My late wife’s favorite song and one of the few I could play right. Every time I hear it, I remember my wife laying on the couch and clapping after I played it.
@staceyking8800 Жыл бұрын
That is a beautiful memory to hold 😊
@FlatlandMandoАй бұрын
Beautiful memory...when you play directly for one, & that one gets it, and appreciates your performance for what it gives that person.
@lostangel43735 жыл бұрын
I found Townes recently and I can't stop listening to him. Such a sad story. I feel like I lost a friend. The man was a genius.
@starrlara25994 жыл бұрын
lostangel me too. I just found him a month ago, and I too can’t stop listening to him. It is a very sad story indeed .
@jjh7133 жыл бұрын
Been a few months for me, he was one of a kind
@JesusChrist-rf9wn3 жыл бұрын
@@starrlara2599 so glad to here some people are still finding real music, townes is my favorite American folk msucian. I still love john denver, Ray wylie Hubbard, and james mcmurty. I'm sure youve heard of denver, but you shoud definitely look into the other 2 as well.
@starrlara25993 жыл бұрын
Jesus Christ i will thank you.
@starrlara25993 жыл бұрын
Jesus Christ just wanted to let you know I listened to Ray Wilie Hubbard and now will listen to James McMurty. I see that Towns even recommended him.
@chuckblaisdell9909 ай бұрын
If Jesus had a favorite song writer it would be Townes
@karenmathers4553 Жыл бұрын
He played in the Salutation Hotel in Perth, Scotland - a year or two before he died. I was there.
@user-eo9qr3zc2w4 ай бұрын
A story behind every song, the man was a genius.RIP TVZ, we are still listening and learning.
@donnygong113 жыл бұрын
This man politely declined to write songs with Bob Dylan. That's how good he was. Here's a cheers for my brokedown, busted hero. Grace and peace...wherever you are sir.
@justpaulette6 жыл бұрын
People here talk about the booze and alcohol. It was part of what he felt and wrote and sang. There's a genuine humbleness to him and his music that people who "behave right" may not get to. He knew hopelessness and despair and transcendental moments of joy.
@pogues23009 жыл бұрын
Townes is one of the great song writers ever.
@DanFrechette8 ай бұрын
Took a while for people to figure it out!
@danielcraig90764 жыл бұрын
Lyle Lovett performed this at Townes' funeral!
@zodiace110 жыл бұрын
I think this is the most haunting, sad, poignant, perfect song ever written.
@omairsh8 Жыл бұрын
I found Townes so captivating. He was so tormented and had such a sad story, but his music will stay with me forever
@Zeitgeist611 жыл бұрын
There's something real fragile and genuine about this performance. The more I see of Townes the more I like his stuff. Great music.
@billslater5512 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this. I think this and If I Needed You are his two greatest songs. I met Townes at an Austin Friends of Traditional Music event in November 1984. He was without a guitar that evening, so I let him play mine. I am still in awe of his greatness as a songwriter and as a human being. RIP Townes Van Zandt.
@darkheartlightsoul2 жыл бұрын
I can't help but to agree
@tazdelaneyful11 жыл бұрын
when i move along, want to go wherever he is now.
@TheMrfreedomrequired11 жыл бұрын
"There was this rock I would sit at to watch the river, and talk to it, but the songs about flying shoes" -Townes Paraquote
@mazrio1288 жыл бұрын
Is Flying Shoes the greatest song ever written ? It has been that way w me for quite some time, now. "Spring only sighed. Summer had to be satisfied. Fall is a feeling that I just can't lose."
@MichaelDominici19688 жыл бұрын
Certainly one of the most poignant, and beautiful songs I've ever heard.
@RLMize6 жыл бұрын
mazrio128 yup
@tripp88335 жыл бұрын
Every song of TVZ is the greatest song ever written...
@tripp88335 жыл бұрын
Look up "you are not needed now" watch the live private concert version... Another well written song
@martinhasson49424 жыл бұрын
Stop being infantile. 😼
@slimjenkins097 жыл бұрын
The sound of that guitar haunts me. His voice has just as much of a story to tell as his face.
