Townes Van Zandt -- Flyin' Shoes

[@johnfrantz3945]

When you hear his songs, you just know that every word he sang came from his life.

[@evelinekettle1150]

Townes knew the beauty and pain life brings and he expressed it all so eloquently

[@gregdechaunac9391]

The first song I sang with my father when I was 3 years old... Every time I listen to this wonderfull song I remember my dad gone too soon... Thank you and rip Townes, you were a genius and a true poet! I love you daddy and I miss you so much... (sorry for my english, I'm a french guy.)

[@crazyarms]

greg de chaunac your English is fine Greg :- ) we are all in the Townes community here , keep wearing those Flyin’ Shoes .....

[@gregdechaunac9391]

@@crazyarms thanks tranquility base, best wishes to all of yours!!! Keep listenin' to this god of sound...and I wish you the best, really...

[@thomashassall96]

greg de chaunac wee wee mon ami!! Stay strong and awesome ❤️

[@willong1000]

Your English is infinitely better than my French. Thanks for sharing!

[@Vale-bs8bo]

Salut Greg! Vous êtes le premier « Pays » que je rencontre, et qui apprécie ce génie qu’est TVZ. Quand je parle de Lui autour de moi, je n’intéresse personne. Alors je me contente de l’écouter seul. Quel beau souvenir que cette chanson avec votre Papa! Cordialement.

[@zodiace1]

There is so much deep sentiment shared among those of us who listen to Townes' haunting music. We all know the mind spaces he so artfully painted. It is tragic that that we are all children of the music, all of us, all over the world, yet we we bring so much senseless, stupid suffering down upon each other. Well, maybe that's the source of the irony Townes revealed. I never met you, Sir, but I would have been so proud to call you friend.

[@nickiperk]

I agree completely. You express it perfectly.

[@yingiho]

+Bruce Goldberg Beautifully put !

[@bzfgt1]

Word.

[@markschafer1828]

raymond hatton ditto..I'm now 56

[@adamnicholson1273]

I agree 100%

[@michaelfriese431]

If it wasn’t for Townes I honestly don’t think I would have a possibility of making it through this life... I know you can’t hear me but thank you Townes for putting my feelings into the verses of some of the most beautiful and meaningful songs I’ve ever heard ❤️

[@morleywhite911]

Hope your still out there michael

[@michaelfriese431]

@ doing fine and still drawing almost daily inspiration from Townes’ beautiful and haunting music 😊Thanks!

[@morleywhite911]

@@michaelfriese431 wonderful , townes truly was a great musician and song writer , I also get inspiration and pleasure from his music

[@jbscornerstore]

Reminds me of the desert, hitchhiking, rubbertramping, hoboin', these American back roads that I love. Thanks Mr. Van Zandt for keeping me company.

[@jpscott3765]

I person much more articulate than I in this comment section mentioned the irony of Townes singing songs about the loss of potential beauty- which in turn makes his songs sad. Meaning no plagiarism, this one of the most thoughtful ways I’ve heard some express the sentiment of Townes’ lyricism. Sadness, Melancholy, Broken Joy, Loss, Poetry, Sentiment, Life, Death, Love... Townes does not praise the ugly (that, might be depressing) but laments the loss of what is beautiful. It is this reflection on the contingent joy that makes his songs sad. He makes us long for the whole, youthful spirit in light of it being broken.

[@nickiperk]

Beautifully expressed by you here, and I agree. Few other songwriters bring out the treasure from a pool of sorrow like Townes does. There’s a line in a movie I love, Old Joy, where one of the main characters says something like “sorrow is nothing but worn-out, old joy.” Loss is all there is left to ponder, and the crushing mystery of each one of us being stranded here more or less alone

[@karenmathers4553]

I was there when he played to a small audience in a hotel in Perth, Scotland. He was the brilliant soul that he was.

