Steve Earle - Pancho & Lefty (Live at Amoeba)

Watch the full interview & performance here: www.amoeba.com/live-shows/vide... Steve Earle performed at Amoeba Hollywood on 5/13/2009 and at Amoeba San Francisco on 5/14/2009.
In this clip, Steve Earle performs "Pancho & Lefty" from his album TOWNES, which is comprised of songs written by Earles friend and mentor, the late singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt.

[@theasmoak269]

I have loved Steve Earle since I was about 8 years old. I remember getting a CD player for and I immediately went out to find yard work to buy my first CD. When I added up my money at the end of the week I went to my mom and offered her gas money to take me to Walmart. She refused my money and when I returned to the car she surprised me with 2 more albums. I lost my mom not too long after and I still have my CDs to this day.

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

That's a great story thanks for sharing it..

[@beardedbiker333]

Crazy. Steve is one of my favorites. Copperhead road!!! But I was playing caset tapes. Lol. So long ago. Lost my mom too. Right after getting home from prison.

[@bellacosmos607]

Gayy

[@lordofthisworld9077]

that's such a beautiful story

[@johnweiss3748]

Heartwarming story, thanks for sharing. You will see her in Heaven one day and you can listen to great music together.

[@bryannelson6139]

He is so talented. I still think "Guitar Town" is one of the top country songs ever.

[@terracestevenkennedy9198]

Steve is one of the best performing live musicians ever

[@DottieandTom]

Steve Earle has something in his music that is not common...heart and honesty

[@Chrisfragger1]

+Paula Reagan Yeah but sadly he's an Anti-Constitutionalist now.

[@theofficialterrycrewsyoutu5885]

Dear God. After watching and learning the heartworn highways recordings and hearing all the stories about him, Guy and Townes, and then seeing him now, seeing how much time has passed, this song feels haunting. And the way he sings it, the way his voice hums low on some parts and rattles on others, one of the few songs that all came together to give me chills.

[@Medallion215]

Yes sir this brother been there respect where respect is DUE! FROM A PHILLY BROTHER 215

[@heathermetcalfe3380]

Just saw this, and yes, he does a wonderful version of this song, a great tribute to his friend and mentor Townes.

[@paolod1]

my god, this man just has so much soul in his voice. Its Spine tingling to hear him sing.

[@andrebouchard6222]

God bless this man. He is one of the remaining old-school poets who hung with heroes.

[@jaymanjay1030]

Towns would love this. You're an excellent folk artist Steve. Love you man

[@boomboxbadboy1]

Absolutely gripping cover of an epic song by a wonderful man.

[@paulpickering5684]

One of my favorite versions of one of the best songs ever written.

[@jonathanwortley1643]

I was in the crowd for this and it was amazing.

[@anatomicallycorrectmuppets8180]

Is this a comic book shop?

[@LoneGranger]

Sweet.

[@baphometfathom5348]

@@anatomicallycorrectmuppets8180 it’s a music store records cds all that it’s in LA

[@ralfeckert3522]

This is a great song and a amazing performence from Steve Earle

[@patrickscanlan1016]

"the dust that Pancho bit down south ended up in Lefty's mouth" Great line, so expressive.

[@Cinemadaptation]

Can you explain that line to me mate? I don't really understand its meaning. Thanks

[@patrickscanlan1016]

"bit the dust" is an expression that means died. Lefty can't sing the blues all night anymore, because he had something to do with Pancho's death. So the dust Pancho bit ended up in Lefty's mouth, he feels guilty and doesn't want to sing anymore. That's my take on it anyway.

[@Cinemadaptation]

Thank you

[@mrjkillion]

Patrick Scanlan amen, brother. well spoken

[@src4526]

the dust that ended up in Lefty's mouth makes him drink. the dust ended up there because Lefty took a payoff to help end Pancho's run. "where he got the bread to go/there ain't nobody knows..." line spells it out.

[@walterrosemusic]

I'm sorry, anyone who thinks this song was written by someone other than Townes, you're wrong. This is from Steve's tour of "Townes". His tribute album to TVZ.

[@mcmike100]

I thought this was written by Donnie Osmond.

[@LSKruschke]

History brother keep it alive!

[@shawnbeck2303]

Steve has lived a life like Poncho! Glad to see Steve get his act together. I to had a addiction. But its behind me now! A good wife and Jesus saved my Dumb Ass. Nice job Earle. Shawn

[@loneranger3213]

Played at my dad's funeral. Makes me cry every time.

