Guy Clark, "L.A. Freeway," Austin City Limits

[@caesarstrings]

If you’re reading this, congratulations on having great taste in music. I know it can seem like you’ll never know all the things you wish you did about music, but just know the fact you know this one is proof you’re doing everything right. Keep on lovin.

[@campland3539]

Thank you man. I hope you hear it in my Campland sound. Guy and John Prine are my heroes. Peace to you SixString ;-)

[@douggodfrey6521]

A mighty sweet & wistful song .

[@phillipmurillo8549]

I'm 54 and I just heard this beautiful song today. I love music. I'm still alive and yes there's still more to discover....

[@maskandvaccinefreeandproud2110]

What’re smokin? Don’t get me wrong. Guy Clark is a legend. But seriously, what’re smokin, Hippy? Lol. You just spreading cheer all over social media for fun, huh? 😂

[@caesarstrings]

​@@maskandvaccinefreeandproud2110 Actually I wrote that when I was going through a really dark time in my life and was contemplating ending it all. Got better and felt like being positive. If you wanna insult me for that I'd recommend learning how to use words properly. "What're smokin'" = "What are smokin'" and that sounds pretty fucking stupid to me, bruh.

[@raleighsanford5111]

I've listened to and/or watched this video half a dozen times and just now noticed John Prine in the video. Between, Clark, Crowell, and Prine, there are a ton of good country music.

[@turftraining2729]

Was sitting in a piano bar and the singer was taking requests and most were michael buble or some shit---i had a sense the guy could do Guy and requested LA Freeway and the guy nailed it and later he bought me and my date drinks and thanked me--a masterpiece.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

Lovely story bud. I can imagine what a talented pianist could do with this masterpiece..lotsa subtle little notes. Are you still with the date? ; )

[@ignacioasin923]

great story.. i wish i could do that. im from Spain and country is barely known here...

[@willwyatt7023]

What a great story

[@foma42]

Bless you for requesting a real song. It's fun being able to put together arrangements of pop songs on the fly, sure, but it's also inescapably depressing to have to do it night after night because no one listens to actual music anymore.

[@grumpybuzzard7131]

way cool !!!

[@MrAppalachia]

KZbin preserves some great things that would otherwise be lost

[@sirron777]

That is definitely a true fact.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Oh amen just a treasure trove

[@louisjwilliamsii]

If Hemingway could play a G chord he’d be Guy Clark

[@nikolaigladanac9082]

Um, Hemingway played the cello.

[@estebancee]

And he had six toed cats. So???

[@karlyoung5089]

What a brilliant comment!

[@tadisaacs4412]

Thanks for putting into words exactly what I feel.

[@mattcook8930]

Todays kids don’t know Hemingway, Clark, or what a G chord is

[@jeremytoone9998]

Bought an old car in my teens and a home recorded cassette was in the player, absolutely loved the tape but life, kids, etc got in the way of tracking down who it was (pre internet!). Only found out out in recent years it was Guy Clarke. What a legend. The life memories associated with that tape are awesome.

[@texasredneckhippy]

I had no idea how fortunate I was to hear Guy in a small club in North Texas in the mid 70's. John Prine played the following weekend. Singer/songwriters are true artist.

[@PhilipTinsman-n3j]

Listen do this this morning with tears in my eyes. The people's comments on here are awesome and so is John Prine. God bless John Prine rest in peace

[@tomryan8223]

JOHN PRINE IS AWESOME, AMAZINGʻ, BRILLIANT!!! IVE BEEN LISTENING TO HIM 40 PLUS YEARS!!!, I STILL LISTEN TO HIM ON YOU TUBE!!! WTG JOHN YOU ARE A LEGEND MY FRIEND!!! R.I.P.

[@pattimoore35]

I was honored to meet Guy as we were both checking into a Ramada Inn in Denver, him to play, me to watch. Told him I had been in love with him since 1975. And it was my 25th wedding anniversary. The marriage has since dissolved, but I am still hopelessly in love with Guy.

[@roburbina6089]

One of the last songs I played my father before he passed.

