Guy Clark -This House Is A Tower Of Wisdom -( Chuck Mead )

Chuck Mead tells a story about writing songs with Guy Clark.
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Guy Clark
Chuck Mead
BR549
Let Him Roll
La Freeway
Lower Broad St. Blues

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Guy Clark song? I always find myself circling back to stuff like Let Him Roll, The Randall Knife and Desperados Waiting For A Train. What's your favorite?

[@northernwolfhound7096]

Gotta go with one he never recorded called step inside this house ,Lyle Lovett recorded it . Not sure why but Lyle said Guy hated it.

[@dougthompson9596]

L A Freeway is my wife’s favorite song ( is there a better line than “without getting killed or caught”?) I guess mine would be Dublin Blues. ( comparing Doc Watson’s playing to the David and the Mona Lisa. Perfect!) Love Br549 and mister Mead. Thanks as always Otis!

[@tomfrascina5846]

LA Freeway or Dublin Blues, don't make me choose!

[@aallanso82]

Ramblin’ Jack and Mahan hits me just right. Thanks for posting this!

[@michaellevesque8084]

Changes daily, but I'd start with Let him Roll, and My Favorite Picture of You.

[@abie0114]

Gold Otis! Years ago me and a few friends "acquired" some all access passes to a music festival. Our plan was to make it inside and spread out early, then gather back up after the crowd had grown. For some reason I headed back stage, I stood out like a sore thumb. I turned to leave and walked into Mr. Clark, It was like coming face to face with George Washington. I was visibly star struck. Guy took a drag off his cigarette and said "you lost?" I asked "is it that obvious?" Guy pointed to the courtesy table with cold cuts and FREE keg beer and said "you would be a lot less obvious if you helped yourself". So I did and we proceeded to shoot the shit like we were old friends. I cant remember what was said but I remember making guy laugh and how tickled he was about me sneaking back stage. I wasn't questioned by anyone else during the festival, I don't know if it was the all access pass or Guy's blessing that saved my ass....

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Greg!

[@stevewuertz3598]

As my father ages, I'm leaning towards The Randall Knife. As I age, its Desperadoes Waiting .. I miss Guy Clark all the time

[@otisgibbs]

I understand where you're coming from, Steve!

[@ludwigfan3013]

It's even worse when they do go. Appreciate them while they're still here.

[@bobbyclobber]

Love all Guy Clark songs but "Homeless" touches my heart.

[@wheeltwavel]

Too many fav's, but his version of Country Morning Music in Heartworn highways is top notch.

[@andrewzacks]

Asking about a favorite Guy song is like asking about a favorite Dylan tune. But I gotta think Desperados is up there. And LA Freeway. Kind of the soundtrack of my life.

[@SuperBollus]

So hard to chose but LA Freeway, Texas 1947 and Dublin Blues would have to be at the top. The verse in Dublin Blues that gets me every time: "I have seen the David I've seen the Mona Lisa too I have heard Doc Watson Play Columbus Stockade Blues"

[@billylamar5218]

Hands down “Anyhow I love you” most romantic song I’ve ever heard.

[@pauldenali6367]

My favorite love song and definitely one of my favorite Guy songs as well.

[@michaelmatiatos7194]

Guy Clark. The only man who has kicked the shit out of me just by making eye contact. Whooped my ass with a look. Saw he and Verlon at a small venue in Fairbanks. So close you could feel that voice in your chest. Though still not close enough to see Verlons fingers move. Best show I’ve ever seen. Thanks Otis for throwing carrots down the rabbit hole for us all.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Michael!

[@davemoordigian6807]

Years ago my friends and I went to see Guy Clark. Something happened and according to Guy they were told that no one was getting paid, so the sound people wouldn't run sound. It was an outdoor show. He came off of the stage and sat on the grass with all of us. He said "Apparently no one's getting paid but we came here to play music and that's what we're going to do." He gave us a concert sitting there on the grass. It was great!

[@catheryndenton1766]

That is what you call a CLASS ACT.