[@josephlemko3027]

This is one of the excellent covers on Steve's tribute album to one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived Townes Van Zandt. I can listen to Steve Earle sing anytime.

[@Moamanly]

I can't listen to him all night long like I used to; but still think he's great. ;-)

[@josephlemko3027]

@@Moamanly :

[@josephlemko3027]

@@Moamanly That is fine. People's tastes change all the time. At least you still feel the music. Stay healthy✌

[@JohnTaylor-yy3fo]

preach it brother. Steve the real deal. Saw him live only twice but been my main dude for thirty years

[@scottsmith9563]

Steve is an awesome musician loved him for years.......great rendition brother Townes would be proud....

[@pabloisusi6097]

Awesome! As always, Steve. Being in my life's music since half of my life and always goosebumps. God bless him and Townes.

[@scootjockey]

Great music from a Great dude..

[@jeffmusehl405]

Thank you Steve Earle this is a great cover

[@ernestgibson8950]

Thanks Steve I was born too a truck driving man. 1959 . I went on longhaul in 1978. I respect how you pour every ounce of "feelings into your ART. Keep the knees in the breeze. Hammer-down!!! Shake shake!!!◇€Z◇

[@wilburshuman]

Hey............................... thats pretty funny !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was born in may of 59, started driving in 78 too ! hauled my first load into NYC at 20............ By the time I reached 21 I'd been to every state East of the Mississippi And 3 the other side. Ran local the last 35 yrs, did everything with a truck you can do. Loved the best, hated the rest.............. I've trucked all over this land.

[@skyblaze616]

I will be seeing Steve live at the end of this month. I was lucky enough to meet him a year ago. Very nice guy.

[@user-ok8nq7sk8s]

It only took Guitar Town for me to love him. The rest is history and many songs.

[@cathytavenner2582]

Love this...Townes lives on always!! Townes would be so proud of you Steve...you have been a great and successful musician...mentor...and teacher...we need to hold on to this music

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

Steve held holds Townes in high regard and if I can't hear Townes do his songs live anymore then by gosh I wanna hear Steve do em. I'd love to hear Steve , Emmylou , Rodney Crowell and good ol Otis Gibbs make an album of Townes tunes. I nominate Steve to do Pancho and Lefty and Otis would do good with the ballad of Ira Hayes.

[@danielmims8467]

Named his first born after Townes. Justin Townes Earle and they did a badass duel of Mr mudd and mr gold on the album "Townes" . To say he holds him in high regard is a understatement lol he says he's was his hero and was lucky to mentor under him and Guy Clark . Otis would kill it on the ballad of Ira hays . Check out Steve's version of " two girls"

[@newtimeout75]

steve you are a legend...what a great version of this song...keep up the great work

[@keithjacks8611]

the best & most believable version ever!

[@TheDanebiker]

WHO thumbs Down this dont know Music this man is a fucking poet

[@dakthesok]

Love Steve Earle!! So much Raw talent and a voice that touches your soul!!

[@Celestatiune]

This might be my favorite recording of this song I've heard yet. The writing of "and sank into your dreams" as a description for moving away from/losing a parent is the most perfect poetry in the english language.

[@williamhinson4603]

Never beat the original. Of course him and Townes were very close for a long time. But Steve just knocked out this song. Perfect.

[@grahambrown3593]

Wow Townes would love this.

[@pipepapi9090]

Hey Steve, Happy 60th. We are all a long way from those nights at the Old Quarter. We were just kids really while Rex helped you guys create Houston history and a hell of a lot of great memories. Were grey now but we still hold and cherish those early days. Thanks for the memories.

[@catelyntully9361]

+Pipe Papi Lucky you, to have those special memories....... he's so special (I just know him as a songwriter and performer) A really special man..... (but you probably already know that)

[@ChuckieInMT]

Bless you, Steve for still bein' with us - You, Sir, are THE SHIT!!!

[@princessharley11]

never grow tired of an amazing artist...love him

[@tomf429]

This song is great because it tells just enough of the story to let your imagination wild. Steve covers it well. My favorite Steve Earle songs are Goodbye, and I’m Still In Love with You. Give them a listen.

[@owenwilberforce6138]

Steve like many of the greatest just gets better with age and he was great 30 years ago. Time is kind to survivors with a penchant for studying history. I can only think the Spirit of Townes is constantly in any front row egging Steve on. It shows in how Steve keeps Townes spirit alive.