[@mattcook8930]

He mentions traveling through Perth in a song called "a song for." I hope 2022 is great to you and your family

[@joannehack7588]

Thank you for blessing the world with all you had to give

[@joannehack7588]

You will NEVER be forgotten

[@georgemoore8832]

very few writers get it but TVZ nails it every time. stark, deep,and yet a glimmer of hope. we will never get out of this world alive but is that such a bad thing?

[@markwilliams8532]

All the thumbs down just don't know what a true ledgen &,fluenceal song writer he was. .

[@AlexColberg]

After I first heard Flyin' Shoes about 20 years ago it became MY song. Some couples have an "our song"...I only have a "my song". Above is it, for the last 20 years, just as much now as ever.

[@luxurylinr56]

Another thought provoking song that gives us an honest glimpse into the mind of a traveling man, and the trade offs that go with that chosen lifestyle. Here he expresses the monotony of it all, starting with the hardest part probably, which is to leave the side of his lover. He expresses missing the seasons, even a full moon or spending more time observing the wonders of nature for a prolonged period of time, to really take it all in. The trade off is missing much of what life can offer, due to having to make a living in order to keep the bills payed. We all go through the same struggles to one extent or the other and he puts it all to music so brilliantly. Townes, like many celebrity types, albeit a cult like figure, was lifted by all that, but also surely felt pushed to deliver the goods, as it were. He couldn't let up. This is part of being respected in any field of work. Entertainment is certainly a lot of work. And wow did he ever deliver an incredible book of music that will live on forever. This song reflects the blues that go along with being a working man. The sadness and anguish of not having enough time to take in much of what life has to offer, knowing that he will all too soon, have to put on the flying shoes one last time for that final journey Home. Let us be thankful for each and every day God blesses us with, take stock of each blessing daily and love everyone He puts into our lives. Be thankful, as though its your last day on earth.

[@johnsilver9734]

Love it! I use to listen to this song while walking on my countryside in Spain. Walking through old oaks trees, at autumn....this is really universal music.

[@ncg25out]

John Silver agree

[@steverennie59]

Beautiful song

[@thomashassall96]

John Silver Music A well known philosopher once said,: Music gives a soul to the universe-

[@gratefuloldtiger]

A Masterpiece by a true great,he set the bar very high few if any will be up to it.

[@beemelonhead1]

Few will know, sadly...

[@joewaltz2709]

Love this song. Love a lot of Townes music. This one I can relate. A man has accepted his fate and can appreciate the world’s beauty.

[@Dwannism]

Townes, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson.. Something about these guys really touches that sweet dark spot inside.

[@adamjohnlund]

John Prine too

[@jakelanningiscool]

And Guy & Blaze

[@МихаилСергопольцев]

"Flyin' Shoes" Days full of rain Skys comin' down again I get so tired Of these same old blues Same old song Baby, it won't be long 'fore I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Spring only sighed Summer had to be satisfied Fall is a feelin' that I just can't lose. I'd like to stay Maybe watch a winter day Turn the green water To white and blue Flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes The mountain moon Forever sets too soon Bein' alone is all the hills can do Alone and then Her silver sails again And they will follow In their flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes They will follow in their Flyin' shoes Days full of rain Skys comin' down again I get so tired Of the same old blues Same old song Baby, it won't be long Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes Flyin' shoes Till I be tyin' on My flyin' shoes

[@epicKICKINWING2]

This was played at my cousins ash spreading after he killed himself, it was one of his favorite songs.....I miss you chris.....I hope you've got your flying shoes....

[@PLEROMAZERO]

Cheers mate. All my love for the soul of your cousin...

[@tokyorose62]

💔

[@marcom911]

I just lost my youngest brother who turned me on to so much music,, I can't escape his presence,, Townes was one of our favorites. We must use music to remember the reason we are connected.

[@christopherbennett4559]

God has plans for all of us. 😥

[@cbthethird]

@@marcom911 I lost my youngest brother a couple years ago. TVZ was his absolute favorite. Sometimes I play this in the morning and a just cry. Today's one of those days I guess. RIP Andy.

[@2razorfreak]

Townes was the epitome of originality, God brought him and Guy together.......