[@davemoordigian6807]

@Jo Smotherman Southern California. South of Los Angeles somewhere but I can’t remember the exact location. I think it was around the late 80’s.

[@DavidB45Mustard]

So hard to pick just one Guy Clark song. Dublin Blues, South Coast of Texas, Ramblin' Jack & Mahan, Homegrown Tomatoes, L.A. Freeway, I can go on and on.

[@OsitoTejano]

Man, I would love to have seen Chuck and Joe Ely together. Two of the best right there.

[@vitorzaupa]

I get the feeling that Susanna was the brains there, in the middle of all those talented people. Black Haired Boy, a song Susanna wrote about Townes, is one of my favorites. I can't just pick one. Guy was the best.

[@preachervideo]

I saw Guy and Verlon outside Pine Mills, Texas in the woods in 2003. I saw him walk over to the courtesy camper and I followed and waited outside. I asked if he’d mind signing my acoustic and he said, “You don’t want me to ruin that!” He was so cool to me, and Verlon stood and talked to me outside the merch tent for at least 15 minutes about songwriting. My brother and I met them again in Nacogdoches, TX and saw them get introduced to the Gourds music. They dug it. Guy has been my influence from the moment I first heard of him back in the 90’s, thanks to David Allen Coe. What a joy it is to meet your influences and have the experience exceed expectations. As far as favorite, there are too many. But, Old Friends touches me like no other.

[@AndySalinger33]

Anyhow, I Love You is my favorite. That song kills me every time. Love you, Otis. Chuck is one of your most entertaining and hilarious guests, and that’s a tall order, friend. Cheers from Gulf Shores, Alabama.

[@rickyhenry4958]

Guy is one of my favorites. All those Texas songwriters from that era are near the top of my list.

[@michaelfealtmansr203]

Stuff that works. By far my favorite Guy Clark song.

[@elliottwalker8983]

The first ones that hooked me, Let Him Roll & Instant Coffee . Also a very special place in my heart for Boats to Build

[@Nomadahtous]

Boats to build and The cape are my fave Guy Clark songs…

[@grizzlyadamsmith6038]

Just love everything he sings..very good!!

[@GsusKryst]

Hank Williams said it best! Also the guitar , such a haunting song ! But truly no one can really only have "one" favorite Guy song . The list goes on!

[@LastMoonboy]

This was so good! I just turned 27 and have been listening to Guys music for the past 12 years or so it’s so hard to pick a favorite, But my top five if I had to choose would be “ Desperados waiting on a train” “Randle Knife” “Old Friends” “LA Freeway” “Let Him Roll”. Thanks for making and putting out great stuff Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@daveschroeder9187]

Stuff that works, the cape, magnolia wind. My favorites

[@darrellkinkade9205]

Great story!!! Guy Clark has been the soundtrack to my life for more years than I care to remember. He AND the great JOE ELY...

[@furn8tur]

So many Otis! Guy and I were friends for over 30 years. I met him when I went to a bar in Austin with a group of fellow soldiers. I went to take a leak and they went to find their fame and fortune. I stayed. It changed my life. My favorites currently are “Stuff that Works”, “The Cape” and “Fools for Each Other”. “Let em Roll” held that distinction for many years. Guy is the song track of my life. He once asked me why every time I saw him I always asked him to sing “Instant Coffee Blues”. Until you hear it you’ll never understand the power of Guy’s phrasing. When I got married for the second time we danced to “Like a Coat From the Cold”. I was so glad that I could share that tidbit with him before he passed. I miss him a lot. We were not close friends but like Chuck said he was always great to me. Thank you Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for sharing this, David! : )

[@waylonwhitaker6818]

Love Cold Dog Soup. Jesus Christ it’s Tom Waits with three collection plates!

[@bluesdoggmusicrediker4614]

br549 is a great band...i saw them live at an outdoor show in richmond,va...WHAT A SHOW!!

[@h.i.5333]

We need more Mead!!!✌️

[@MarcBrewer]

Let him Roll and LA Freeway are long time favorites

[@wadewalker1499]

I just ran across your utube show this past month and have watched several and have really enjoyed you and your guest. You really come across as a sincere and honest guy and will be on my radar for a daily listen. Thanks Otis. Favorite Guy Clark song was Magnolia Wind.