[@ryanmitchell1421]

Honest to God, I can remember whenever I was a kid, early 80s, actually saying a prayer for lefty… Actually, I probably didn’t understand the song well enough and probably said a prayer for Pancho and Lefty, but this song I thought was real. I can TOTALLY remember being depressed by this song. Plus, it was just a hard time, sad time for me… I was eight years old whenever I remember the song affecting me so I’d say probably 1984. It crushed me. Haha, and islands in the stream... at this time I felt like the only kid whose parents were going through a divorce and it was really hard.

[@royferguson3909]

I love you honest sharing. I from Canterbury U.K. You too shoot from the hip, ( vocally ). very strong and sincere. I salute you

[@giovanna8187]

This has always been one of my favourite country songs. Such melancholy! I saw Townes van Zandt in Toronto at The Horseshoe months before he died. I'm glad I did.

[@jamescassidy3995]

Roy Ferguson Backatcha from funky Folkestone 🐍🖤

[@RD-fr9wm]

Where would we be without songwriters, bless Townes Van Zandt

[@langstongrandma]

Love his interpretation of his mentor's song and also love the close up photography. He's a master. Suck it up, the rest of you.

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

By mentor do you mean Townes Van Zandt?

[@darkheartlightsoul]

@@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS of course he does

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

@@darkheartlightsoul Yes, was a silly question. I'm listening to him as I saw your reply. Cowboy junkies lament. There ain't been a weekend morning in a couple decades where townes isn't playing at my house.

[@Prometheus1st]

Steve Earle on David Letterman once said that he wrote "Copperhead Road" specifically for the mandolin...he said that as far as he knew he was the first person to EVER write a song specifically for that instrument before and therefore..."Nobody can tell me I did it wrong"... Well played Sir...VERY well played indeed. I have admired you and your music ever since...

[@AJCarr77]

steve earle = total badass end discussion

[@PatrickCSheehy]

ever seen "THE WIRE"?

[@ninesticks]

this has gotta be the best cover of this TVZ piece..... SE is one heck of an artist... more.. a great songwirter/performer of my generation...thanks SE

[@DawnWCUE]

Fantastic. I saw Steve Earl live with Pearl Jam and it was awesome!!

[@DawnWCUE]

Me too!! 2004 in Nashville.

[@jcornwell718]

Steve brings a new edge to every song everytime he sings it...

[@smallbearLargeheart]

The best. Thanks for your music, all of it!

[@DanielCollins85]

Going to go see him on Nov 4th in Winnipeg! Can't wait!!

[@dottiegravit7542]

That's great! I'm so glad to hear he's still playing!

[@asme75]

steve earl is great; keep your heart true, sing like there is no tomorrow; but still pass on yesterday....life will give you the time; you just have to find it....easy...depends what you are talking about.....

[@judysullivan5434]

There s something special about this man! I've been a fan of his songs forever!

[@SteveEarleofficial1]

Hello there, it’s really nice meeting you here.

[@judysullivan5434]

Good to meet you too!❤

[@buck9739]

Your a legend I’m fortunate to hear

[@kevintackaberry2770]

Thank you.

[@jacefkluver]

Verry seldome is the remake better than original but this is the real deal. Steve Earle is the man.

[@maniyan_wanagi]

Worthy effort, Steve...... Townes is smiling. Thank you.

[@retriever19golden55]

Are you really Melquiades Estrada?! Three burials and all?

[@maniyan_wanagi]

@@retriever19golden55 Yep. Thrice dead.

[@dizzaztergirl]

[@hollyelaine8730]

im a fan of Steve's for over 30 years, love you Steve

[@mikekuczynski1552]

One of my favorite songs and another great version

[@076don]

Yeah covering Townes 👏👍 Respect

[@gasnjuice6450]

Steve has highway dust and country road gravel in that voice! just as good as Townes the Texas trubador

[@BronzedTube]

not surprised Steve knocks this cover out of the park.

[@jeffreyrosas1784]

This is the best version of this song I have heard. Steve Earle loved Townes van Zandt and middle-named his son Townes. Townes said this song wrote itself. I think Earle understood it more than even Townes. Watching his face when he sings the poignant lines you see it.

[@dobella]

What a guy, for many years now he has been a proper musician.

[@johnbenton2709]

Thank you.this is aweome.

[@tomahawk2009]

Such a great meaning! Such a great story!! Great cover!!

