About the song
Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” is a haunting narrative that has become a cornerstone of American folk and country music. Written by Van Zandt himself, the song was first released on his 1972 album “The Late Great Townes Van Zandt.” Known for his poetic lyrics and introspective storytelling, Van Zandt crafted a tale of two outlaw friends, Pancho and Lefty, whose lives take contrasting paths of betrayal and regret.
Despite not achieving commercial chart success as a single, “Pancho and Lefty” has garnered immense critical acclaim and has been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, whose rendition topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1983. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its rich narrative and Van Zandt’s ability to evoke deep emotions through his lyrical prowess.
The album “The Late Great Townes Van Zandt,” on which “Pancho and Lefty” is featured, solidified Van Zandt’s reputation as a masterful songwriter within the folk and country music scenes. His influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable, with artists often citing him as a major inspiration for their own work.
“Pancho and Lefty” remains a testament to Townes Van Zandt’s legacy, celebrated for its timeless storytelling and the profound impact it continues to have on listeners. Its exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of a life lived on the edge resonates with audiences, making it a classic in the folk and country music genres.
In summary, Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” stands as a poignant reflection on friendship and fate, showcasing Van Zandt’s poetic brilliance and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American music.
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Lyrics
Living on the road my friend
Was gonna keep you free and clean
And now you wear your skin like iron
And your breath as hard as kerosene
Weren’t your mama’s only boy
But her favorite one it seems
She began to cry when you said goodbye
And sank into your dreams
Pancho was a bandit boy
His horse was fast as polished steel
He wore his gun outside his pants
For all the honest world to feel
Pancho met his match you know
On the deserts down in Mexico
Nobody heard his dying words
Ah but that’s the way it goes
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
Lefty, he can’t sing the blues
All night long like he used to
The dust that Pancho bit down south
Ended up in Lefty’s mouth
The day they laid poor Pancho low
Lefty split for Ohio
Where he got the bread to go
There ain’t nobody knows
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
We only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
The poets tell how Pancho fell
And Lefty’s living in cheap hotels
The desert’s quiet, Cleveland’s cold
And so the story ends we’re told
Pancho needs your prayers it’s true
But save a few for Lefty too
He only did what he had to do
And now he’s growing old
All the Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose
A few gray Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose