Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Pancho and Lefty (09-27-1997)

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15 жыл бұрын

Gillian and Dave covering Pancho and Lefty (written by Townes Van Zandt)
1997-09-27
Acoustic Stage
Fireman's Kitchen
Hickory, North Carolina

Пікірлер: 273

@ralfeckert3522 2 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing covering by perfect musicians. This is one of the best songs ever written.

@johnkeith2450 2 ай бұрын

"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and birthday suit and say that"

@thomashermann2785 3 жыл бұрын

With all due respect to Townes and Emmylou and everyone else I think this has become my favorite version

@russbrownmusic 3 жыл бұрын

same - that M/F harmony just gives the chorus so much more punch

@thomashermann2785 3 жыл бұрын

@@russbrownmusic the harmonies are special, as is the tempo and the guitar

@oldwobble916 7 ай бұрын

Mine also.

@jonsebastian4823 2 ай бұрын

Never heard this version before OUCH

@mjohnsen7 12 жыл бұрын

I played and sang this song for years before it dawned on me what it was about--a classic case of betrayal. They gave Lefty a choice: turn in Pancho, or do hard time. He got his 30 pieces of silver and fled to Ohio (" Where he got the bread to go, there ain't nobody knows") So he sits in his cheap hotel, regretting the choice he made. Brilliant, Townes ( and great version, Gillian and David)

@lesberkley3821 3 жыл бұрын

Huh? Lefty wasn't around when Pancho was live.

@claudioalcara 3 жыл бұрын

Pancho and Lefty are the same person, which is Townes himself. There’s a cool story about this, check it out 🙂

@davidgrady1064 3 жыл бұрын

Cool. I got from the lyrics that they were brothers, but: both Townes? Seems about right.

@claudioalcara 3 жыл бұрын

@@davidgrady1064 try this 😊 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mKyUer2G2N6pXX0.html

@riggs20 2 жыл бұрын

@@claudioalcara I’ve always thought this too! I just figured I was wrong because no one else mentioned this theory. Mine differs a little from yours though. I think Pancho faked his own death or killed someone in his place. Then he took the name Lefty and fled to Ohio to get away from the federales and his old life of crime.

@lindaberg1695 2 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful rendition of this song. Poignant, heartfelt, sung with mournful sadness. Yes, it's Townes' song, but I feel it is his story, & it's our story. A story of conflict of decision, loneliness, sadness & regret in old age, the acceptance of that which we cannot change. One of the best songs that reveals the soul of a life lived with regrets. A song that never fails to bring tears to my eyes.

@lynnhenson3042 Жыл бұрын

@Greg Normal method actor Cortez the killer

@jaqmart 3 жыл бұрын

David Rawlings' tone is a thing of sheer beauty - great harmonies.

@kevinkelley3657 8 ай бұрын

Dave and Gillian both are top end musicians. Love them both. I played clarinet for 8 years in school, there tone and their harmonies are both excellent to my trained ear.

@MrJOKELL 11 жыл бұрын

i just cant understand why these two have not gotten more recognition than they have they sure deserve it

@tomformanek3312 3 жыл бұрын

Requires good taste.

@oldwobble916 7 ай бұрын

The general public does not recognise class if it walks up on them on the side walk and grabs them by the balls. Free quote from the movie "The fabulous Baker Boys".

@g00glyelm0 3 ай бұрын

Cause they told the truth

@MrJOKELL 2 ай бұрын

@@g00glyelm0 I'm sorry what does "they told the truth" mean?

@CertainSongs87 12 жыл бұрын

Sad to think Townes had died only 9 months before this. RIP to one of the true songwriters of our time.

@ronalda.ortman4759 4 жыл бұрын

I have seen them in concert--twice. They are American treasures. Full stop.

@tulliotk1 13 жыл бұрын

Best version ever. Haunting and manages to nail the harmonies that other greats have failed to get.

@tomformanek3312 3 жыл бұрын

In your humble opinion of course?

@lightaces 2 жыл бұрын

@@tomformanek3312 Townes Van Zandt's songs are challenging for a lot of people, and his vocal delivery is just about impossible to match. Willie and Merle always seemed too polished, and leaned too hard into the sort of surface cowboy story, without really connecting (to my ear) with the addiction aspects of the story. This really feels like it is leaning into the other side of it, and of course these two play and sing together so brilliantly!

@petemarch7225 2 жыл бұрын

@@tomformanek3312 yeah shut up

@mrpual49 13 жыл бұрын

Wow. I always considered the Merle and Willie version to be the definitive take on that song. But I always heard Merle and Willie. With this one, I heard the song. Heartbreaking.

@pmichaelsummer 3 жыл бұрын

The definitive remains Townes' version, but there are great covers as well (this, and Merle and Willie's).

