, and I play Towns songs' and Help Keep em alive, All Best To You.
@@alanjudd7537 hi.thx. right. now i know. too late. a wasted life. music/playing is the best drug ever.all you need. im also starting playing guitar (again after 40 years..because i had got no discipline and patience to learn) as a hobby. this is a real, true, good kick. g from germany
My father used to hum this tune while working. I never asked him what it was when he was still alive. But, the moment I heard this song, I knew this is what my father was humming. Makes his short and painful life even harder to grasp and makes me appreciate him and his life so much more. Kind of like your situation Crank Bait, learned it from my father.
Wish I had a friend like that...these old grizzly bears were all but dying when I grew up... I remember them but was far too young... I suppose we are a generation of men without men who preceded them to teach anything worth a while...and despite loving and respecting the women who stayed behind I sure do miss them old timers...
When I was a schoolnbus driver in San Francisci, my old black man was my bus monitor. His job was to keep the kids in line. He wasn't sad though, just lovable.
Une perfection...paroles, musique et voix...TVZ rempli l'appart...RIP Townes and thank you for helping us again with your amazing talent. Une possible traduction, respectueuse j’espère mais libre aussi. Et pour me souvenir mieux de la version originale ;--). Hey mère puisque tu pars / Ne laisse rien derrière toi / Je ne veux rien / N'ai besoin de rien / Fais attention dans le couloir / Et si tu vois mes amis / Dis leur que je vais bien / Et n'ai besoin de rien Presque brûlé mes yeux / Comme traversé le plancher / Je ne voyais rien / Je n'entendais rien / Je restais là comme un bloc de pierre / Sachant ce que j'avais à savoir / Et rien d'autre / Mec, ce n'est rien La vie c'est les amis et frères / dont les bras emprisonnent nos problèmes / Et tu ferais mieux de prier / Pour qu'ils ne s'échappent jamais / Ton dos n'est pas assez fort / Pour cette double peine / Qui t’écrasera / T'écrasera dans le rien Naître c'est devenir aveugle / Et mendier des milliers de fois / Pour faire écho / A la pure tentation / Chagrin et solitude / Voilà les choses précieuses / Et les seuls mots / qui vaillent la peine qu'on se souvienne
It's only when Townes plays Nothin or Pancho and Lefty that touches my soul not Willie Nelson or Merle Haggard or even Steve Earle (whom I greatly admire ) crying or smiling for some reason only Townes owns these songs a great man.
It's a shame to put down great musicians to make your point. Btw, the Towns' estate does literally "own" this music since he's its creator unless he signed an exploitative contract in the early days.
My Ten Favorite Singer Songwriters: Townes Van Zandt, Jim Croce, Steve Earle, Dave Van Ronk, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, and Bob Dylan... These guys changed the music for the better, all amazing players, and all have attitude ....
+TheAvailable43 After reflection, I would ut him before Cash as a songwriter. Cash is a great performer, and wrote some great songs, but overall Prine has a richer and deeper catalog of songs. Cash didn't write a lot of what he recorded. And then there is Leonard Cohen...
Well said.... I wish it was only about the music industry though . They promote and play what sells ..I guess business is business . The public wants Beyonce and Bieber because the general public and the majority of the population like "happy distraction songs" because thinking is to much to ask of them. The great divide in humanity is not political or religious it is intellect . Only 5 % of the population scores an IQ above 125 ..thats the real problem . So we must endure ..no?
With the way IQ scores work, there will never be more than 5% of the population scoring higher than 125 under the current system no matter how much smarter people might get. Incidentally, average IQ scores have been rising for decades now.
If people bought stuff like this, and listened to stuff like this, it would shoot up the charts, but only a handful of people find time to listen to this kind of music, and I understand why.. maybe walking through the woods if no one else is around, or sat somewhere drinking whiskey with likeminded friends, but it doesn't change the fact that the world we live in, most people won't listen to stuff like this. Fantastic lyrics, smooth voice, eery feeling, Townes Van Zandt was a genius plain and simple.. But there is a time and place for this type of music, and I understand that now, now somebody say ''well said''
There's a ton that's shitty about America. But Townes was a true American genius and a national treasure. I hope younger people listen to his music and appreciate it.
