FIRST TIME HEARING | MERLE HAGGART ft WILLIE NELSON - "PANCHO AND LEFTY" | COUNTRY REACTION

#merlehaggard #countrymusic #willienelson
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[@stevedavis5704]

I always thought the story was Pancho and Lefty were together and Lefty sold him out for the reward. While getting away Pancho was shot and the Federales just followed him till he died rather than engage him again. Lefty went to Ohio with his money where he lived till he was old and sick slowly dieing alone. Hence the phrase “Pray for Pancho but save a prayer for Lefty also.” This was the first Willie Nelson song I heard and liked so it’s always been special to me. I didn’t get to hear him much growing up cuz my mom really didn’t like him so I have come to him later on in life but I have found he has many songs to like in his long career.

[@suebeawho6537]

I think you have the story right. I see it that way too🙂

[@37434mh]

That’s the story I believe as well. When we see Merle and Willie playing cards in a modern day cantina, I assumed that is supposed to be their descendants or reincarnations of Pancho and Lefty. Once again, friends.

[@kristinkeiner6547]

The verses of the first stanza introduce Lefty as a restless young soul who leaves home and his loving mother to seek his fortune south of the border. The verses of the second stanza introduce Pancho as a Mexican bandit, who "wore his gun outside his pants for all the honest world to feel". After the refrain, the third stanza tells of Pancho's eventual death in "the deserts down in Mexico" and implies that he was betrayed by his associate Lefty who was paid off by the Mexican federales. Lefty uses the money to reach Ohio, trying to return to friends and family who apparently have moved on. Lefty grows old in cheap hotels without his friend from Mexico. Following the refrain, the fourth stanza poetizes Pancho's life and appears to evoke sympathy for Lefty's attempted homecoming. The songwriter unintentionally based the song loosely on Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa was assasinated, not hung, but did have a compañero named whose name translates to “Lefty”.

[@wyvalrosamilia1107]

The reason for the line, "out of kindness, I suppose" refers to the fact the federales couldn't catch Pancho so they tried to bluff about it. Even though Willie plays Pancho in the video, the song refers to Pancho Villa, a real bandit who terrorized both sides of the border about 100 years ago m/l. I don't know if there was a real life counterpart for Lefty.

[@reneeholcomb9952]

That’s the way I’ve always thought it was too

[@brandondixon4023]

Merle Haggard and my grandfather were close friends for over 50 years. Merle recorded 12 songs that my grandfather wrote. I have a picture of him, Willy & Merle of them partying together after a show. Wish I could share it here

[@brandondixon4023]

My grandfather is Red Simpson (God rest his soul). He’s on KZbin and over 200 of his songs he wrote were recorded by various artists

[@mcwilliams4546]

@@brandondixon4023 Man, that’s awesome. I’m familiar with some of his work.

[@kimking6036]

Pancho and Lefty were partners. Lefty told them where Pancho was. Lefty made a deal where he would get the $5000 and his freedom. After shooting Pancho they just let him keep going till he died. Willie does a duet with Ray Charles. The song is called 7 Spanish Angels. They bring the juice

[@skylerbieber4698]

Yes yes yes, I love this song 👍👍, please check out "the highwaymen" another great son by Willie and the boys

[@griffcrammond6640]

The guy that wrote this is Townes Van Zandt. He appears twice in the video, the first time at the 3:22 mark and the second time later when Willie and Waylon are in the bar together at about 7:25. The dude wrote some EPIC tunes.

[@reneeeiier4818]

Willie and Merle are in the bar. No Waylon in this one.

[@griffcrammond6640]

You are correct. My error...

[@Gutslinger]

You forgot 1:44..

[@ClassicRollPlayer]

Townes was an amazing writer and talent! Snowing On Raton is an amazing song...look for the Town Mountain version.

[@hanschitzlinger3676]

I spotted him atleast 5 times

[@mitchshelton2995]

7 Spanish Angels is a great Willie co-lab. Check it out if you can.

[@sherry2371]

Willie is the best. I see him at the grocery store every once in awhile.

[@Melinda09985]

“a story of comradeship and betrayal and the price we pay for the choices we make.”