[@HunterMann]

A genius has left the building. Rest well Guy

[@mojorising0071950]

he will be sorely missed...... what an adventurous life he had

[@jimrebr]

Oh I love this song so much. I grew up in Southern California and escaped at age 20, I just couldn’t stand living by LA where I was born. My children were all born far from California, and they hate it there, just as much as me. When we visit my parents, my hubby always makes me drive. Love Rodney, following him since the 70’s has lead me to some fantastic musicians!! I have loved John Prine since 1975, I Cocktail Waitressed at this small lounge & I sang with the duo who played there every night, with their full approval, they taught me lots of Prine & Guy Clark songs, also Townes songs.

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Got me some dirt road back street in Terlingua some 40 yrs ago and never looked back. Guy's music was a gift in this life.

[@k1j2f30]

My God, how I loved and lived by the songs and lyrics of Guy Clark and Jerry Jeff Walker back in the mid 1970's! They were both my musical hero's, I listened to their music every chance I got, I would sing along with them whenever I was alone. I spent a lot of time singing with those ol' boys! Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff and John Prine, they were the very best of the best musical storytellers and you have either lived-out their lyrics to their songs, or you feel you are actually right there in their music when they're playing, sorta' like living in a music video. So many good memories of my friends, girlfriends, myself and occasionally a family member like my gramps' would run through my mind with their music playing, like I was sitting in the front row of a movie theater. Sitting there alone, just watching my hero's music being played-out in a movie with me, friends and family as the star actors....up on the big screen! Well, here's to you Guy and John, I do so miss you boys, we surely had us some times. Some were good and some sad, but always so beautifully played and eloquently narrated and always, forever.... remembered and treasured! God speed my ol' friends, my story tellin' and singin' hero's..... God speed!

[@gregorysullivan7175]

Hey man ain't it the truth. From soup to nuts that clatch of singer songwriters. Cheers to you.

[@dmz140]

Well said.

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

Godspeed to 'em indeed!

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

for my service I have to decide between Guy Clark or Jerry Jeff for this song. JJW only because it was the version I rocked with my BFF of 40 years and put a pin in such a special time

[@te9839]

Amen brother

[@prameshmalla7715]

I'm from Nepal. I wonder if anyone from my country would ever cover this song. One the brilliant masterpiece from Guy Clark. My all time favourite .

[@randalbladel2817]

I only saw Mr. Clark once, about 50 years ago with his band Texas Cookin’. I was very young and ignorant and though I loved it, did’t realize what a legend I was seeing. I’m proud that I did and still do take chances on seeing performers I’ve never heard of. You get to hear some awfully great stuff that way.

[@remygarrison1451]

Incredible! Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Guy and others. Legendary songwriters.

[@AO-ip6yx]

It should have been against US policy to allow all those national treasures in one place at the same time!

[@ysf-psfx]

All these guys surrounding him have heard this song from Guy hundreds of times, maybe. You can see the joy and pure admiration of them while he sings it, still. No one was close to overpowering the simple guitar that is essential this song. Just a little light accompaniment. What a lovely performance.

[@robertoaguirre8906]

Guy was a fabulous song writer, belongs in the song writers hall of fame. Like that old saying "You don't miss your water till your well runs dry". Rest in peace Guy.

[@shaneb1861]

I’m 46 years old and hearing this for the first time. What a talent!

[@peterbaruxis2511]

This song has been close to my heart for about 50 years I think- I hope you keep it close for just as long or longer.

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

I fucking love this song. What an amazing songwriter, performer.

[@turninflat]

Oh to have lived a life to create something so special. Simply first class in every regard.

[@missbritt288]

There is something very spiritual about all of these old austin pickers music - there is a certain silence in it , something that reaches deep within a comfort that makes you pause and look at the world like TOAISM from an observers perspective , maybe this is how poets always feel

[@jamescarr5989]

Miss Britt, you nailed it You nailed it! It does indeed have that definite spiritual component & within is a silence to it! A very wonderful Toasit statement! Jim Carr, Colorado

[@peterahrens3594]

Absolutely! Excellent Post Miss Beitt!