@CDA12911 жыл бұрын
I love you Townes, I miss those days waching you play for dollars, just to get a fix. Man he played those morphine reels, those drunken blues, he sang me, u, and mostly for himself, He just couldn't help it. TVZ was a conduit, his songs aren't sad, they are "hopeless"
@smwrbd6 жыл бұрын
C A Well said.
@joespielhagen8 жыл бұрын
These six who gave a thumbs down have no idea of Townes' sublimeness and transcendence. It hurts to see him so utterly damaged and I really wonder how he can play in such a beautiful way so drunk and stoned like this.
@jamesdeaton72353 жыл бұрын
Forgive them Father that they don't know
@danplews Жыл бұрын
@@lastnamefirst4035 Of course he is. I'm assuming you've never played and sung drunk, nor been near someone who is. 100%. His journey ended two years later for the same reason he's in bits here.
@andaolsen15397 ай бұрын
Such a talent... I am blessed to have found him
@thomasreedjones36127 жыл бұрын
I bought flyin shoes in a bargain album bin at a store in 85 and was mesmerized by the title song. I couldn't stop listening to this. May we always remember this amazing poet and musician and introduce him to as many people as will hear. "days full of rain/sky's comin down again" brilliance.
@PonziZombieKiller Жыл бұрын
Good my Goodwill specials....
@wendyblackbird11 жыл бұрын
The documentary about Townes Van Zandt called "Be Here to Love Me" was so enlightening about how he spent his life pursuing "the song" whatever it took to follow the muse Townes was on it. When learned about his family life versus his music career I realized there is a lot about his life I do not agree with but I also appreciate that he dedicated his life to the pursuit of "the song". He has been covered by so many "more famous" musicians; so many people do not know who he is. He is a treasure.
@markarend82264 жыл бұрын
He is in good hands now and playing Songs over there and make people happy with it...this song Help me through tough times.God bless
@gratefuloldtiger10 жыл бұрын
As great a death ballad as any ever written,peerless, life's sweet sadness so beautifully rendered by a true legend!
@devodavis67479 жыл бұрын
I LOVE that big ol' maple J200 of his. Gorgeous.
@mrgrasskat10 жыл бұрын
Amen to that!I'll be standing on that coffee table right beside you.
@mattihieronim11 жыл бұрын
To Wendy Blackburn : I also watched this documentary about Townes van Zandt and couldn't sleep after it. He's a real diamond and keeps shining over us... Best regards
@eclecticmusica10 жыл бұрын
"Townes van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that." Steve Earle That says it all :-)
@danielcraig90764 жыл бұрын
Townes replied to Earle; "I've met Dylan's bodyguards....he ain't getting anywhere near that coffee table!"
@martinhasson49424 жыл бұрын
Steve Earle " BIFF from Back To The Future" What a THICKO! 🤓
@catdaddy33024 жыл бұрын
Martin Hasson Steve Earle is nothing but a protest singer now. F*** him!
@dronedruid1533 жыл бұрын
Saying that Townes is better than Dillon is like saying that Shakespeare is better than Stephen King.
@hamburgerdan1013 жыл бұрын
Drone Druid wth does that even mean?
@Swankybroad10 жыл бұрын
Damn I miss Townes Xxx..
@eugeniocampo51608 жыл бұрын
Che tristezza vedere questo video chi conosce Townes sin dagli anni 60. Mi viene da piangere. Ho sempre adorato Lui e la sua musica. Sicuramente non ci sarà un'altro Townes Van Zandt
@iamshaman5 жыл бұрын
Im already crying before he even sings lol
@tobiasabeer5 жыл бұрын
I have been listening to him for almost 16 years. I cry every time. Nothing is more potent than a mirror.
@jamiebyrne4586 жыл бұрын
nobody else could ever take this mans flying shoes. I hope you are where you want to be Townes. from the Wicklow Hills, I Do remember you often.
@hippydippy3 жыл бұрын
It don't get much more real than that. Bless you Townes. I hope you & my little brother have met & had a few drinks together.