Spot on, Holymakinaw, spot on! Learning, hearing, seeing as much as I can ensues - a pure chance look-up of Townes Van Zandt, leading to this track with fantastic footage. . . to say this has been a "real treat" (for the past hour) is an understatement. "Treasure" IS the only word that feels right. Here's to 'old' meeting 'new', haha #cheers !
Holymakinaw I was only ten years old when Townes died, but I have a true appreciation for music that has real feeling behind it. Musicians like this are a rarity in any era, and it's because of that reason that he is truly immortalized.
I just listened to this for the first time during a thunderstorm. 50 miles west of Houston on hwy 290. In a wooden shack with no running water or electricity. 11:13 PM on Tuesday May 18th, 2021. Brilliant piece of a man's soul bared for all to see and called art so that others may relate. Its tragically beautiful in a way I'm not fit to describe. I wouldn't have the words.
From the movie Heartworn Highways (a full length feature film and another film). The old man is Seymour Washington a blacksmith and friend of Townes. The film is available on DVD from Netflix.
hearthworn highways i know. but i saw another 1 hour doku about townes. where you saw him talking himself a lot. for example the story when he fall to sleep with 2 tubes of clue in his mouth. at the morning, when he woke up both fixed. so he drove to a dentist, witch one hit both with a hammer out of his mouth. im searching for this doku for so long. YOU KNOW THE NAME OF IT MAYBE ??? g from germany
@@sarahdelmas7194 Sorry, that's not Cindy. Cindy was a strawberry blonde. That's a neighbor girl that used to hang around the group in Clarksville neighborhood of Austin. Some people identify her as Suzanne Clark, but Guy and Suzanne were living in Nashville when this was filmed.
I read about a time that someone asked/told him saying u ought to play some happier songs- his response was- These are the happier ones
My father used to sing this song drunk as hell by the fire, alone, for years...when i wised up i finally asked what he was singing, he told me "everything i needed to hear"
Townes Van Zandt is the Gospel of our time. His songs are not just words, they are personal epiphanies we all must face in one way or another.
You speak my thoughts and words, you know, and you got that correct
No one like Townes, to me, he was in the mold of Cash. He's that guy who wasn't traditional country. A folk singer speaking from his heart, more beautifully than anyone. No fake accent, not waving the American flag, No pretentiousness. Just telling truth, connecting with others disconnected like he was, but more beautifully than anyone else was...
Musicians are just philosophers with a few strings on a box.
Well said brother
we was the worlds greatest low-cash troubadour....
Townes sung in the true American spirit. No one else like him.
Would have been a star had he not been an addict
Probably the best American story teller ever, what a great talent
Gonna say Dylan has him beat on that one but he’s definitely up there
Marty?
I'm surprised you dont have millions of comments that's a amazing comment!
It’s present with other signers, but I’ve never heard pain like Towns could sing it. You knew he had a personal relationship with his lyrics. He was a true artist
Yeah I was thinking Marty and Bob too. But I haven't heard as much of Townes
Been watching this vid for yrs. Seen it maybe 150 times and that old man crying kills me every time
same here
Same
Heartbreak and tears....
Not only that but how she comforts him and he keeps telling her thats hes okay... shes super sweet for trying to soothe him. Not everyone would've done that. You gotta reach out, especially to people who may not have been reached out to before.
I hate when i cry in front of people, its rare. I hate when people think im not a strong person. But being comforted is always a help. And im not saying crying makes you weak either, its just that some people see it that way.
That’s “uncle Seymour” and Susanna Clark comforting him. He was singing “waitin round to die” when uncle Seymour started crying, I think he was crying for Townes. Uncle Seymour embodied the level of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of hard work, and I think he was crying for the path Townes was going down.
Like Townes Van Zandt, I suffer from alcoholism and depression. These things run in families; they gallop in mine. Sometimes, this song is affirming to me; other times, it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Depends on the day.
One of my favourites from Townes. So dark, so real, so beautiful
for a song titled nothin it means so much
This is stunningly beautiful, it is like a great painting from the master painters from long ago. this fine black gentleman with tears in his eyes as he listens to Townes Van Zandt, also the kind lady consoling his as he would have remembered bad and sad days of yesteryear. Townes Van Zandt's songs are loaded with the human emotions and the touch Now this old man is resting in eternal peace in heaven, I hope that the young lady is still around enjoying her life and telling her stories about Townes Van Zandt, this old mana and many other stores of her life
I swear just when you think you've heard all his songs, you find another hit, and he's still alive
+wheelmanstan Townes kicked it long ago. RIP.