[@Gutslinger]

The sound of Willie Nelson's infamous guitar, which he named Trigger, is unmistakable.. You hear it on the solo.

[@jimlamenia7812]

He's been playing that guitar since like 1967

[@christophervincent8420]

The guy in the bar with the red suit, and the guy in the last shot with the guitar is the writer of the song. He is from New Mexico around Raton.

[@kelliebond2261]

I'm a rocker chic by heart but an ex introduced me to these guys and waylon & Johnny Cash. They are incredible! And this song makes me wanna cry...

[@Alan-lv9rw]

From 1983. Both were at the top of their game. Pure magic.

[@geniej9093]

I'm sure it is a great story.... I just love hearing these guys sing.

[@MarvRoberts]

Townes Van Zandt, the guy who wrote this song, was one of the federales in the background. He was the guy with the guitar @4:44.

[@jeanniewright2554]

Thanks for the tip! I didn’t notice him there!!!

[@mollythompson9535]

Merle & Willie are fire too!

[@amypaul7702]

This is in MY top 10 fave songs of ALL time along w sober by tool AND tear da club up by 3 6 Mafia some other too but this is a great song love Merle he's my shit

[@truckinggeorge]

I bet you would enjoy Seven Spanish Angels Willie Nelson and Ray Charles

[@itsallgood4093]

I might be wrong, but I believe the wanted picture that Merle Haggard takes out of the saddle bag and is looking at, is the same picture of Willie Nelson that is used on the "Outlaws" album cover.

[@mcwilliams4546]

You are correct

[@joanwilliams7536]

"Out of kindness, I suppose..." It went down without Pancho selling out the best friend that was selling him out. Also, the first young soldier we see is the guitar player at the end. He was a troubadour in Texas. Townes Van Zant. He wrote this song. He also gave Emmylou Harris her start, as she sang with him until he passed. Last thing, some of the other guys in the last scene are Eddie Rabbit, Kenny Rogers, & Mickey Gilley. LAST last thing, I went to Gilley's nightclub on summer day care field trip as a pre-teen. That was okay back then because the movie Urban Cowboy was filmed at Gilley's and John Travolta was thought of very differently back then.

[@Ramona57-TX]

Love this song.

[@mattgalardo2022]

Written by the great Townes Van Zandt

[@vanessarupe2039]

This song is iconic. It makes me tear up every time I hear it.

[@mcwilliams4546]

Look up Townes Van Zant singing it. He wrote it. It will rattle you.

[@bigjay123]

'BARBAROSA' good movie. They did another song 'If I can find a clean shirt I might'.

[@wgj4everlong426]

Clean Shirt is Waylon and Willie. This is Haggard and Willie

[@michellewalters7097]

They were brothers. Poncho was their mother's favorite. Poncho became an outlaw, Lefty became a lawman. Lefty was the only one who could take Poncho, he also knew his brother well enough to know where to find the money from a robbery and he collected the bounty. The other Federalies allowed Poncho to get away several times for Lefty's sake.

[@Let_Jesus_Rescue_You]

Meryl Haggard has sooo many great songs... as Willie Nelson has... but Willie wrote music others made famous like Patsy Cline! More to explore: Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris, Gram Parsons, Flying Burrito Brothers, The Band, Townes Van Zante ['At My Window '], etc Enjoy the Explore 💞❤️💖🙏🏻

[@quintondees4501]

Classic here👏👏👏

[@kylesummers1565]

Peace, Love!!

[@seansavage4766]

Townes Van Zandt wrote this song (someone worth checking out, try 'Waiting Around to Die'...great song). Van Zandt has a cameo in this video. the guy they panned out from in the bar and again as a Federale. Very cool

[@johnmaupin182]

You should listen to whiskey bent and hell bound by Hank Williams JR

[@veronicacovatch1601]

Highwayman is a song by The Highwaymen. The Highwaymen were an American country music supergroup, composed of four of country music's biggest artists who pioneered the outlaw country subgenre: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. I hope you do this song.

[@edefyinggravity]

You should listen to Josh Turner's "Long Black Train." I DARE your jaw not to hot the floor when you hear that man's voice.