@jackthetripper8688 ай бұрын
Surviving and pushing through
@johnnorth2616 Жыл бұрын
My great great grandfather. Edward Carter was at this battle. His brother brig gen John carpenter Carter was mortaliy wounded at the same battle
@liammcooper7 ай бұрын
Might be the greatest song ever written
@netw5213 жыл бұрын
What gifts this man had. I never tire of his songs.
@troymabbett21277 жыл бұрын
Love you Townes.
@briscoesjug10265 жыл бұрын
Love this man if townes lips were moving them eyes were closed part of his music is the pain he endured .ride it high brother
@jamesdeaton72353 жыл бұрын
Couldn't say it better myself
@mrgrasskat10 жыл бұрын
Of course,the very best in the business treat him,and his songs with the utmost respect-Steve Earle,Emmylou etc,know what TVZ was all about and are faithful to his spirit.
@nalgene247 Жыл бұрын
That second verse ripped my heart out. Flyin' Shoes.
@user-js6el7vn2r4 жыл бұрын
"Flyin' Shoes" Days full of rain Skys comin' down again I get so tired Of these same old blues Same old song Baby, it won't be long 'fore I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Spring only sighed Summer had to be satisfied Fall is a feelin' that I just can't lose. I'd like to stay Maybe watch a winter day Turn the green water To white and blue Flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes The mountain moon Forever sets too soon Bein' alone is all the hills can do Alone and then Her silver sails again And they will follow In their flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes They will follow in their Flyin' shoes Days full of rain Skys comin' down again I get so tired Of the same old blues Same old song Baby, it won't be long Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes
@nl2531 Жыл бұрын
Ta 👍🏻
@frankcorrenti59413 жыл бұрын
Once again Townes explains and illustrates a dim situation with a ballad that both turns the mundane into something both intimate and metaphysical, spiritual and which flies rather than is merely buried. And yes, transcendent.
@TheTRoseist11 жыл бұрын
I think we all got the essential Townes that we always wanted. He's got all the dignity and he's even got the voice. This may have been a swan song. As swan songs go...
@victoredwards05308 жыл бұрын
I am always amazed to hear Townes. Why did his friends not "hear" him? He wrote allegorically, usually with a variety of meanings of the words. Here he tells a tale of death of soldiers, then launches into a tale of running to some lady. But of course he is talking about death - his own. I have followed this for many years, and as the days wore on, he became more and more fatalistic and, as usual, penned words that told us all what was going on. Townes is a sad, sad case of drug abuse, neglect and enabling of his friends, and a desperate lack of hope that comes from despair. What a cost, eh, for good music. I am sad...
@txdrifter388 жыл бұрын
townes went to rehab at least a dozen times from what i've read. i think he did it just to satisfy friends who were trying to help him. that's just my opinion though. i'm convinced that he knew how his life would play out from the late 60s onward. from the beginning of his career he wrote those songs that seemed to be autobiographical. waiting around to die was on his first album after all.
@SimonRobeyns6 жыл бұрын
Some people are born unhappy. No matter what changes you'll try to make, sometimes it just doesn't make a difference..
@artwilmeth69445 жыл бұрын
Victor, I met Townes 6 months before he died when he played a club in Alexandria, Va. called the Birchmere . He and his manager sat with me while we listened to the opening act James McMurtry . After a few songs Townes turns to me and said " the kid's pretty good , huh ? " We chatted about places he had played like the " Last Resort " in Athens, Ga. where I first saw Townes in 1976. He was very cordial but when took the stage it was sad that on some of his songs he couldn't remember the lyrics and Townes resorted to telling a lot of jokes. As far as his drug use goes I believe he used to cope with his mental anguish and issues . When he was kicked out of college his parents committed him to a mental institution in Tx. where he underwent shock therapy which affected his memory . Townes eventually regained his memory. The shrinks released him to his parents explaining there was nothing they could do for him. His parents asked the doctors what do we do with him now ? The doctors advised to allow him to roam until he finds himself . And so he did and we're all the more better for it.