@herrrmike 3 жыл бұрын

@@pmichaelsummer Townes's performance in Heartworn Highways is an impossible standard for others to meet.

@tomformanek3312 3 жыл бұрын

@@herrrmike Oh my. God has spoken to us! In my humble opinion of course.

@robertdowning5439 9 жыл бұрын

David Rawlings is a very talented guitarists. I feel that David and Gillian are a match made in heaven.

@timandrews5203 9 жыл бұрын

wrong again, Bob. Gee dubs (that's what I call her) and myself are made for each other. Got it, Bobby boy? huh? Good. Have a mediocre day, and a FABULOUS NIGHT!

@EmmaCarlyWillowssecrets2life 7 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to listen to wile your holding your💓💓!!! ....without any kind of doubt your true love ....relaxing n feeling nothing but love come from his breath

@meandtiglet 6 жыл бұрын

I agree wholeheartedly Robert. I love playing along with these guys

@kdeltatube 3 жыл бұрын

They sure are

@mikec6822 9 жыл бұрын

Gillian's voice has a very calming effect on me. I'd listen to her sing the phone book. She's a beautiful person and it shows through. I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting her once and she was very quiet and unassuming but very polite and friendly.

@denooski46 5 жыл бұрын

Mike C I agree 100%

@MarkSWilliams27 4 жыл бұрын

"The dust that Pancho bit down south, ended up in Lefty's mouth." No one ever doing this song has caught that - the way she says, almost sneers "mouth" - just the way Gillian Welch did. To say this is the best version of this perfectly written, beautifully performed Townes Van Zandt song is somehow an understatement. What a lesson in the fragility of friendship. And the bitter consequences of betrayal.

@frankbrown6305 4 жыл бұрын

Well said

@Narkos79 3 жыл бұрын

Well said💯✖️

@cdane7 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always kind of looked at this song as a meditation on mortality. Pancho gets hung and dies young, but he’s remembered through legend. Lefty survives but fades into obscurity. When he dies no one will remember him. I think the question Townes is asking in this song is which is more preferable? It’s like the Neil Young line, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”. I think the whole story of the song is sort of a big metaphor for that question. I think people get too hung up on the betrayal aspect of the song. Actually, I think people sometimes get too wrapped up in the story the song tells altogether and misses the deeper meaning. Like I said, I think the story is a metaphor. But that’s just my 2 cents. Dave and Gillian did this song better than just about anyone.

@jonsebastian4823 2 жыл бұрын

@@cdane7 another great version, but I listen to Emmylou over and over and still rate her as the best I've ever heard.

@JannoKlufs 14 жыл бұрын

I'm so amazed about the way that Gillian and David seems to got their own secret notes that sets them apart from... well... all the rest :)

@LonesomeTraveler 2 жыл бұрын

True!

@danu3247 13 жыл бұрын

An incredible version of one of my personal favorites....Thank You Gillian & David, you guys make everything better!

@robertamato358 7 жыл бұрын

A powerful and beautiful version of what has to be one of the greatest songs ever written.

@mjohnsen7 13 жыл бұрын

Gillian's vocals are pitch-perfect and David's guitar work is exquisite. Townes Van Zandt would have loved this performance.

@dougadams9458 Жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jp2qptVqt8W3ZqM.html

@ladyleesutter 6 жыл бұрын

So tender and sweet; almost a lullaby, Betcha Townes would've loved hearing them. Their version makes me weep.

@river_oak 5 жыл бұрын

You know I read that she said he'd go their early gigs in Nashville and encouraged her to write sad songs. Made me really happy to know that.

@river_oak 5 жыл бұрын

Keep writing sad songs that is.

@michaeljenner1795 10 жыл бұрын

I love the way David Rawlings and Gillian Welch sound together. I would not want it any other way. I think their delivery is right on the money every time.

@peggylaffan 8 жыл бұрын

Wow! I could also listen to them forever....their voices have soft wavering edges and their harmony is gentle like the unexpected breeze, wavering and trembling. This makes for some powerful music.

@orangesabrina1 11 жыл бұрын

everything welch & rawlings touch is gold.

@larryc3860 2 жыл бұрын

their talent is self-evident...they'll play ANY song that tickles their fancy....I especially like this slower tempo version of the Townes van Zandt classic

@larryhess8397 11 жыл бұрын

My band does this song. We will never do it again until we get somewhere close to this arrangement. SUPER!

@johnhurley3156 Жыл бұрын

keep on playin amigo

@debmills853 9 жыл бұрын

This is god-awfully beautiful.

@michaeljones5706 2 жыл бұрын

Every now and then, something beautiful comes out of heaven...

@cefdad 15 жыл бұрын

My favorite version (cover) of one of the finest song ever I have ever heard. Thankks for posting!!