[@ripperlipper1016]

Or even a Keith Whiteley song will impress him by his voice shit even Vince Gill is one too.

[@debbiehall9091]

Love this song and these guys are great

[@jdigg1982]

Merle and Willie were hammered when they recorded this. I read somewhere

[@jimlamenia7812]

Merle said Willie drug him out of bed at 4 in the morning to record this, so yeah, good chance that they were both in some stage of being hammered

[@LeaC816]

Pancho and Lefty were buddies but Lefty betrayed him to the federales in exchange for money. He didn’t actually pull the trigger but his friends blood was on his hands. He had to live with that regret hence his need for a few prayers too. Townes Vanzandt is the songwriter and was a very talented musician himself.

[@Acoustic_strings]

Pancho Villa was a famous bandit in the old west if I recall correctly

[@mamaflush9945]

Here's another song with Willie Nelson, in case you'd like to listen to more Willie. This song shows how versatile he is, he can smoothly cross over into another genre/style so easily. I love it😃 "Willie Nelson - Something You Get Through (Official Video)" this song is like country infused with pop music along with that soulfully melodic voice that's so unique to Willie...beautiful stuff, bro. I love this man's music

[@Hawghunter629]

Poncho and lefty where brothers, poncho turned into a outlaw at childhood lefty was a lawman, he tracked him to Mexico, he let poncho slip away in a way to show respect as to say you "got away" one last time.... they knew he would subcome to his wounds. After he drank himself to death with guilt for being a part of killing his brother.... in a nutshell

[@leslietayloriii8405]

The man in the Dinner, playing the guitar, is Towns Van Zandt the one who wrote this song. He also did cameos as the federally on horseback

[@debbers]

I guess I'll have to watch the movie and get back to you on this one! Great reaction to the song though!

[@DerekDoody-kd6wh]

Willie is my phycologist

[@hanklutcavich2468]

#1NJ Fan here. I needed to check out more Willie w/ Haggard and the group The Highwaymen. Thank you. Awesome reaction brother.

[@MaryABJM]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@matthewgriffin6851]

You gotta do Seven Spanish Angels with Willie Nelson and Ray Charles fricking epic

[@dsusan17]

They grew up together. Pancho became a criminal with a price on his head. Lefty was either a bounty hunter or law enforcement. He was the only one that could take Pancho. He regretted do that till his dying day.

[@cassandrabasham3229]

Seven Spanish Angels

[@ravenpowers6915]

Can you please do the Highwaymen.. the song is also called The Highwaymen.. Willie, Kris, Johnny and Waylon!

[@Flower_Dragon_WA]

I’m old. So I remember my grandparents and great aunts and uncles talking about Pancho. The story goes that Pancho Villa was the head of the Mexican revolution in the early 1900s. He and his revolutionaries brought down the president of Mexico at that time and were able to get another instated as president. I don’t remember the names. Of course you can look them up though. The Federales were supposed to arrest Pancho Villa, but they often let him escape because they didn’t really want to arrest him. Evidently they weren’t happy with the president either. I’m not sure on the details but Lefty was Pancho’s friend, but sold him out to the Federales for money which he used to escape to the United States. I think he must’ve sold him out to the ones that were wanting to do their job well. Maybe that’s where the guy in the suit comes in. Maybe he was the head Federale and would make sure they in fact would mortally wound him. Idk. I remember hearing people talk about wondering if he really had died or if he had escaped to the United States, and that maybe it was Lefty who died. There seems to be a lot of mystery wrapped around it all. The last I knew, as of a few years ago Pancho’s first wife, and I think the only one he was married to possibly died in the 1980s. He had other wives and children which I heard she had raised. I have no idea how that all worked out. Lol.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for another good reaction!

[@ksharbaugh2]

I've always seen it as the pair being bandits together until Lefty decided he wanted out, go straight, maybe become a singer. But, there was no way out for him as long as there was a price on his head, so he turned in Pancho to the authorities for a pardon and the reward. Pancho was wounded trying to flee and was allowed the dignity to die "free" rather than as a prisoner. Lefty returned to the US to live his life only to wind up old, alone, and haunted by having betrayed his amigo for this all those years ago.