[@bigballz5503]

Damn. I needed this today more than ever

[@jupiterjill2240]

Maybe the nicest version I've heard ever. Very good song and Steve does a fantastic job!

[@JustinMcGovern]

Great tribute to his idol... awesome....

[@DaveRetchless]

Great tunes man, been listening to you since I can remember. I hope to see you in an acoustic show some day.

[@MsReb14]

Its great. Love all of Steve Earles music...there seems to be some people on here who dont have anything nice to say about him so why they on here? Anyway, he is a great artist, and as far as his thoughts I agree with most...Either way, I have an open mind and love to hear what he has to say, as for narrow minded people , well, its sad, you miss alot of good things and live inside your little box of thoughts...lighten up. Keep up the tunes Steve. We love ya

[@royferguson3909]

eight years on and your comment finally gets a like and positive comment ( from me ). That's progress my friend. Eight years ago you commented. WoW. love respect from Canterbury U.K.

[@johnkeating1535]

So good. Thanks for sharing

[@nonirockify]

a friend of mine died today. Steve / Townes are the only things i can listen to

[@MaryGerdt]

Beautiful.

[@ropermrmeredith06]

great song!one of my favs.

[@criticalbill7715]

Steve channels Townes for some lucky folk. Like us.

[@ecnalreleam]

Definitely the best cover of this song. It might even be better than the original. Townes is great, but this is something special.

[@billcbren]

I don't know how many times I've wished KZbin comments didn't exist. This is another one of them.

[@daveargall3454]

That is funny!

[@hunggrapes5532]

Yep, many channels on KZbin are disabling the comments section because of !

[@ergbudster3333]

Easy. You can get Firefox and get the add-on that turns YT comments off. I do it once in awhile when I get totally disgusted by the trolls and morons.. but then usually I want to make some moronic comment myself and turn it back on. :)

[@Fred-yk6qk]

Fucking love this version

[@rhettbickley9097]

Steve Earle you certainly channeled Townes on Lefty and Pancho.

[@phakit]

Love Steve's work. Townes is a legend. I know MANY musicians who are good family people and providers. Ever hear of Farm Aid? All the artists donate their time and performances to help Americas small farming families. I know cause my wife's family ARE small (hundred acres) farmers. For over a 100 yrs.

[@immrlizard]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@TheLeftyGrove]

One of the very few heroes left...

[@Void7.4.14]

Only cover I've seen in a while with the right lyrics.

[@daveyadict_]

amazing song....so touching. so much into it.

[@freudensammler]

just wonderful!

[@huntlife]

That was great

[@charlesford157]

Man whatta true blue folk player. Love this guy. Just Steve and his axe. What a bad a** rendition. 5 stars brother. If you dont have his TOWNES CD get it.

[@craigconley1872]

Great concert!!

[@wayhighradio4197]

Classic song, well done!

[@MrGovernmenthater]

Beautiful job.

[@joejackson4622]

Our best story teller!

[@gregorymillerMUSICFORMEMORYS]

A Great Version of the Willie & Merle Classic. "Great Job Steve"!

[@rcstafford1]

this is sick how fools judge real artists. that's their work. if you disagree, then so be it. DON'T JUDGE THEIR DELIVERY OR OPINIONS

[@colinsacks8200]

Many have covered this Townes classic, including myself. My favorite version is still EmmyLou Harris's with her Hot Band.

[@ergbudster3333]

I always sing it as "Wore his gun outside his pants for all the honest world to see" (not feel). No gunman is ever gonna let people feel his gun, honest or not.

[@SspaceB]

Erg Budster they feel its presence not feel it with their hands

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@ergbudster3333 its not literally "feel" but rather when u see a gun you feel it meaning u are aware of it. Dont change the way Townes wrote it

[@royferguson3909]

I thought it was his song. thanks for sharing

[@giovanna8187]

Emmylou's is gorgeous. It's the first version I knew. I like Merle Haggard's and Willy's too, especially Merle's verse. Damn I wish he'd done a version himself. His rich soulful voice and this tune are a match made in heaven.

[@freakyrawen]

Wonderful. Love from Sweden

[@robtrenholm5039]

The Best Song writer ever. A pure musician.

[@doctorteethomega]

People sometimes ask you "What's your favorite song?" I love a lot of songs. This would be my immediate answer.

[@mxssxm1]

just awesome!

[@superiorflycompany8217]

best cover of this song

[@thespiritof76..]

If Steve Earl was born to sing a cover? This is it. Hell fuckin yea my Brother!