@Guy1105Fawkes4 жыл бұрын
You should read "A Deeper Blue"...you'll change your views about him and those surrounding him. They all tried, he wasn't to be saved, sadly. He may have listened to the toxic people more that to those who loved him, for sure, and he suffered a lot of unlucky events, but he wrote his own destiny. Still, I love him and his music beyond words...he was a true poet and singer of the human soul
@truecentral7185 жыл бұрын
I saw him in '88 ('89?) in Auckland, accompanied by Chaim Tannenbaum. I consider myself lucky, because he was on great form and played for nearly 2 hours, which I understand was not always the case in the latter part of his life. Maybe he was clean while he was so far from home. I was young at the time, about 20, and probably missed a lot of the gravitas he exuded, but I was still hypnotized by this extraordinary man. By the time this clip was shot, he was obviously much further gone. The voice was giving out and probaly the mind too. It's very sad to see. Nowadays, he would probably be diagnosed as bipolar pretty early on and put on the appropriate drugs. We would have almost certainly been deprived of the songs, but he might have had a better life. Who knows? Music of this depth and quality almost always involves a Faustian pact. I'm grateful for what he gave us, but I'd happily never listen to one of his masterpieces again if it meant he could have found a bit of peace in his life.
@samgunderson4 жыл бұрын
That's the way it usually plays out. There's nothing for free in this world. Someone's paying for the delights we take, whether it's ourselves or someone else.
@Weatherbyrd14 жыл бұрын
Townes Van Zandt must have written this from deep in his lonely heart. I appreciate you uploading this video. My regret is that I never saw him sing live when I had the chance living in Houston. I was always too busy with all the worries of life. These worries and concerns kept me from following my heart like my fine brother Arthur Byrd
@lukeo.15569 жыл бұрын
I dont know what to say, I almost like this version better than the recording. Damn he was good. This song and Pancho and Lefty are like legendary, He was such a great writer.
@jordanbroome93496 жыл бұрын
haunting...Townes was HAUNTED ....ethereal, macabre, pure soul, genius lsd cowboy...
@lukasnummer1 Жыл бұрын
So unfortunate I never got to see him live, since he performed in my home town, but I was way too young. One of the best songwriters ever, a genius really!
@ameliatighe67373 жыл бұрын
just like steve earle said townes was absolutely one of te best. he said the best but there were countles best. so i say one of the best. i wish i could have met him. he died in smyrna tn. most of the videos of him do not show him hammered and wasted. what an excellent musician. the really talented musicians were unfortunately so great due to or in spite of their demons what a loss
@gerdhynk69696 жыл бұрын
What a Genius! He will be more and more popular, I hope! The film "3 billboards..." and his fanatstic "Buckskin Stallion Blues" is a masterpiece!
@huemann341611 ай бұрын
The “connection” he couldn’t seem to get right with the guitar “progression” after all these learning years we STILL find ourselves divided over silly reasons to keep us not UNITED. Be KIND. WE ARE ALL fighting inner battles too proud to accept the TRUTH Life is now. Old keys won’t open New Doors. Hopefully the ability for everyone to get global news will Enlighten our heavy feet. And carry us TOGETHER into a more perfect Union to achieve PROGRESS four our Great Nation. Amen And God Bless those who lack the Eyes to realize, REAL lies. Teamwork makes LIGHTWORK (when we heal each other is Light work but at the same time lightens the burden we ALL share. )
@rendle101018 жыл бұрын
kind of sad to see him like this but part of the beauty of him is the damage he suffered
@robertdonaldson23164 жыл бұрын
I contend he was damaged long before we heard this beautiful soul as are most of us in one way or another.
@omairsh82 жыл бұрын
@@robertdonaldson2316 the first song he wrote was "Waiting around to Die". He's definitely suffered from depression & addiction for most of his life. Hell on earth
@robertdonaldson23162 жыл бұрын
@@omairsh8 And yet so many pictures and interviews he was smiling and laughing. That's what I love about Townes! He embraced his difficulties with grace and did his best . I don't know what more we can do than that.