[@michaelspivey1758]

Very beautiful man and song writer. I met him by chance in a dive bar in Nashville. He was there listening to Steve Earl (before Steve became a recording artist).

[@michaelspivey1758]

@Tod Tully Tod spoke to Guy several times in Nashville back in the late 70s and early 80s. He played at local clubs and I would catch him after the show at the bar! Wonderful time!

[@BigWillieDub]

Steve Earle "Townes was the best lyricist ever, and I'll stand on Bob Dylans coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that." so true

[@shredward6662]

Will I thought it was johnny cash but maybe I was stoned..

[@shredward6662]

Will also was a few years ago and Dylan wrote his shit and way better. Anyway Steve Earle on a coffee table means business.

[@groworchids]

wanna go through at least one comment section of Townes video without hearing about some guy named bob dylan

[@nicholas6255]

the only better lyricist than townes was early leonard cohen (the stranger song, teachers, avalanche, etc), and they're both leagues beyond dylan

[@redeyexpress1]

@The Miserable Man I think it gets back to the angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other.

[@PossumMedic]

Full of melancholy but at the same time makes everything feel like it will be alright because one way or another it all works out in the end.

[@2011bente]

A song so serious,lonely and real. Yet so beautiful Thank you

[@evelinekettle1150]

Townes was a beautiful singer songwriter. We had his poignant lyrics at my partner''s funeral - "shake the dust off of your wings and the tears out of your eyes" Townes was a man who loved..

[@lastnamefirst4035]

A beautiful line from townes

[@shariblack4128]

Oh the beauty . . . fly to me, my love. ❤ Minor key magic and intricately delicate instrumentation . . .

[@lefrauens]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@crazyarms]

I saw Townes play back in the 80's at a small village hall in the Midlands, UK - Trysull village hall if anyone was there too ? I managed to say "hi" before he went on stage, he was a little 'shakey' as I recall but it was great to see my hero in such an intimate setting ..... he even played a short cover of Springsteen's 'Racing in the Street', saying that it was one of his fave Springsteen songs, which made me happy as it's one of mine too !!

[@DL-cb8bh]

Did you know you can listen to that whole set on KZbin?

[@crazyarms]

Dale Lacey The Trysull Hall set from the 80s ? Would you have the link ?

[@DL-cb8bh]

@@crazyarms kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJK8h5-ifLR3raM

[@DL-cb8bh]

There's one from 90 too

[@crazyarms]

Dale Lacey thank you so much for posting the link, it’s so wonderful that someone recorded it at the time .....

[@townesjames1fan830]

Day's full of rain. Skies comin down again. I get so tired of these same old blues.. It's heartbreaking to listen to Townes's songs! But I just can't get enough of them! He's just a pure genius! I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't listen to these songs! Probably Top myself, and I really mean that! I miss him dearly!

[@tonyspoetry]

Ah man, love Townes. Wish he was still with us and sober going around the world with his songs and stories. Great Song from the great man. Thanks for posting.

[@DeepCDriller]

Happy Birthday, Townes! Thank you for these words.

[@mactheAnimal798]

Beautiful. This should be my funeral song

[@thiagoamolinario8676]

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[@dalesworld1308]

One of his best. And the production blows me away.

[@danthebeachman]

What a great songwriter he was....a true artist and a lost soul!

[@kaiashaland7903]

Love him even in Hawaii he's the man. True lost soul, but art we all. Kaia j.

[@johnborgeson6074]

Absolutely beautiful. Townes was one of a kind

[@sun_catchers_music]

Total disenchantment to say the least, I can relate a lot.

[@bmacnaughton]

There has never been a better song written. This captures everything that is deep and meaningful.

[@sergiogrossi6781]

GREAT T.W.Z. You are simply the Best

[@DeathOrGlory83]

One of the most beautiful songs ever. Super feels. Townes always there to help me through the hard times.