Tim Brady
yeah but his music lives
Yeah, no kidding. I wonder where this came from, because its not in the documentary or the outtakes, from what I remember. That One for the One song by John Hiatt is really powerful and good too.
-Shen.
@@shenandoahhawkins6026It's from Delta Momma Blues, 1971
Townes is one of the few musicians who will never die. People will always be singing his songs so long as there is sorrow and heartbreak
I don't even know what to say...song is like a punch to the gut in it's honesty...pure genious!
Sometimes a simple melody and some heartfelt words can become larger than the world. As genius as it gets.
Made me cry. I miss my mom, and am full of guilt and shit.
Spanish John Wow. That is a seven year old comment,, but thanks. It`s strange what you get used to,, I`m fine
Her pain is over so let yours be too.
I'm sure you're forgiven
@@MrUnit731 time heals all wounds doesn't it
I've got 3 kids. Your mother I just bet wouldn't want you to hold onto the guilt. Feel it.own it.work through it and remember all the good you can about her..for her. She'd smile..for you
"Sorrow and solitude, these are the precious things, and the only words, that are worth remembering."
As terrifyingly dark as these lines are, I believe that they reflect true wisdom, the wisdom that all souls must come to one day, and that all of us who know Townes's music are blessed, in a strange way, by the fact that his music forces us to reflect upon these things. You can listen to empty-headed nonsense all day, fill your mind with empty-headed ideology and be an ignorant person as much as you want, spend your hours buying futile products and futile ideas. This is the music of a man alone with himself, facing himself, facing the void. Few people would ever want to accept these thoughts, but that's exactly why this song is wise and not, like so much of our culture, foolish.
yes, like "satsang" don't you?
His voice is so honest and real and his playing is simple and complex at the same time, if that makes any sense. He provokes real emotion when I listen to him. I wish I'd found him sooner.
i hear you hugh.... i discovered guy clark back when he was starting out... but didn't find tvz until about 5 years ago... i've made up for lost time .... guy and townes are about all i listen to by choice anymore
faithful827 I might suggest you slide Mickey Newbury into the Guy Clark, TVZ rotation. Townes and Mickey were great friends and had similar song writing talents.
thank for the suggestion jay ...i was aware of the friendship ... look what i found
"Anybody who can't recognize the genius of Townes Van Zandt, I don't want to spend more than five minutes talking to them about music," says Newbury firmly. "How could it get much better than 'If I had No Place to Fall' or 'Our Mother the Mountain' or 'Quicksilver Daydreams of Maria' or 'St. John the Gambler'?"
He speaks the titles of these Van Zandt songs as if they were Biblical psalms.
and the respect was mutual
Just as Newbury speaks of Townes' songs with the highest regard, Townes expressed an intense respect and admiration for his friend's music as well. "It was really funny trying to explain -- I can't call it 'explain' -- but I'd tried to tell Jeanene [Townes' wife] about the sound of Mickey's voice and the guitar on a good night at the same time. It's hard, you can't do it. It's like from outer space. I've heard about people trying to explain a color to a blind person. Like Helen Keller. There's no way to do it."
It’s a damn shame he never made the mainstream. People today would connect with his work. Brings me to tears almost every time I listen to him
I think he made quite a bit in royalties from others who recorded his songs.