[@ChineseDildoFactory-001]

Soul...

[@hardychip3736]

I’ve been on this rock for 56 rotations and just know hearing this song, what an amazing song Guess I can chalk this up to better late than never! RIP Mr. Guy Clark

[@sunshine3914]

I’m surprised. I’m a bit older, raised on country, but first I heard it was Jimmy Buffett. Then Jerry Jeff, & a list of others, a decade before Guy.

[@hospice8896]

41 and hadn't perfect

[@billwolf2718]

holy crap, first time I heard this, will wear it out.

[@thelittlemoontravelers]

ha that is the exact same thing I said the first time I heard this tune.

[@jeffwilliams8074]

I heard it by Jerry Jeff Walker from my Dad's record collection after he OD'd in LA in 1978 when I was 15 years old. His friends said it was his favorite song. He just couldn't get off that LA Freeway in time. Still my favorite song ever.

[@brianbarber4501]

welcome to the club, brother.

[@PlaztekNerd]

bill wolf wore out my vhs copy back in the 8Os !!!!

[@douggodfrey6521]

He wrote a lot of great songs - this is my favorite .

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Guy Clarke was the only man I could listen to singing about green tomatoes, Guy was the man

[@nashfrogman1233]

I was 17 when I first heard this song on my local radio station in Oceanside CA. We were cruising past Los Angeles in the evening. Brings back old memories. Funny how a simple song can trigger a whole section of your own life, things you cherish and places you visited for the first time.

[@tanyaraven9492]

Perfect example of "The Song Remembers When" (another stellar song).

[@theguitarjohnshow]

Guy Clark was an amazing songwriter

[@CowPalace1]

I was born and raised in LA...could hardly wait to escape. This was over 50 yrs ago. I still don't miss it.

[@natewhelden4463]

one of my absolute favorite songs of all time...great version too. RIP Guy!

[@peterbaruxis2511]

As always Mr. Clark- if you or any of your force should be caught or killed- You will live forever in the hearts of myself and many others who have already listened to this song many times in our lives- and when we're gone, you will live forever in the hearts of those who have yet to discover this masterpiece.

[@soulfunkfolknhiphop]

When I was younger, my dad would make reference to country songs. I’ve been everywhere man, Johnny cash etc. I didn’t get it at the time. He left some ten years ago and songs like this make me wish we could be having a beer and talking about artists like Guy Clark. Country gives me some serious closure when I listen to it.

[@yaakov2342]

Music has a way of bringing us all together, even if they're no longer with us.

[@MrShadowman32au]

Just a masterpiece from a legend of the art .

[@billmiller9448]

My road trip anthem. Everybody has a skinny Dennis and love is truly handmade.

[@hunting_vr1514]

I travel all around the.midwest to visit family and this is the FIRST song i play. I remember a few years ago heading to my dads cabin he asked if i got off the la free way.

[@fleegerbriggs5694]

Never get tired of this song.

[@TucsonNative]

How can you listen to Guy Clark and not want to quit everything you are doing and become a songwriter- only to be crushed with the realization that you could never be 100th as good as he is?

[@DaveWhitacre1]

So true!

[@tedszweb5268]

The simplicity of his words & phrasing & the visual it gives you is just fantastic. He makes the listener think he is sitting right across from Guy while he is telling you a story. And of course that opening Lick that immediately tells you what song is coming , so unique.

[@marcosmomma1]

Miss you Guy Clark, the exceptional songwriting craftsman.

[@alonzobishop3671]

A powerful life force was this man... One of those rarities that makes your senses tremble- a gift!

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Spot on comment

[@sarahmahany3404]

Makes me wanna do what I wish I could do..too sick to do anything right now. Boy, do I love this song.

[@kevincumpson6815]

I have leaned to play alot of tunes watching these masters

[@DanielHill-ic2zq]

@kevincumpson6815 me too! PLEASE still be playing music Friend.peace

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Few things in life, if any, are better than hearing a songwriter singing his/her own songs. You have to reach down deep inside yourself and confront your emotions and insecurities along with your understanding your successes and failures to make music like this.