[@alexvandyke6449]

2:12 is a very powerful picture for those of you who don't know it's Jesus' feet pierced by nails on the cross and that broke my down I haven't cried in 6 years untill then

[@lesross11]

The master of songwriting. Inspires all.

[@familyantonow2882]

That’s Bob Dylan! But I love Townes too.

[@markcauthen7368]

Townes Van Zandt encompasses what it is to be human, flawed and awe-inspiring.

[@stevewright7444]

Never heard this before. Oh what a lovely song

[@giabrowny7824]

Fall is a feeling that I cant lose. ..

[@Maxinator11-11]

Amazingly beautiful arrangement. And photos to match.

[@shauschild812]

Probably my favorite Townes tune. I f***n love this. So much talent xx

[@lucianodifrancesco6887]

Like him, since 90s when i ask for book of lyrics, in Usa! Then i meet him in Pesina, near Garda lake, Italy! 1994 o 95!🤔 I still have this lp, that like much ❤️✨

[@sameoldthing4037]

I like just Townes and his guitar best. ❤

[@raytheprinter]

You are so right! I sat in silence this morning 630am after listening to "Nothin"!

[@Danimal1577]

I really needed this right now. Thank you Townes, and thank you to whoever posted this.

[@michaelfriese431]

this song gives me chills... thank you Townes.

[@scottnelson9967]

Love this mans music!

[@williamrabon8839]

Go to Franklin, Tennessee, ask anyone where the battlefield is, you’ll find the inspiration for this song.

[@catdaddy3302]

Beautiful song!

[@philipearlmcg3964]

A poet. Keats, Byron, Poe, Shelley......Van Zandt.

[@martinhasson4942]

A one-track Loner! A one - trick Pony! There's more to Poetry Than SHADY DARKNESS and Lonesome Tumble Weed Towns. 🖤🥀🌑🌑🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕

[@simulacra007]

I know music like many things is a subjective experience but I totally agree with your comment. I found Townes' music during a desperately painful part of my life and his poetic beauty helped me through ❤

[@peloponnesians]

I write I’m a writer.

[@JorgeGuitarLover]

Beautiful and positive song... Makes your soul fly to overcome difficulties... ;-)

[@jackcommonman1381]

you just can't go wrong with townes

[@markarend8226]

best Song ever written

[@christopherbennett4559]

One of my favorites. Beautifulest song ever.😍

[@ragincajun19r]

When my wife Anita died on the 6th of April 2010 this song played all day long at our house.

[@tamdam]

Listening to this at 04:30 in the morning after staying up all night

[@Maxinator11-11]

AMP a great time to listen ...3:00 am -4:30 am is the quietest most peaceful time of day

[@grausound]

The perfect time

[@nicolapagano9287]

@@grausoundFrom Italy. I Wish a pair of Flying shoes right now..

[@williammartinec4063]

In a hidden sense a perfect song.

[@nobody845]

Days full of rain Same old blues

[@jubjub2112]

One of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite albums . . . Townes was a true American treasure . . . no . . . a true treasure to all humanity. One of the greatest song writers I have ever know to have existed

[@judithham2320]

I like it. Can’t believe i never heard it before.

[@grahamfoxton34]

Wonderful song I first heard on the second Rumer album and went and checked out the original. One of my top ten all time songs now

[@levijadebiela6548]

January 14 2020my son townes will be born!

[@craichead333]

It's now Feb 2021, I really hope little Townes is doing well ❤️

[@levijadebiela6548]

@@craichead333 he is.. he actually came on the 8th! Currently 11lbs! Thanks so much for asking!

[@levijadebiela6548]

I meant 2021 in the original post lol he is a newborn! 1 month tomorrow

[@craichead333]

@@levijadebiela6548 👍👍👍👍🎉🎉🎉

[@craichead333]

Actually just realised, the 8th is my birthday, along with Ekvjs and Da I'd Bowie......

[@bigeats8104]

Few if any artist in modern history so perfectly encapsulates the duality of MAMMAL consciousness.

[@bzfgt1]

Whoa..."MAMMAL," eh? Could a chipmunk relate?