@lordsuperfred 11 жыл бұрын

beautiful cover of a great song , Gillian and David are the greatest Americana artists out there , Townes never got recognition when he was alive sadly but he was a great songwriter and a true artist

@JyHiable 14 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this interpretation more and more. It glides relaxed without any haste from word to word and from note to note. The listener gets an impression of getting free from the fetters of time.

@thomashermann2785 3 жыл бұрын

Well said. I totally agree

@tomformanek3312 3 жыл бұрын

Like a long slow tale round a campfire at days end. Pure elegy.

@petemarch7225 2 жыл бұрын

get a grip. it'a song my townes

@tomformanek3312 3 жыл бұрын

What a reverential elegy. Reverance for the great songwriter, but an elegy that captures sadness, waste and loss. What a gorgeous different take.

@wadecollier4757 3 жыл бұрын

One of my all-time fave songs. What a FANTASTIC version., which I've never heard before. Townes' songs will last forever!

@antonmartens84 12 жыл бұрын

beautifull voice(s), beautifull guitar playing. david & gillian are the best..... thanks for posting

@progmushroom 3 жыл бұрын

Best country song Ever

@lwhowell4387 5 жыл бұрын

Perfect and Beautiful.

@zecnivo 8 жыл бұрын

Beautiful guitar by David. A joy to listen to. Sweet and moving.

@andynicholson6320 5 жыл бұрын

love this. Saw them do this many years ago. Brings back a lot of memories. I've changed a lot since those days but this song remains and it's haunting and lovely. Townes would have loved this

@philipenright1258 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.God bless you in all your ways! Philip

@terrydownes8425 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful version of this great song x

@alyoshakaramazov8469 Жыл бұрын

Nobody makes me nostalgic for my old-folkie days as much as Gillian Welch does.

@adm552 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing, soulful interpretation of this famous song. Something special about this version.

@GambeonPark 11 жыл бұрын

Love it, love it - a beautifully tender version of this song, very subtle, goes right through me. It brings back so many memories....

@PforPanchetta 12 жыл бұрын

First time I've heard this version. Holy Smokes(!), this is REALLY RIDICULOUSLY GOOD !!!!! LOVE Townes, Gillian and Dave. The three combined make for something special. Thanks for posting this! ... And Dave's soulful subtle solos here: WOW! And yes, Gillian and Dave really have this gift for doing incredible covers. This might actually be my favorite, even though it's the first time I've heard it. Somewhere Townes is smiling ... and proud and moved. Simply Beautiful !!!!!

@RobbyEL 13 жыл бұрын

wow. Love this song. didn't think it could be covered. I was wrong. But then David Rawlings is a genius.

@johnanderson1038 4 жыл бұрын

But the most famous version is a cover?

@mrbadexample7702 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnanderson1038 Right - I doubt the percentage of people who've heard the TvZ version is a small percentage.

@paulanuszkiewicz7704 5 жыл бұрын

Exquisitely beautiful cover.

@TheTXer 7 жыл бұрын

Townes would have loved this

@badbadkingjohn 6 жыл бұрын

you knew him, personally?

@ClaudioScarpakinks49 15 жыл бұрын

Hi Friends! Many thanks for this great cover of my love Townes van Zandt. You are wonderful! Many thanks from Rome!. Claudio.

@mdogg1604 8 жыл бұрын

Another beautiful rendition of an awesome song; kinda like seeing several vintage cars of the same make and model, but painted differently

@BaahBen 6 жыл бұрын

Love her voice. Very distinctive. Good cover of a great song.

@heatherbrown1880 11 жыл бұрын

my god ,what a beautiful version of this...

@briencarr3394 5 жыл бұрын

Daves guitar style is incredible. Gillian and he match up so well.

@gasmeter1947 12 жыл бұрын

Enough said about this don't you think, dont want the readers to get bored, thank you both.

@stuarttaff144 12 жыл бұрын

thanks for posting this. I've been following Gillian and David's work since '97, and have never heard them cover any of Townes' work.

@dennismcconaghy5515 8 жыл бұрын

A great version, more peaceful and accepting than most versions.

@bshakespeare100 11 жыл бұрын

I love these two. Gillian and David are just about the best

@Solembaum1 12 жыл бұрын

This masterfully rendered version lures me into a dream-like state- where I appreciate the complex and unapologetic imperfection of David Rawling's harmonies in counterpart with his impeccable lead guitar- and Gillian's simple and believable down-home vocal style. Not many songs can carry on for 7:13 like this one. Excellent work!

@robertwheeler9767 9 жыл бұрын

I guess its a question of taste --- I think they are great --- I've seen them live a few times --- I could listen to them forever :)

@shakeAbooty88 Жыл бұрын

Best song ever written.

@crobarus 7 жыл бұрын

I always liked this song . Now I love it

@davegerardmusic 10 жыл бұрын

Fabulous version.