[@jr642]

I was very fortunate to be at one of Guy's last, if not his last show, ever. It was at 3rd and Lindsley. My favorite song of his is either Desperadoes, Let Him Roll, Dublin Blues, or Magnolia Wind. Cold Dog Soup is also a beast....there are so many.

[@cathaldalymusic]

My favourite guy song is Dublin Blues. The version he done on the transatlantic sessions, as it was my first time hearing guy play. I was a big fan ever since

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

Since I came back to Nashville in 2016, I’ve had the good fortune of being immersed in the deeper awareness of the best writers. John Prine, Townes, and Guy Clark. At this point in that evolution, my fav is “The Cape”.

[@isabelvela6684]

Mine is the Randall knife and The Cape The cape has special meaning to me because I have a grandson who underwent open-heart surgery when he was eight days old. He is 5 years old now and loves to run around the house wearing a superhero cape. I hope he always trust is Cape like he does now ❤️

[@lukewest8889]

The guitar, the cape, out in the parking lot, just to name a few. Otis, keep up the good work man.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Luke!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

I found Guy Clark because I was listening to Lyle Lovett, from Lyle's 'Step Inside This House', which of course set me on a musical journey into Texas songwriters ... and here we are. Thanks, Otis! And thanks for the stories, Chuck 🙏

[@keithsandulak9844]

Impossible to pick just one... That's like picking your favorite kid... you love them all, each for different reasons. Another great Documentary👍

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Keith!

[@dennisgilcrease1719]

Dublin Blues is one of my favorites

[@tonyclarke9650]

now way to pick one favorite.... i just missed seeing him at wiillie nelson's (2nd annual) 4th of july picnic in bryan/college station texas in 1974....but i had the pleasure to see him twice later on...probably 1997? at the frank brown songwriters festival in gulf shores alabama, and on that songwriters showcase tour with joe ely ,john hiatt and lyle lovett.....all such good shows,,,,i'm gonna say L.A. Freeway, Dublin Blues, Magnolia Wind and Boats to Build are songs that I love...but there are so many more!

[@tedszweb5268]

Dublin Blues , but Things That Work is growing on me. Also New Cut Road !😀

[@s2cardinal]

Trust in your cape! Best song!

[@haroldbadgett4986]

Shades of all Green, is one! Thanks!!!

[@christophersmith2737]

Great stories, love ya Otis. So many great Guy Clark songs, too many to pick a favorite. But....right now, it's Dublin Blues. Who knows next week? Keep on keeping on, Brother.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Christopher!

[@blucheer8743]

I love the folk art of storytelling you got it down Otis!! Keeps the ghosts a living’!!

[@Mantanhattan]

Great Guy Clark stories! Been a Guy fan since his 1st RCA album. Bought every release. In a world full of loss the loss of Guy Clark is one of the greatest. Genius songwriter, singer, picker, & human presence. As always: thanks, Otis. & thanks Chuck.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@michaelbourne5050]

The Cape! Words to live by in so many of his songs. And The Guitar always give me chills. Love a good story song.

[@alwayscrazy1]

I love Chuck's "Daddy Worked the Pole" and BR's "Too Lazy to Work; Too Nervous to Steal"!

[@otisgibbs]

I co-wrote Daddy Worked The Pole with Chuck while sitting in lawn chairs in his driveway. I'm glad to hear you dig it. : )

[@brucefolk6597]

That old time feelin!

[@gwag8410]

Man Guy had some great ones... one that I do, so evidently it made an impression is, Magnolia Wind.... Verlon is a treasure as well, and he and Guy together were magic...

[@mairianncullen8753]

Oh gosh, yes. I 💕 Verlon's voice and guitar playing. I watched a documentary about him (Sweet Dreams can come True - a title like that) and he came across as one of the nicest of men, as well as so talented.