Hey mama, when you leave
Don't leave a thing behind
I don't want nothin'
I can't use nothin'
Take care into the hall
And if you see my friends
Tell them I'm fine
Not using nothin'
Almost burned out my eyes
Threw my ears down to the floor
I didn't see nothin'
I didn't hear nothin'
I stood there like a block of stone
Knowin' all I had to know
And nothin' more
Man, that's nothin'
As brothers our troubles are
Locked in each others arms
And you better pray
They never find you
Your back ain't strong enough
For burdens doublefold
They'd crush you down
Down into nothin'
Being born is going blind
And buying down a thousand times
To echoes strung
On pure temptation
Sorrow and solitude
These are the precious things
And the only words
That are worth rememberin'
Wow those lyrics cut you to the bone. Totally different reading them. Thanks for posting them
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the lyrics posted, and that you are one of the chariahed few that appreciate this man, but the lyrics are, "and bowing down a thousand times" not, "and buying down a thousand times"
I also feel that he says he, "threw his years to the floor" and not "ears to the floor.". Although it's make sense with his following lyric that he, "couldn't hear nothin' " it fits better with the song, of how he regrets his behavior and substance abuse both personally, and that which he witnessed. He almost threw his years to the floor, and embraced those addictive behaviors, but if it weren't for her he would have embraced them fully?
Threw my years to the floor
And
Threw my ears to the floor
- Sound remarkably similar
Although there's less to substantiate the latter claim. The first is 100% the original lyric
God, this is just so raw an true. I'ts not a guitar, not a voice, not even a song... it's just a message, simply just a message I wanna hold on to forever...
Took the words outta my mouth...god this song hurts and soothes all at once. Simply beautiful
Mattenthehatt just like life. no wonder that man says that life imitates art. if you think otherwise, think of the ur mann watching the birds moved to turn schreck and suhne into song. sorrow and solitude, we mistake them for burdens when they are gifts.
You are so right! I never met Townes (obviously) but I feel so connected to him.....
I saw the dude live in around 1972 and it was by far the best performance of a singer songwriter I ever saw.
greatest American songwriter ever
This is a man who can make you feel your soul and gain reassurance in God
An astonishing piece of songwriting. So far ahead of his time and tragically taken away from us way to early, but his music lives on....we should consider ourselves lucky he walked the earth. Simply the best.
A beautiful soul was Townes. I’m learning so much from him now that I’m in my 40s - I feel ready to listen.
Ah man I cried at this video honestly. “Sorrow and solitude, these are the precious things..”
I often read comments like: ‘What a troubled soul Townes was. What a sad story of this self-destructive man.’ I don’t agree with these. I see Townes as a triumph, a glorious human being, exploring the depths and heights of mankind. I think of him with a smile on my face. The opposite is sad and troubled. Superficial living with not much meaning, not having any feelings, apathy, day in day out the same routine, following orders, buying stuff you don’t need, watching TV, ..
Deplaneetegmont Well said. I envy this man. He did what he wanted and had fun doing it. I would have loved to known him. We all need to take some of the ways he lived and looked at life and apply it to our own lives...The world would be a much better place.
You said it. 'He did what he wanted and had fun doing it.' That alone is a very subversive and inspirational thing to do. It's the essence of being an artist. As Townes said himself that 'watching Elvis Presley was the starting point for me to become a guitar player. He had all the money in the world, all the girls and all the Cadillacs, and all he did was play the guitar and sing.' It's a wonderful principle, laughing in the face of what you're supposed to be. I remember Bruce Springsteen saying the same thing about watching Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show. It's like millions of caged birds watching a free bird flying on the TV. It's beautiful!
Im sorry but the man has the largest discography o depressing songs ive seen and ended up making out with his shotgun. His songs are beautiful and great look into a broken soul. Anything but the sign of a happy man
William Jenkins I'm sorry but he died at his home from a heart attack after recovering from surgery. Not suicide. He was only 52 years old. A person can write sad songs and not be a sad person.
I would suggest watching "Be Here To Love Me" the documentary about his life. Words can't express how much I admire Townes for pursuing his talent and his dreams and making the mark on the world that he did; he is one of the most influential songwriters of all time or at least of modern times. But if you think the life of someone with bipolar disorder, who was a lifelong alcoholic and at one point a heroin addict who injected in front of his son when he was 8 years old, then I think you're missing something. The genius of Townes was his ability to combine both sides - the joy of freedom, and the despair of a free fall. I admire him as much as anyone but it is not reasonable to pretend that he did not have significant mental health problems (or at least that's what people would call them today) which caused huge amounts of misery to himself and those around him. I think these exact issues forced him to confront life and death in such a fearless way, but there is simply no way it was all good times for him. He suffered and you can tell.
Rest in Peace Guy Clark....I hope you and Townes are having a reunion with some good ole fashion storytelling party.