@herrmiseria2 жыл бұрын
@@robertdonaldson2316 and his sense of humor. I unfortunately was born after he died but people who were lucky enough to see him perform live always tell me about how he could get a few laughs from the audience with his jokes and stories
@philishabaird81062 жыл бұрын
This man is a Chief 🖤
@lyndamiller4533 жыл бұрын
So very beautiful...
@buzzosborne45326 жыл бұрын
When I turned my younger brother onto Townes he came to me and said," bro I thought I had the best songwriters list down the you spring this on me". I'm a drunk myself and get it, he didn't choose to be a drunk. It's just how it was and I hope that wherever his energy is he's smiling. And I bet he'd be proud of all the kids that are adjusting they're best of all times lists!
@herrmiseria2 жыл бұрын
Rap kid who was given a guitar and discovered what true music was. I'm forever thankful to my grandpa for introducing me to Townes. One of the best songwriters. I'll make sure to tell my kids when I have them and don't let them be influenced by the mainstream artists.
@IlGattonero1311 жыл бұрын
Cracks my heart wide open.
@tia2all5012 жыл бұрын
I love his music but he breaks my heart 💜
@Raven55Rebel12 жыл бұрын
I love this. No other words...
@maryfaherty31605 жыл бұрын
Beautiful.
@MNGS71714 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing!! Saw this a year or so ago but then was removed. When I think of Townes, this story often comes to mind.
@lostmymindin7911 жыл бұрын
Very moving, thank you for sharing...
@billslater5512 жыл бұрын
WilliesWarriorPoets - Nope. When Doc Watson sang If I Needed You, it was a cover of Townes Van Zandt's original version. By the way, I loved and admire Doc Watson, but he was known to do an excellent job of covering some other people's songs. For example, he did one of the best versions ever of Tennessee Stud, but my dear late friend, Jimmie Driftwood wrote that song.
@juankleese40706 жыл бұрын
Mr. Slater, songs are made. This is true. Then people know art and they grow. That is the function of art. I was a student of Doc Watson's mentor, Jerry Ricks. Jerry taught me some things about Robert Johnson. I also became a better person (different) knowing Shakespeare and Juan Gris. It is a pity many people do not know art. Elvis touched many people's lives, too. . . no songwriter.
@vruchtwater12 жыл бұрын
Thanx for posting this one!
@jubjub211214 жыл бұрын
Townes . . . God I love this man
@jubjub211212 жыл бұрын
The true embodiment of the tortured genius . . . Townes will always be in my heart and soul . . . this song in particular . . . and yes . . . the power of this performance is in the soul of the man . . . not in the vocal quality
@writersblock2613 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this, nothingdrugs.
@jamiebyrne4588 жыл бұрын
for Grandma Patty. I sure hope you enjoy this. Lets say once more...............
@joserodz9011 жыл бұрын
"...man i get so tired of these same old blues, same old song..."
@grandmapatty14938 жыл бұрын
This man is probably the closest to Jesus you'all will ever see. You see a drunk; I see a man following the voice of the heaven's, and he's thirsty for the streams of living water.
@jamiebyrne4588 жыл бұрын
I don't think i could ever in my 48 years have ever have put it as well as Grandma patty has just put it. I truly believe there should be a Townes van Zandt day and i live in Co Wicklow Ireland. Good on ya Grandma Patty but i suspect thats not your real name LOL xx
@grandmapatty14938 жыл бұрын
Jamie Byrne It is what my grandchildren call me. My maternal ancestry is from Ireland. I hope it is as beautiful as I imagine. Thank you Jamie.
@jamiebyrne4588 жыл бұрын
It is very beautiful indeed. You should really put it on your to do list and if it ever happens for you make sure and look me up.I live in up in the Wicklow mountains near a place called Sally gap.
@grandmapatty14938 жыл бұрын
Jamie Byrne That is the sweetest thing I have ever been told. God bless your beautiful place and may you enjoy it for a long time.