[@gwag8410]

@@mairianncullen8753 thanks.. I’ll have to check out that documentary! Yes Verlon comes across as a very down to earth guy, and he’s from a part of Oklahoma some of my family is from…. Have a nice day 😏

[@jimj.5099]

Great video. I wish Chuck and Guy had done more together. Both are two of my all time favorites. Desperados has to be my favorite song, but I also loved My Favorite Picture of You which was one of his later songs. Thanks Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Jim!

[@kathrynsmith5750]

LA Freeway is my #1 song full stop. Not just from Guy but from anyone. When I hear that opening lick I can't help but smile no matter how bad I feel. And tonight I feel BAD so I think it's very appropriate to see this video, be reminded of the song and now to crack out the vinyl. #2 is The Cape. #3 Dublin Blues.

[@otisgibbs]

He told a story before the last verse of LA Freeway when he was playing live. Something about hating the landlord and a beautiful orange tree in the back yard and how he finally decided they were leaving LA. It always put a nice smile on my face. There has to be a few versions of it somewhere on the youtubes. : )

[@kathrynsmith5750]

@@otisgibbs That goddamn grapefruit tree.....

[@otisgibbs]

@@kathrynsmith5750 Hell yes! : )

[@ras8514]

i have been to tennesee many times. always think of tenessee as a place where the sun never seems to get above the horizon... dark and the skies never clean blue but hazy grey. just like these vids.

[@wongnaichungrd]

Great post! Favourite Guy Clark song has to be LA Freeway such a song of regret and hope! Was a song the resonated with me when I relocated back to Australia after 20 years overseas!

[@davidklawitter3194]

Guy is without doubt one of the greatest song writers of my time. I was first introduced to him through Jerry Jeff Walkers LA Freeway (who I thought wrote it for years) . However it is Susannah's "Come from the Heart" that I consider the 'Perfect" song.

[@mandojoe8031]

Thanks O for the G Clark stuff. My personal fav song writer. Fav song, that old time feeling! Cheers

[@otisgibbs]

Much love to ya, Mando! : )

[@rodneysmith8735]

I should probably choose " The Cape" as it reminds me of the time I jumped out of a tree using a bedsheet as a parachute, I was about 8 or 9 at the time , ended up with a fractured ankle and disgruntled parents. If I was forced to choose it would be LA Freeway or Dublin Blues, but drop the needle anywhere on any Guy Cark album and you will listen to the end. Back in the late 80s or early 90s my late wife and I had breakfast with Guy in a small hotel in Donegal, he was fascinated by the sheep grazing outside the window, he was a wonderful person as well as a truly great songwriter. Enjoying these blogs and hope you can find some way to keep the diehards rolling.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Rodney!

[@julesotis13]

fav guy clakr song...oh baout lal of em

[@catheryndenton1766]

As a bonafide OGD (Otis Gibbs Diehard) these interviews are incredible not just for the stories but the names of players and songwriters that I've heard and heard of over the years but that I may have forgotten about. Thank you for introducing me to Chuck Mead and for reminding me of Joe Ely. I literally keep a piece of paper next to my keyboard to make notes.

[@otisgibbs]

I appreciate the kind words, Catheryn! : )

[@maxdelozier5752]

Big Chuck Mead/BR549 fan...met him a couple of times ..super nice guy

[@otisgibbs]

Chuck is the best!

[@jeffsmith1945]

Otis I really enjoy your stuff! I could listen to you and Chuck all day!, thanks

[@ClintonCaraway]

My favorite is Rain in Durango co-writen by Guy and Shawn Camp.

[@regunter6599]

I always thought it was "LA Freeway" until I heard him do one his wife and another fellow wrote, "Old Friends". I first heard him on TV on KET, it was a songwriters thing, I think in about 1984 but it was a rerun. As soon as I heard him I ran out and had a heck of time finding an album of his. Living in a rather rural area he didn't get much help from any record label getting his stuff out.

[@robertdonaldson2316]

Great one Otis! The story Guy reveals in Desperados waiting for a Train is so interesting. I can see the kitchen table. The young kid watching the old men drink and play dominoes. The old man dying in his hospital bed. Its such a powerful song!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Robert!