IMO Townes is the greatest songwriter, ever.
Probably my favorite Townes song of all. Speaks volumes about the truth of life.
My favorite too
I was splitting some wood and thinking about this tune. Had to put down the maul and pick up my guitar. Cant't get no work done today. The man haunts me.
Mark, take that haunting and let it inspire you brother. I played around Austin back in the day with many different players and my soul was cleansed and uplifted by the uniqueness of all of them. Music is more powerful than prayer for me. I miss this man more than my words could ever say.
Mark Richards yep
As manly a comment I've seen
Can’t help but to do that..
Yeah beer and music are work killers for sure
This man sings words from his heart ... and they go straight to mine. Wish I could have known him.
Boy, this one strikes my soul to the core! One of the best songs I've ever heard.
A genius who wasn't long for this world. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to what old Townes had to say about life; and, at times, it can really bring you to tears.
Your back ain't strong enough
For burdens doublefold
They'd crush you down
Down into nothin'
truth
Townes had it. this song always reminds me of Jackson C Frank. Two beautiful songwriters and musicians.
I don't care if he is a different color and was three states away, I see the face of my grandfather in that old man. The look of hard livin' that only someone who felt the joy and learned about the pain can possess. RIP Pa-Pa
Good on you for saying and In love what you said about those fine old gentle old man who would have know hard and sad times and would have suffered from some people's insults just because he was black, those very great man Townes Van Zandt built up this man and gibe him strength to carry on in the most kind and gentle way God blessed you both also the lady in this video, you can see what the words men to all 3, they were like a pray to Goid above
🙏🏻
A hauntingly beautiful song.
25 year old german here. I knew Cash songs from my father and still think they're great. Listening to this guy since 10 minutes and Cash aint got shit against this guy. Why is Townes not more famous?
Townes never wanted or seeked out fame. He stayed somewhat obscure in his lifetime and was a very troubled soul.
Bob Dylan stole most of his music and got famous. The family still lives off the royalties it took 50 years to get.
It's not a competition
Ryan says he didn't seek fame. See, it doesn't make sense to me. I cannot think of a singer who doesn't seek fame, you perform because you want people to listen to you. Townes was inspired by Elvis when he was just nine years old, how could he not dream of fame? If you want no fame you sing on your porch to the family. Perhaps he was behind the times. Van Zandt himself admitted that he started singing at the tail end of the folk movement when this music was going out of fashion. I mean why did Bob Dylan start playing an electric guitar? Not just for the shock value. In music you have to get on with the times or you stay a niche singer. Cash reinvented himself many times. This song right here is beautiful and raw and depressing but I cannot imagine the mainstream listening to this. It's not the music you dance to or kiss your girl to. It's not the music popular radio stations pick up. Also let's not forget the addiction to drugs and alcohol that cuts your life short unless you snap out of it like Johnny Cash or Elton John. Did van Zandt drink himself to death because he never achieved fame he wanted or did he never achieve the fame he wanted because he drank himself to death? Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I have found him recently just like you and am very happy for the discovery. An intelligent guy like that should have had a better life.
Oh, come on. They're both great.
Touched alot of souls.
Doesn't get any realer and more honest than this. From the lyrics and the recording to his humble guitar. Same goes for guys like Johnny Cash. Parodies pop music as the soulless crap that it is.
You're spot on, my friend. I listen to Townes, Johnny, Merle, Waylon and all the others for validation...and they provide it...may they rest in peace and greet me with their message when it's my turn to enter the great beyond..
this is by far the realist, most emotionally raw music I've ever found. van zandt is one of the only musicians I've listened to that you can actually feel the pain and other emotions he experienced that gave him the inspiration for his music. its a true shame that more people haven't heard of his music...
You can feel the pain. Amazing
its amazing how you can really feel how he was feeling, and the emotions he put into his music. its astonishing rather...
Deeply Touching
This audio recording for the song is perfect
Found out about this guy a few months ago. Everything he creates is exceptional. Very depressing but very good too.
for years heard about him as great songwriter, I am sorry I waited so long before listening. A true poet, every line of his is suffused with meaning and feeling.
Is there any song out there more pure than this? Damn...
There’s nothin’ else that’s this pure
Townes is amazing. I wish more people knew how great this man's music was & how talented he truly was.