@sistersmusic184 6 жыл бұрын

Favourite version of this song. Other than the Townes heartworn highways version. They sing it with the conviction of having written it.

@caramason56 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful 😊🎶❤️😊🎶❤️

@nikobranka 9 жыл бұрын

David Rawlings...fantastic guitar picking....

@scottaldridge7888 8 жыл бұрын

Flipping Fantastic !

@wilsonrains 8 жыл бұрын

pancho & lefty is golden music

@m.l.3150 4 жыл бұрын

BEST VERSION OF THIS SONG BY FAR!!!!!!

@stargazer6675 6 жыл бұрын

Great musicians, beautiful

@rodthecod 12 жыл бұрын

@mjohnsen7 Wow! I've listened to it for years and never knew that. Thanks so much. This is indeed a great version. And Dave's guitar playing is just exquisite.

@poettomm 11 жыл бұрын

So very well sayed, JyHiable - "an impression of getting free from the fetters of time." - such a gift of their performance! I LOVE Gillian's tiny sigh at .02 -the very beginning (that is her letting slip the fetters of time, preparing to Join with David in performance) free."

@babylamb25b 11 жыл бұрын

Pop quiz: If the earth is spinning at the rate of ~1000 miles per hour, how far have we come in that seven minutes and thirteen seconds? This is one of the greatest things that these two have ever performed, and thank God someone was there to record it.

@shimmy1952 14 жыл бұрын

Very beautiful and peaceful.

@graciousfew Жыл бұрын

Wow, just beautiful.

@perchristoffersen1 9 жыл бұрын

really a fine cover - nice vocal feeling and moody guitar play

@toby071 9 жыл бұрын

She's got a great voice and he's a superb guitar player..nice cover.

@angliase 7 жыл бұрын

fh horn Not a cover - their song - they wrote it!

@zidek50 7 жыл бұрын

angliase Townes van zandt

@lroxanne 7 жыл бұрын

They did not write it. Townes wrote it.

@crobarus 7 жыл бұрын

She would have been a big star back when phony looks didn't mean everything. Now it's Carrie Underwood. Give me a break.

@GregoryWeirauch 5 жыл бұрын

My Favorite cover of this Townes Van Zandt jem.

@tordevensen5403 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Tigrebleau1 11 жыл бұрын

No one cares what or whom you trust. Just enjoy the unbelievably great music.

@oldwobble916 7 ай бұрын

Pity, it's only a still. I wish this concert was available somewhere. Great song and performing duo.

@adders45 12 жыл бұрын

thats very poetic - im a not very talented singer songwriter, but I am so happy to have recently discovered Davis Rawlings, I cannot find anything wrong with his tones, there are a couple of mistakes in live playing, but for christ sake he is human and as musicians, we all hit bum notes. I'v been playing a tiny bit with his style, it's a bloody killer, in truth he is in my mind, brilliant - we could get perfection with computers but god that would be really dull in truth.

@johnelliott5859 3 жыл бұрын

This is a wonderful version of a great TVZ song.

@davidjed6948 2 жыл бұрын

I would aspire too this level of talent.

@jimallen8 3 жыл бұрын

David Rawlings guitar is like a soft rippling stream glittering in the sun.

@smokymountainblogger5509 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect description!

@bigcmcg1 6 жыл бұрын

wonderful!

@alanbodell2050 7 жыл бұрын

This is just lovely.

@EnosEverything 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it's quite lovely but in all honesty it isn't a patch on the version Emmylou Harris did on one of her 70's album - I think it was LUXURY LINER but I'm not certain... That is one hell of a version of this great song.

@kerthgersen3163 7 жыл бұрын

True. (and it was Luxury Liner. That was beautiful. So's this though.

@boils2 13 жыл бұрын

Bo,Will. Dirt and Rocky - Never forgotten. When you guys said goodbye my heart was left empty. See you again some day. Green fields and sun I hope.

@bazthehandyman 4 жыл бұрын

Fabulous...as you would expect.

@DavidVerbout 12 жыл бұрын

That makes it all the better.

@bolt_vanderrhuuge5193 3 ай бұрын

This and Steve Earle's version are the best covers of Towne's song. Haunting.

@kno33 2 жыл бұрын

Exquisite 💜

@berniesbluesbar312 8 жыл бұрын

Musik kann so schön sein

@chinnmusic 14 жыл бұрын

THIS IS THE BEST VERSION

@Scotsgrey13 5 жыл бұрын

Great cover!

@johnrichard8235 8 ай бұрын

amazing!

@luketdrifter2100 11 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this. I don't enjoy many Townes covers.

@cultwho 12 жыл бұрын

It's definitely a subtle, unique feeling to their version of it. A gentle but powerful solemness they way Rawling's melody on the guitar fits with Welch's voice singing the lyrics. They make it sound like Townes Van Zandt wrote it to be sung with a female voice.