[@Dinner42]

L.A. freeway was my intro to Guy, but I like Like a Coat From the Cold and Sis Draper is another. Tough call, there are so many.

[@volpe109]

Gotta be Ramblin Jack and Mahan, since I've met Larry, (he now lives not far from here in Guffey, Colorado,). A few of my best buddies and pickin partners were at a Guy concert and Guy asked the audience what song they wanted to hear. People were yelling "Desperadoes" and Guy's going "Nah" and my buddy, in the front row says, "Ramblin Jack and Mahan." Guy looks at him, smiles, and says, "Now that I'll do."

[@joemckibben7757]

So many to choose from but Instant Coffee Blues packs a 2 hour movie or a 300 page book into a 3 or 4 minute song.

[@timcastens1150]

I talked to him once at Castle Creek, neat dude, will never forget it. Love his music. Everything he recorded was great today it's LA freeway, Rita ballou, that old time feeling, Texas 1947, she ain't goin nowhere, desperados waiting on a train, Otis I can't just name one, him and Fromholz were just the best to me.

[@smokey2135]

How cool is it, that Guy would talk about Emmett Miller.

[@waynegilchrist1596]

I have a difficult time trying to pin his songs down to one but I think Desperados waiting for a train because it's I think his first that I heard. Thank you Otis, a great interview. I think this puts you one step closer to being the Talk Show Host that I mentioned before.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Wayne!

[@johnrosier1686]

Another great interview. I would have to look back through my CDs to figure out my favorite Guy Clark song. At this time of year as I am putting a bunch of tomato plants in the ground I will just have to go with Homegrown Tomatoes.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, John!

[@davidrush6547]

My favorite Guy Clark song is homegrown tomatoes only because of my Aunt Sue, who was a real firecracker of a woman who was wheelchair bound during the latter part of life due to a massive stroke. It was difficult to understand her speech, but I could leave her belly laughing with that silly song. Randall pocket knife is my personal favorite even though the first knife I ever got from my papaw was a Barlow, but I know you get it... Peace and continued success, Dave Hedrush

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Dave!

[@larserickson2862]

Great interview! Desperados Waiting for a Train!

[@jixxxxer17]

my favorite Guy Clarke song hands down is Magdalene !

[@washingtonbob49]

Thank you so much Otis. This interview had me all choked up. I completely get what Chuck was talking about. You are opening up the music world of singer/songwriters and letting everyone feel us. When I sing Desperados Waiting for a Train I sometimes get tight in my chest and remember my Grandpa Wes that thought I could do anything. All I can say is Thankyou and I hope God will bless you real good...or may the God of your choice bless you real good as Guy Clark would say!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Bob!

[@d.gregorybrown7779]

This last month or so, my favorite Guy Clark son is 'Desperados Waiting for a Train'

[@artemisXsidecross]

These are great stories and interviews, I liked to the mention of Joe Ely too, Thank you. :)

[@otisgibbs]

I love me some Joe Ely! : )

[@mairianncullen8753]

Joe Ely is another treasure.

[@nathanthomas3016]

I interned with the Mountain Stage folks for a summer in college. First or second day in the office, I wake up and see a tweet or something about Guy Clark passing. Man was/is a giant to that show. If you search for it, you can find a picture of him and Townes signing a wall backstage in one of the theaters they use to record in. Somber day in the office. A week or so later, we're taping an episode with Darrell Scott. He does a song that ends with narration from guy, brief pause, then he and the band go right into 'Desperados Waiting For A Train." Just a perfect moment.

[@pleemhead1]

Great interviews. Guy was/is my favorite! Saw him often. A few times with Townes. L.A. Freeway is my favorite. I was born and raised and lived in L.A. till the 70's. Always thought I'd get killed or caught. Wait, got caught a couple times. Not that big a deal though. Old Friends is next. I love singing those as well.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Craig!