Just discovered this man. Going to listen to all his music, just amazing. Reminds me of a country Jim Croce, amazing.
Seeing the tears in this mans eyes, his hard life😔
You know that feeling when you're (experiencing) the blues with all your being, to the very core of your bones, although there ain't no particular reason for it?! You're simply feelin' the hard burden of life itself, (unwillingly) facing the pointless existence of every human being, to which we're all trying to put some meaning, give it a grand purpose & design (that may keep the sad reality away for a while, protect us from the 'ugly truth' about our lives, make that burden of the very existence, feel a bit lighter). Those are the moments, the states of mind, the uncharted territory of all sorts of ideas & feelings, where each of us eventually ends up in his/her journey. That is the big nothingness that reveals itself to every rational human, which makes us sad, feelin' the blues, with a big but hollow ball of our entire experience, up until that very moment, clinching in our stomachs, as we stare somewhere in the far landscape, listening to this Townes Van Zandt's perfection, called Nothin'.
Wonderful piece of music, beautiful lyrics that cannot leave a person indifferent. And I don't even listen to a country music (with a few fair exceptions).
Maybe I'm just shaking off my mind's crap through my mouth (and fingertips, in this case), but maybe there's someone out there, who feels pretty much (or less) similarly, while he/she listens to this beautiful song...
Have my regards fellas!
And I'm crying.... love this man's music so much.
You know you become a mature person when you start to understand this music and feel it, because no man who had seen too many things in his life can deny this music...
Haven't seen too many things in life but i sure think a lot, and i'm full. I feel this song, and the melancholy feel is so relatable.
Such a cool, touching video. This song is so deep. If you don't get it, you've no soul.
This man "got it."
The American dream in realtity differs a lot from the official Propaganda,thta is where Townes shine....forever.
that tore the heart out of me. I can't watch that any more.
HIs music has an almost holy feeling. Like a parchment manuscript that tells of some long lost method for finding god.
Well stated....
2:10 I know it's from another video but that lines up perfectly with for me the most hard truthful line in the song.
"Being born is going blind and bowing down a thousand times"
Everytime i find someone like him I start to enjoy life again, hope one day I can write something even only close to that
After hearing this song, everything sounds hollow and opportunistic. I need a hug........ Tell someone you love them. Especially if you mean it! Peas.. Again, goodnight.
Just listened to this song for the first time,,,,630 am cup of coffee,,When it was done ,I listened again,then just sat in silence,save for the sounds of morning,birds,crickets,cars in the distance,,,,,nuf said
Sometimes you hear what someones singing but Townes prefers to make you feel
As a man in my 40's and as a musician of 27yrs. Townes music has hit me harder than any other ever... My girlfriend introduced him to me over a year ago and I have drove straight into his music and his amazing songwriting... It's Dark with a hint of light
This shit was rare back then .. Now it dont exist unless you look for it . Its very sad that it is not appreciated as it should be. Huge talent and amazing person lost to soon ..love you Townes .
Townes Van Zandt was just too damn good to live. That's all there is to it
IAMME000 Better than life.
IAMME00 yes, if you got empathie and a true heart, and in townes case being wise, also.. than its hard to take a look in the reality and see how times and people change. its a hard load this knowledge. and thats the reason why some, also very intelligent, people sniff clue, or trink, or take anykind of drugs. to had a break of thinking and find silence.... maybe just for one hour.
@@otis7778 Nah! Nice Thought Otis, But,,,'Idiots' Also',, Like to Drink' and Take Stuff' Though I 'Do, Respect' What you say, I play guitar, and I play Towns songs' and Help Keep em alive, All Best To You.
@@alanjudd7537 hi.thx. right. now i know. too late. a wasted life. music/playing is the best drug ever.all you need. im also starting playing guitar (again after 40 years..because i had got no discipline and patience to learn) as a hobby. this is a real, true, good kick. g from germany
My father used to hum this tune while working. I never asked him what it was when he was still alive. But, the moment I heard this song, I knew this is what my father was humming. Makes his short and painful life even harder to grasp and makes me appreciate him and his life so much more. Kind of like your situation Crank Bait, learned it from my father.