[@lisarider1456]

Need to watch credence Clearwater revival heard it through the grapevine.

[@biggootz]

People just don't listen to the words of songs close enough. At the first of the song it says "were'nt your momma's only boy, but the favorite one it seems". Tells right there that Pancho and Lefty were brothers. Maybe Lefty resented Pancho for being mom's favorite but for whatever reason he helped the Federales run Pancho down and it ate at Lefty's soul for the rest of his life.

[@carolynpariyar3911]

Listen to more Merle Haggard

[@mamaflush9945]

These are two of the "original outlaws" in country music. Merle Haggard because he served some time in San Quentin (Where he encountered Johnny Cash, before becoming famous) and Willie Nelson (because he smoked weed) but mainly they wouldn't let the music industry push them around. Here's a rare gem 💎 Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette singing together "Merle Haggard & Tammy Wynette - Today I Started Loving Her, Again (Live)" (by the channel: coockiestv) hey I didn't name the channel, 😏okay Willie did have a few westerns that he and some other music artists like merle Haggard and Kriss Kristofferson would co-star in. They were pretty good, if you're a lover of westerns. Great reaction, AB... brought back some sad, but fond memories thanks.

[@mcwilliams4546]

The term “outlaw” had absolutely nothing to do with going to or having been to prison. It was a label stuck on Waylon, Willie, and a couple others who hung around Hilbilly Central, the recording studio owned by Tompall Glaser. An article written about the studio and the people that recorded there called them outlaws because they did things their own way, and not the way Nashville and the powers that ran the music industry did. Merle Haggard was never considered “outlaw” in this regard. It was a label that Waylon hated from the onset of it. He wrote about it in “Don’t you think this outlaw bit has done got out of hand?”. While Chet Atkins was polishing everything up with his “Nashville sound”, the “outlaws” were recording gritty, sweaty, real music with no polish.

[@Gutslinger]

I love the way the original writer, Townes Van Zandt, plays this on the guitar in the Heartworn Highways documentary clip on KZbin. He picks it fingerstyle, and it sounds so damn good to my instrumental ears. I actually bought a "How To" video from a guitar teacher on how to play it. I was able to play it, but needed more practice. But I stopped. I need to pick it back up again.

[@davidpahlka6301]

I used to hang around drug dealers trained by the Mafia. The cops couldn't bust them until 'best friends' snitched them out and then moved out of state or joined the service. It even happens inside the Mafia.

[@APatriotRevival]

The song is a story of betrayal. Pancho and Lefty were partners but couldn't get a big break. Lefty sold out Pancho to the Mexican federales for a cash reward. He then left Mexico for Ohio the day Pancho was buried. The final verse (Merle's part) brings us to present day, where Pancho is now old and lived to regret his decision. He blew the reward money and is living in a cheap hotel room. He's wishing he hadn't sold out Pancho, and has no family or friends to spend his final years with. I interpret the line "All the federales say They could have had him any day They only let him slip away Out of kindness, I suppose" As the federales' coverup of Lefty turning in his partner to be let off.

[@wearinganapron]

Oh, one of my top faves! I sang it to my babies for years,, trying to figure out what the story was. My take on it is this: Pancho was an outlaw . . . wanted by the federales, who played cat and mouse with him for years, developing a fondness for him, although they had a job to do. Eventually, a price was put on his head, and Lefty, a bounty hunter, turned him in for the reward. Then the Federales had to finish the job and shoot him . . . although with some regret. Lefty collected the reward, and went home to Cleveland, old, broke, and dying. There was regret, all around, I think.

[@jdstewart83]

Please react to Merle Haggard Today I Started Loving You Again!

[@amandamoorman3756]

The story goes that that Lefty and Poncho struck a deal. Yes Lefty shot him but then he convinced the federales to let Poncho ride off knowing he was wounded and making a false grave since the federales never wanted him caught in the first place. Most if the video is an actual movie

[@dominickk5293]

My understanding is that lefty was poncho's partner. He wanted out of the life so he betrayed pancho and dropped the dime on him. The authorities couldnt catch pancho but they bragged otherwise once they did catch him.Then lefty sold his horse and bought a train ticket out of Mexico and grew old living in the Midwest. It was a tail of betrayal and regret.