[@paulhandley8940]

Just fabulous!

[@mattstefon4878]

I usually agree with the sentiment that Townes's studio albums are overproduced to hell, but this song stands out in contrasts as particularly well done.

[@lostdoggy6965]

Some of them are. This is perfect though.

[@lukasnummer1]

The whole album "Flyin´ Shoes" is very well done instrumentally.

[@SimonRobeyns]

Mostly the first album, agreed this song really stands out with the production indeed!

[@dantean]

My view is, his greatest songs--those constituting the album My Mother the Mountain, along with Rake, Flying Shoes, and Waiting 'Round to Die--could not BE overproduced enough to obscure their brilliance as songs. The rest, not as much.

[@jonelder1100]

Right on

[@neillongmayyourun]

20 Years ago Townes passed away. No one will ever fill his (flyin') shoes.

[@willong1000]

Have to agree with Matt Stefon, this gem is a wonderful exception to so many songs on the generally overly-produced Townes Van Zandt studio albums (NOT Townes' fault). The mouth harp intro, and the piano accompaniment are exquisite! By the way, Lyle Lovett sang this very song at a memorial for TVZ--his rendition is extraordinarily moving!

[@freefrank9047]

Can't agree. Especially his studio album expressing the mood of his songs.

[@willong1000]

@@freefrank9047 That's okay Frank, if you're a fellow American you still have a right to express your opinion on such subjects--for the time being at least. To which "...his studio album expressing the mood of his songs..." might you be referring?

[@crazyarms]

You have put together a great video over this song Nick Perkins. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't really know this song that well although I've been listening to Townes now for over 30 years. I'm pleased to say that I now have this song ringing in my head, thanks : )

[@pogues2300]

Great song, he has many more as well, dig in people.

[@CDA129]

Beautiful. TVZ flew away in those shoes and now there is no one left to fill them...

[@paulinejordan6905]

Love it and have only heard it now!

[@roofpirates]

Incredible.

[@dsimms561]

Amazing what great music can bring out in a person. Thanks for the post

[@obsessedandpossessed7336]

What a song this is

[@haroldwalton932]

perfect song...just perfect

[@mydaughterisatard]

Beautiful video for this song. Thanks

[@NickBishopMusic]

I leave this on a couple vids but.. Townes is the only artist other than Paul McCartney and John Lennon (only a couple songs), who as ever brought a tear to my eye.. Almost all his songs can, they just hit you..

[@chrisshields3364]

at least we have his words.

[@borgorkyandfriendsproducti8857]

spectacular

[@serenalee2187]

Haunting.

[@isabelc.m9593]

Stunning

[@luismarioroblestonino5371]

Ya se de quien aprendió Mark Macnofler Superior Townes que buen arreglo. Pura paz. Leenda musica

[@peterotoole1908]

blitzen trapper does an absolute gem of a cover of this great song

[@joshuatoddboardwine4633]

Lost dog street band performs fantastic covers of townes. Nothin', lungs, waiting around to die to name a few. I'd love to see them do this, if they haven't already

[@nj1232plane]

one of his best

[@georgemoore2444]

To G-man, I hope you found your Flying shoes. I wish I could have said or done something to help your state of mind. RIP MICHAEL 2-9-21. we went through a thousand good and bad times but I guess this time it was more than you could handle.

[@blurbn]

A true Texas word smith!

[@mrwho2189]

if this song don't move you your not alive

[@rpoberueberSCHECKE]

07.März Happy Birthday rip Brother

[@Camavingo_]

my time to put on my flyin' shoes

[@PabloFernandez-xb6li]

Fantástico !

[@dantean]

His greatest.

[@jeredhunter8733]

He may have been different compared to other musical artists throughout all of history but he was very talented. He should probably be ranked with Mozart and Baba Allauddin Khan instead of Guy Clark, with all respect to Guy's immense talent.

[@chalked3]

love

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Thanks, Nick Perkins!

[@robertoaguirre8906]

We can all can fly.