[@MrNewman46]

The very best ....play it over and over....ty

[@neilr1956]

A True Texas Treasure, God is enjoying some amazing music.

[@dsleaf]

Purest music and poetry and heart and soul.

[@pnadell9231]

R.I.P. Guy .......Lord , let him roll .

[@RollYourRock]

👍🙂

[@ElliotBrownJingles]

I'm actually living this song. Guy Clark is my new hero.

[@tomconway5684]

Master Songwriter. Very nice performance.

[@brendonleary]

So dam tootin' good, it gives me goosebumps.

[@nothenryporter81]

He's so damn good - as both a songwriter and as a performer.

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Beautiful Tune and a stellar performance!

[@SLFinSF]

I was listening to this before posting it on Facebook. I cried when I heard Guy had passed...and I'm crying again as I listen to this now. Don't do that for many people but -- for some reason, when I heard Guy had passed, I just burst into tears . Was so blessed to have heard him and Verlon play for so many years at our "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" concert here in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park (which is F-R-E-E of charge, too!)

[@Scotsgrey13]

Love this one more than the album version. Bless him.

[@FalaBell]

I lived with this song in February 1985 on the E6 Highway in Norway. Tired and frost bitten I needed to get home for good.

[@briangay6262]

Lyrics are the best when they take you there

[@mathewgladden8914]

This song depresses the hell out of me for some reason.

[@DanielHill-ic2zq]

@@mathewgladden8914 I

[@DavidBean-kl4lj]

LA is the place people go to become famous. when it is past time to leave with no regrets a chapter is over. move on. why put up with the basin if it isnt making you rich?

[@MrCraigparkersf]

Great respect to a great song. RIP Jerry Jeff Walker

[@christianjensen7699]

Jerry Jeff Walker recorded the song first, but Guy Clark wrote it. The lyric "Oh Susana don't you cry babe, love's a gift that's surely handmade", refers to his wife, Susana Clark. Skinny Dennis was Guy's upright bass player while he lived in LA. A similar paradigm happened with Stevie Wonder's song 'Superstition'. It was first recorded by Jeff Beck, but Stevie Wonder wrote it.

[@gabbyhayes4561]

My goodness what a great song writer. Never heard a tune fr him I didn't like. It's a sad world with out G. Clark!😎🇨🇱

[@Manesson]

Une des plus belle chanson de voyage ...

[@tacogillespie4561]

Damn Guy its been a long time since the early 70s when I first saw u. Rest easy my friend. Never forget!

[@jamiebyrne458]

A genius indeed. May he forever rest in peace

[@charlesharper7292]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@jamespriest9658]

Christ, was the first song that spoke right to me. As all good boys age 12 in early 60s, I watched Roy Rogers and listened to Roger Miller.. well I listened to the words, said what.. led me to guy eventually, but sob Townes caught me off guard. I'm back at it writing the red dirt.. my tiny spin.. but yeah ur gonna like it..

[@redbagreddirt]

Another legend gone RIP

[@keithpolster2912]

A fantastic singer...he will be missed....yes God let him roll....

[@gregpalermo3861]

i see what you did there.

[@tageschance5501]

❤❤❤❤❤❤wonderful song 🎵 dear Guy ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@billdauphine951]

One of the saddest most beautiful songs ever....

[@kevinstaggs5048]

Cool tune. First heard it in '85 or'86 and have loved it ever since.

[@wambathewisefool2893]

So lost, since Guy passed. My ol' man had the Texas Cook'n 8 Track in the late 70s....I fell in love with Mr Clarks voice, guitar and lyrics, on that 8 track in the middle to late 80s. So, 2 years ago...I got an "analog" playing amplifier and phonograph....and I have been purchasing Mr. Clarks l.p.s, all 1st presses, not digital "re" mastered crap. Been a year since I played them. I love his music, Van Zandts, Jennings, and of the such. I will include Kristofferson, as the true Western Folk singers...hey, but then again, I've been a fool...I got a Crowell 1st press too...