[@dianethornhill3651]

Absolutely adore anything GC ever did. Randall Knife is my favorite of his songs. Holds a special memory of my Dad for me. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitar player, and my Mom sang harmony in his Western Swing band. They played the Bakersfield, California to LA Honky Tonk circuit after WWII. For my 6th birthday he gave me a small pocket knife. Thanx, Otis for these stories. It’s reminded me of some pleasant times.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Diane!

[@HillbillyCharm]

Guy clark is a genius

[@vrmn11]

Hemingway's Whisky!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are several that I love but Hemingway's Whisky just hits me like no other.

[@keithleach1880]

Has to be LA Freeway for me The Intro on that song just grabs me and doesn't let go!

[@beachidiot8530]

Great content as always. I LOVE me some BR-549. I went through a spell were all I wanted to listen to was them and tha Derailers. I listened to "LA Freeway" for years and thought Jerry Jeff wrote it, because it was on his album. Hard to pick a favorite Guy song, but I am going to go with "Desperados Waiting For a Train".

[@otisgibbs]

I'm with ya all the way! : )

[@tinman00]

Guy was great... Thanks Otis

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Scotty!

[@tinman00]

Well I'm old now so my favorite.. this old bag of bones ain't really me

[@okpainter9700]

Its a hard choice between Home Grown Tomatoes and Dublin Blues . Both fit a certain mood perfectly ✌🏼💚☕

[@robertrohrs9195]

Guy Clark is my favourite song writer. I love Randell Knife, but The Cape is probably my favourite. I want to have it played on a continuous loop at my funeral.

[@jamesgraham9744]

I certainly haven't done my due diligence in exploring all of his songs, but Desperados Waiting for a Train is up there in the top ten of my all time favorite songs ever.

[@alwayscrazy1]

My daughter knew the words to "Dublin Blues" before she could even talk... it and "Welfare Music" by Bottle Rockets were her "lullabys" when she was a baby; you could sing it and if I missed a lyric she would fuss! "The Cape", "Texas 1947" "Tornado Time in Texas" "Homegrown Tomatoes" and "Texas Cookin'" ... I'll force myself to stop there! RIP Guy!!

[@evangalyen6402]

Let Him Roll

[@alecwhicker2837]

My favorite is either “the ballad of Laverne and captain flint” or “heavy metal”

[@DoomsdayLetsPlay]

I've loved your channel from the beginning....never wrote a comment yet though...Guy is one of my favs though...His songs make me tear up...great man..."Boats to Build", "Stuff That Works", "Old Friends", "Come From the Heart"......too many too count, like Tom Petty....I didn't see anybody mention Tom's song "Wake Up Time", last song on Wildflowers...that song always kills me

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Aidan! : )

[@aasmundolsen]

mangolia wind is a song who gets a lot of repeats on my player ... also john p and mrs Harris version ...

[@mairianncullen8753]

I'm a Guy Clark fan, loving so many of his songs. I truly do like 'Cinco de Mayo in Mexico' 😊. I'm happy hearing this context for how it came to be written. Thanks, Otis!

[@scottrankie]

I love Desperados Waiting For A Train, Rita Ballou, Dublin Blues, LA Freeway

[@RandyH400]

Thanks Otis! Desperados waiting for a train. Thanks again!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Randy!

[@robgray9620]

Great story again Otis picking a favourite guy clark song Is very difficult love them all never heard a bad one

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Rob!

[@johndeere8594]

Always trust your cape.

[@HillbillyCharm]

He's the Hemingway of songwriting

[@HillbillyCharm]

My favorite guy clark song is .let it roll ,captain flint,hell bent on a heartach

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

Hello Otis,that's some pretty powerful stuff.If Chuck's hat is a Stetson,which I think it is,It's the Open Road or The Cattleman model,with the medium/bound brim and narrow band tied off like a ribbon.I had the Open Road which I gave to a good friend when he became terminally ill 35 yrs ago,it's on his chest now,and replaced it with the Cattleman,which I wear.Favorite is "Stuff That Works" because it's so relatable.You interview like a ref should ref:keep it flowing and stay out of the way. Peace and happiness.