The old black man reminds me of a good friend that taught me alot. may he RIP
Wish I had a friend like that...these old grizzly bears were all but dying when I grew up... I remember them but was far too young... I suppose we are a generation of men without men who preceded them to teach anything worth a while...and despite loving and respecting the women who stayed behind I sure do miss them old timers...
@@comanchedase Amen Gilliat87... Amen!
When I was a schoolnbus driver in San Francisci, my old black man was my bus monitor. His job was to keep the kids in line. He wasn't sad though, just lovable.
straight to the bone... real, real, contemplation for anyone old enough to know
Une perfection...paroles, musique et voix...TVZ rempli l'appart...RIP Townes and thank you for helping us again with your amazing talent. Une possible traduction, respectueuse j’espère mais libre aussi. Et pour me souvenir mieux de la version originale ;--).
Hey mère puisque tu pars / Ne laisse rien derrière toi / Je ne veux rien / N'ai besoin de rien / Fais attention dans le couloir / Et si tu vois mes amis / Dis leur que je vais bien / Et n'ai besoin de rien
Presque brûlé mes yeux / Comme traversé le plancher / Je ne voyais rien / Je n'entendais rien / Je restais là comme un bloc de pierre / Sachant ce que j'avais à savoir / Et rien d'autre / Mec, ce n'est rien
La vie c'est les amis et frères / dont les bras emprisonnent nos problèmes / Et tu ferais mieux de prier / Pour qu'ils ne s'échappent jamais / Ton dos n'est pas assez fort / Pour cette double peine / Qui t’écrasera / T'écrasera dans le rien
Naître c'est devenir aveugle / Et mendier des milliers de fois / Pour faire écho / A la pure tentation / Chagrin et solitude / Voilà les choses précieuses / Et les seuls mots / qui vaillent la peine qu'on se souvienne
Memories dredged up for this man.
It's only when Townes plays Nothin or Pancho and Lefty that touches my soul not Willie Nelson or Merle Haggard or even Steve Earle (whom I greatly admire ) crying or smiling for some reason only Townes owns these songs a great man.
It's a shame to put down great musicians to make your point.
Btw, the Towns' estate does literally "own" this music since he's its creator unless he signed an exploitative contract in the early days.
wow. this guy is insanely real
Brought tears to my eyes, such a deep song
Que linda música!!!🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
My Ten Favorite Singer Songwriters: Townes Van Zandt, Jim Croce, Steve Earle, Dave Van Ronk, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, and Bob Dylan... These guys changed the music for the better, all amazing players, and all have attitude ....
+TheAvailable43 No John Prine? I'd say he is one of the best, though don't know who I'd take off your list.
Have to squeeze him in, at 11....
+TheAvailable43
After reflection, I would ut him before Cash as a songwriter. Cash is a great performer, and wrote some great songs, but overall Prine has a richer and deeper catalog of songs. Cash didn't write a lot of what he recorded. And then there is Leonard Cohen...
+nilradem + Guy Clark, Gene Clark, Gram Parsons, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, Tom Rush, Joni Mitchell...
+TheAvailable43 Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and Jackson C Frank
The realest thing you’ve ever heard it’s not healthy but it’s life.
Absolutely hysterical to have a gosh dang, tiktok ad before Townes video.
We live in interesting times
Chinese curse: May you live in interesting times.
The most important singer in my life though I have moved past the darkness and now embrace Shakira
Wonderful, nice when parents surprise you with words!!!!
People should watch this video nowadays and realize they were all people there’s no colour there’s no race we’re just people thank you Mr. Townes
I cannot understand who would give this beauty a thumbs down...
Listen to any music video with 100 million plus hits and then listen to this. I think it pretty much sums up what is wrong with the music industry.
I've never heard it put just so. Succinct & true.
Well said.... I wish it was only about the music industry though . They promote and play what sells ..I guess business is business . The public wants Beyonce and Bieber because the general public and the majority of the population like "happy distraction songs" because thinking is to much to ask of them. The great divide in humanity is not political or religious it is intellect . Only 5 % of the population scores an IQ above 125 ..thats the real problem . So we must endure ..no?
With the way IQ scores work, there will never be more than 5% of the population scoring higher than 125 under the current system no matter how much smarter people might get. Incidentally, average IQ scores have been rising for decades now.