@jamiebyrne4588 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much
@adamnicholson12738 жыл бұрын
I played this song to this girl who's kind of my friend, kind of lol, and all she said was ''Huh, at least he's not miming''
@shanedresser54317 жыл бұрын
Adam Nicholson Well, that tells you all you need to know.
@samgunderson4 жыл бұрын
Some people just don't have the ability to "get it". They'll live an emptier life than those that do.
@LisaNYC13 жыл бұрын
one of the few Townes songs that I actually prefer on record than this particular live version. He seems spent and weary.....but dammit if he don't make you cry
@reycisneros29256 жыл бұрын
I'm about ready to put on my flying shoes , ju
@jamiebyrne4586 жыл бұрын
Hi Grandma Patty. Hope you are doing well? Just a hello from the Wicklow mountains here in Ireland.I love this song and always wonder what would Townes think of this would we live in now? Anyway hope this find you happy and well.Jamie.
@DanFrechette5 жыл бұрын
Great song. I like how he tuned his G string from flat to too sharp and then kicked it off. :)
@sealevelbear5 жыл бұрын
Dan Frechette very European of him!
@martinhasson49424 жыл бұрын
Yeah? Deserves a Grammy for What! I do that every day!!🤓 Come On Man🎸
@mactheAnimal7984 жыл бұрын
Heart!
@dverstin5 жыл бұрын
so far and so clear...
@omegala16 жыл бұрын
Prophetic.
@mrfike11 жыл бұрын
I have to agree with many others that it's not the voice, it's the soul. That said, I actually think that his later recordings capture the essence of his being. While his early recordings may have been a lot more organized, neat, and aesthetically appealing to most, it is these later recordings that really show us Townes' beauty and ability as a performer, and artist, struggling through, and (usually) making it work.
@retriever19golden555 ай бұрын
Well said. This performance of Flyin' Shoes really lets his soul come through, all the beauty and all the pain.
@sammyscotch99455 жыл бұрын
Ahh townes...
@Tasmanaut11 жыл бұрын
That is precisely how I feel. I love everything that Towne's has written, though sometimes I wish all the production on some of the albums weren't there, that it was more like this. I don't enjoy this just for the sake of it being a haggard performance, I genuinely think this sounds beautiful
@driverain213 жыл бұрын
@Weatherbyrd in a way I believe you have probally lived the essence of this song. The loss, the longing, the passing of our own life times. we who wern't even there have our own flyin shoes too........this song is to us............
@greysunr112 жыл бұрын
townes in true form of an alkie like me can't tell the truth. only in his songs can he
@MichaelScarborough4239 жыл бұрын
Pure
@jpinckster3 жыл бұрын
Actually I feel the same way. I knew the name. I knew of the Van Zants from Fla. and another that was a song writer singer. I made the connection. Maybe because when John Prine passed. I spent a lot of time listening and anyway. Townes was the real deal best I didn't know...
@MissesWaits11 жыл бұрын
, too and our flying shoes.
@bonniebardowski11 жыл бұрын
super
@timnesmith45978 жыл бұрын
Fucking, flawless
@stevejames91672 жыл бұрын
Townes was an expert on the human condition
@carstenen11 жыл бұрын
Dylan maybe,I love Townes
@dreamwell2020 Жыл бұрын
The ways songs get made are sometimes spectacularly non-linear.
@michaelyanosov1472 жыл бұрын
For a Beautiful Man to be destroyed by Drugs.
@wamediaonline8 жыл бұрын
deep
@catdaddy33024 жыл бұрын
Deo Vindice!
@russellseville6068 Жыл бұрын
At my window good also
@cuyahogajoe113 жыл бұрын
Why did you leave us so soon?
@jmascisss11 жыл бұрын
Love Townes Van Zandt, or else I wouldn't be here, but don't forget Layne Staley: Alice in Chains: Unplugged (Nutshell)
@frankwiley518711 жыл бұрын
Have you checked out Sons of Bill? The best new group in this genre. Like Townes the songs are dark, and ring so true...