[@charliem5332]

Wow. 1983. What a song. A beauty.

[@IamYogiB]

Saw him a few times and even shook his hand after a free show at the amazing Bill’s Records on spring valley. Old No 1 changed my life. Still know almost every word.

[@davidbarnett1740]

Never heard a Guy Clark song until that baseball movie. In the background was playing part of Things That Work. About 2 years later watching the same movie, and retired, I heard the verse again. Spent probably 2 weeks searching for the song --- yes, my computer skills suck. After that I've been searching for more Guy Clark. LA Freeway is my favorite so far, but Sis Draper is running a very close 2nd... Sorry I never saw him in concert.

[@colpayz212]

I hear Jerry Jeff will be on Auction City Limits this weekend. I'm sure he'll give props to the songwriter of this song. RIP Guy Clark

[@alexloweh1]

Guy Clark was a bad ass👍

[@g00glyelm0]

Guy was one of our survivors. Meaning listen to the words that are coming out of his mouth

[@judythomas1797]

FYI: Clark's wife, the late Susanna Clark, painted the cover of the Emmylou Harris album Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town. RIP Mr and Mrs Guy Clark.

[@Scotsgrey13]

He hits it perfectly, and I like it better than the album version.

[@richardburkholder220]

He detested the album's production of it. This is perfect. Thank you for posting it here. R.I.P Guy,

[@campland3539]

absolutely made my day watching this. TY man

[@campland3539]

Without Guy and John P, I'm not writing songs. Thank you fellas for your inspiration!

[@Blakepurcell14]

My dad was in a band with Guy’s son Travis. Guy was a great guy when I met him as well as Travis definitely made me the song writer I am

[@katanaki3059]

Guy was a great songwriter ❤

[@margaretgraves5109]

Bladdy love Guy Clark. My fave song of his, is reference to Suzanna still gives me shivers down my back. Listen to him, steve earle & the late Justin. Whom i listen to the most x

[@ysf-psfx]

Also, Townes Van Zandt.

[@margaretgraves5109]

@@ysf-psfx If I needed you

[@jeremywolstenholme9277]

I have and love this album.

[@ericsimpson1176]

He passed away on the same day my mom did, miss them both

[@glenndowling8383]

LA is like NYC. You either love it or wanna leave it. I couldn’t live in either but that don’t mean nothing really. Bless those who keep our big cities alive

[@dantean]

This the way the do it, isn't it?! They'll sit around taking turns performing songs for one another until the wee hours. All that's probably missing is the bottle...or bottles. Thx for posting!

[@abbieharris2425]

Sublime Music Channel It’s the bottle that kills so many of these guys.

[@dantean]

@@abbieharris2425 As if I didn't know?! Unfortunately, it's also the way it's worked for almost ALL of them. Blues guys, jazz guys, country guys--you name it. C'mon. Without drink, drugs, and pussy there's precious little 20th century music ANYONE gives a shit about. From one end of the planet to another.

[@lestercrosby2917]

gone but not forgottened rip guy

[@Exodus1414KeepStill]

He was brilliant!

[@debrabeck9630]

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings sent me here. Grateful.

[@Noblesavage77]

A day late and a dollar short but you better believe I'll do my best to pass the buck.... thank you sir, rest well

[@robertjones6333]

What a great song. RIP

[@d37fan]

Growing up the only thing I ever heard from Guy was Homegrown Tomatoes. Sadly, he’s another great artist that I’ve come to appreciate after his death.

[@drb000]

Beauty. That voice. It's like a god telling you the path.

[@MrAlexnervo]

Dylan ....hell Guy Clark is up there as a song writer no gimmicks .

[@Charlie-fx9dp]

Sad, sad, l discovered John after his death... I' m French and too much so good artist stay rather unknown... Just like him...

[@richardmiller4021]

My favorite version of this song

[@elizabethjolliffe3411]

Thank you and safe journey.

[@garysilliker2903]

so good to hear again

[@roxannekrenz3786]

Love this.

[@chriscook1249]

RIP and thanks

[@johnmckeon3468]

Great song.