The music industry is merely feeding the 100 million hits (or twits) mind-numbing crap in order to get rich.
If people bought stuff like this, and listened to stuff like this, it would shoot up the charts, but only a handful of people find time to listen to this kind of music, and I understand why.. maybe walking through the woods if no one else is around, or sat somewhere drinking whiskey with likeminded friends, but it doesn't change the fact that the world we live in, most people won't listen to stuff like this. Fantastic lyrics, smooth voice, eery feeling, Townes Van Zandt was a genius plain and simple.. But there is a time and place for this type of music, and I understand that now, now somebody say ''well said''
I love this man! He is me. Don't worry, God's got ya covered. He knows you better than anyone else in the world.
That's so good it's bad - an arrow to the heart. Beautiful.
This song is a shot to the heart. Beautiful. TVZ RIP.
Not enough people know who he is, one of our finest songwriters.
Somos más lo que dejamos pasar que lo que tomamos. Excelente tema.
Who's listening in 2020?
I gotcha
Right here my guy.
I is listening. Sad for those who ain't.
right here i am
listening over and over again.
Brutal.
This song sounds like a hymn is supposed to, hear it once and you'll never forget it.
Dude that tough OG black guy makes my cry everytime this songs about him for sure rip townz
My man crying cause he know.
I miss my mother too, but she would not want you to be left with guilt. She loves you, keep looking forward...........
Perfection in poetry and soul. Simply. Nothin. Knowin all we need to know.
Why? although filled with sorrow and pain, they are beautiful. What isn't beautiful about them?
There's a ton that's shitty about America. But Townes was a true American genius and a national treasure. I hope younger people listen to his music and appreciate it.
Spot on, Holymakinaw, spot on!
Learning, hearing, seeing as much as I can ensues - a pure chance look-up of Townes Van Zandt, leading to this track with fantastic footage. . . to say this has been a "real treat" (for the past hour) is an understatement. "Treasure" IS the only word that feels right. Here's to 'old' meeting 'new', haha #cheers !
Holymakinaw I was only ten years old when Townes died, but I have a true appreciation for music that has real feeling behind it. Musicians like this are a rarity in any era, and it's because of that reason that he is truly immortalized.
l ladeh Go see Heartworn highways, friend! The footage is from that movie. It's super!
Holymakinaw No country that produces T.V.Z, Blaze Foley and Jackson C Frank can be all that bad.
***** I wouldn't. It's a shit-hole.
I just listened to this for the first time during a thunderstorm. 50 miles west of Houston on hwy 290. In a wooden shack with no running water or electricity. 11:13 PM on Tuesday May 18th, 2021. Brilliant piece of a man's soul bared for all to see and called art so that others may relate. Its tragically beautiful in a way I'm not fit to describe. I wouldn't have the words.
You expressed it well, Jason. I think many are struck the first time hearing this masterpiece.
From the movie Heartworn Highways (a full length feature film and another film).
The old man is Seymour Washington a blacksmith and friend of Townes. The film is available on DVD from Netflix.
jim pierce good to know, I have netflix so that is coool, ty for suggestions
Who is the lady? I'm just discovering this guy, holy shot the talent is unbelievable
@@BryanEaton Townes' second wife, Cindy.
hearthworn highways i know. but i saw another 1 hour doku about townes. where you saw him talking himself a lot. for example the story when he fall to sleep with 2 tubes of clue in his mouth. at the morning, when he woke up both fixed. so he drove to a dentist, witch one hit both with a hammer out of his mouth. im searching for this doku for so long. YOU KNOW THE NAME OF IT MAYBE ??? g from germany
@@sarahdelmas7194 Sorry, that's not Cindy. Cindy was a strawberry blonde. That's a neighbor girl that used to hang around the group in Clarksville neighborhood of Austin. Some people identify her as Suzanne Clark, but Guy and Suzanne were living in Nashville when this was filmed.
One of the most real videos on youtube!
I have listened to many different styles of music over the last 25years.Now i've heard Towns Van Zandt, i've heard the best.
Townes, thank you man for all these years, making me feel alive!
Umas das músicas mais lindas que já pode ouvir!
Townes....possibly the greatest American poet ever...