[@pamelagoodman8405]

Try "long Black Train" By Josh Turner

[@FillingGaps-32]

AB......... you gotta see Ren Hi-Ren sir!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤯🤯

[@randomlyweirdjeff4638]

Pancho and Lefty were buddies. I think it's the same as with the movie Young Guns where Pat Garrett got the offer to kill Billy the Kid and was made a lawman. So Lefty took out Pancho for the reward. But I don't think it was personal because it seems like Lefty still loved Pancho. It's as if Pancho was meant to go out as a bandit. I'm sure this story happens more than we think. If I were gonna go out, I'd want my best friend to take me. This video is very underrated. Storytelling at its finest. I don't think Lefty wanted Pancho dead, but if you get into a gun fight your first reaction would be to shoot. (Self preservation) but Pancho ended up getting hit and lingered, out of kindness they let him go as long as they could until he gave up. If he was wanted dead or alive then the reward is actually irrelevant because it's reasonable to assume that if Pacho was taken alive he may have been executed all the same.

[@dalekemmis6739]

Lefty turned him in for the reward!!!

[@joanwilliams7536]

Looking over the comments, I will add that Willie and his son Lukas do a heart-rending cover of Eddie Vedder's "Breathe." And if you are a fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Willie and Karen O doing Queen's "Under Pressure" will blow your f***ing mind. And don't even get me started on Lukas Nelson & Shooter Jennings' cover of David Bowie's "Life on Mars?". Those Outlaw Dads brought up some very talented offspring. Lukas sounds just not like Willie. If you are ready, you'll hear it and understand.

[@fatguyoutdoors3511]

Lefty sold Pancho out for some cash

[@lauratejada2132]

I'm just as confused as you are by this song! 🤣

[@davidcollins897]

Google "Pancho Villa" and most of your questions will be answered.

[@robinhiter6440]

You need to try Ray Stevens “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival”….. poor country music comedy

[@kristinkeiner6547]

The verses of the first stanza introduce Lefty as a restless young soul who leaves home and his loving mother to seek his fortune south of the border. The verses of the second stanza introduce Pancho as a Mexican bandit, who "wore his gun outside his pants for all the honest world to feel". After the refrain, the third stanza tells of Pancho's eventual death in "the deserts down in Mexico" and implies that he was betrayed by his associate Lefty who was paid off by the Mexican federales. Lefty uses the money to reach Ohio, trying to return to friends and family who apparently have moved on. Lefty grows old in cheap hotels without his friend from Mexico. Following the refrain, the fourth stanza poetizes Pancho's life and appears to evoke sympathy for Lefty's attempted homecoming. The songwriter unintentionally based the song loosely on Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa was assasinated, not hung, but did have a compañero named whose name translates to “Lefty”.

[@bigbuck1998]

You should do the call by Matt kennon

[@cindycowan249]

I alwaysthought it was about pat Garrett and Billy the kidd

[@gooseeggs8490]

Yes he was a bandit,yes he had two other brothers , yes there was a lefty who I believe real name was “ el surdo “ lefty because yes he didn’t have a right arm after a battle with panchos troops ,yes pancho was on the run and was never captured ,yes at one time he did get some what captured and wounded but usa and some federales from Mexico but got away and they had stated that they had killed him this song and video shows exactly what happened and yes lefty did organize a group and killed pancho and it was considered a betrayal this song and the video shows parts of the story . These was a big thing that was happening because it involved politics he became a bandit in the beginning but then after it was for liberty at the end his warrant was called off but lefty still killed him . Let’s not be ignorant this song is aFRANCISCO PANCHO VILLA AND OBBREGON who was known as lefty’s.

[@ghfantexas6848]

The end of the video, that was Willie and Merle as themselves obviously. You mentioned Willie’s cap. Poncho didn’t have a ball cap. So, that had nothing to do with the story. The story is over and the guys are hanging, having a drink or whatever.

[@dorothyhill5056]

Poncho Villa history.

[@mcwilliams4546]

Wrong