Townes Van Zandt - Rake (live 1969)

Album : A gentle evening with Townes Van Zandt (2002).
Recorded live in New-York in November 1969.
Best version of Rake.
Lyrics :
I used to wake and run with the moon
I lived like a rake and a young man
I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds
And my laughter the devil would frighten
The sun she would come and beat me back down
But every cruel day had it's nightfall
I'd welcome the stars with wine and guitars
Full of fire and forgetful
My body was sharp the dark air clean
And outrage my joyful companion
Whisperin' women how sweet did they seem
Kneelin' for me to command them
And time was like water but I was the sea
I wouldn't have noticed it passin'
Except for the turnin' of night into day
And the turnin' of day into cursin'
You look at me now, and don't think I don't know
What all your eyes are a sayin'
Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies
They're just tricks that his brains been a playin'?
A lover of women he can't hardly stand
He trembles he's bent and he's broken
I've fallen it's true but I say unto you
Hold your tongues until after I've spoken
I was takin' my pride in the pleasures I'd known
I laughed and thought I'd be forgiven
But my laughter turned 'round eyes blazing and
Said my friend, we're holdin' a wedding
I buried my face but it spoke once again
The night to the day we're a bindin'
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blinding

[@vitaquasus1120]

I was addicted to Rum I ended up on the streets. Decades sober I became addicted to Opioids. I can't help but hear the addiction in Townes songs, this one speaks to the soul. I still weep Townes never escaped until death, God bless his soul. I did escape, thank the Good Lord.

[@nunesverse]

28 years sober. ODAAT

[@AlanaMorris-z4o]

Don’t mind me, I just have daddy issues, here for the oldies (which are hands down the best). ❤

[@johnmathews1889]

Best recording of one of the greatest songs ever. R.I.P. Townes.

[@Matty18795]

Only just discovered this guy about 2 weeks ago. He is the best songwriter ive ever heard.

[@ThaDude-ci1zk]

Right🤣

[@sharonstefl5688]

I knew him...he was beautiful.

[@mattcook8930]

@@sharonstefl5688 lucky!

[@kevinbishop6582]

There was no one else like that guy!

[@shoheiimamura4067]

A genius, tormented soul.

[@KQKQKQKQKQKQ]

"I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds." That hits hard.

[@MaxTheRoonDog]

This whole song hits hard. Like a brick to the face

[@sanperchannel9560]

Greatest song ever written

[@johnmathews1889]

AbsoFuckin lutely.

[@playlistsformyalmond1535]

Too good for effing words.

[@daviddishman7491]

Townes is one of my favourite songwriters - but he had already passed away when I first heard his material and so I never had the opportunity to see him live. Fortunately he has left behind a legacy of great songs and I keep discovering ones like this that I haven't come across before. RIP Townes - troubled genius.

[@davestahlschmidt3766]

Meet him in Boulder him and Guy Clark were playing at Chatuaka Park he got done with his set we were sitting on the lawn drinking beer he asked if he could have one he stayed and had several then I saw him in a bar a few months later. His daughter was going to COLORADO UNIVERSITY and was dating a friend of mine so we got drunk many times he would call me when he was in town. Great man miss him very much

[@davebunnell1105]

Just like a friend I had. The life of partying and the next morning listening to him cursing and pulling his hair. He couldn't function without the high. He died at age 51.

[@shreyaroy731]

Well, I used to wake and run with the moon I lived like a rake and a young man I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds My laughter the devil would frighten The sun she would come and beat me back down But every cruel day had it's nightfall I'd welcome the stars with wine and guitars Full of fire and forgetful Well, my body was sharp, the dark air clean And outrage my joyful companion Whisperin' women how sweet did they seem Kneelin' for me to command them And time was like water but I was the sea I wouldn't noticed it passin' Except for the turnin' of night into day And the turnin' of day into cursin' Well, you look at me now, don't think I don't know What all your eyes are a-sayin' Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies They're just tricks that his brains been a playin'? A lover of women he can't hardly stand He trembles, he's bent, he's broken I've fallen, it's true but I say to you Hold your tongues until after I've spoken I was takin' my pride in the pleasures I'd known I laughed and said I'll be forgiven But my laughter turned 'round eyes blazing and said My friend, we're holdin' a wedding I buried my face but it spoke once again The night to the day we're a bindin' And now the dark air is like fire on my skin And even the moonlight is blinding Now the dark air is like fire on my skin And even the moonlight is blinding

[@cpinga5]

Doesn't get any more perfect

[@katmandew2152]

Great writing right here.

[@MrBrokecore]

This is a masterpiece. The addictive personality National Anthem.

[@Rollerman1979]

A man who had no peers.

[@sarahdelmas7194]

Who else gets tingles when they listen to this?

[@RainShadow22]

My heart...this man. Gone so very soon

[@howardreed5399]

That is what a masterpiece sounds like

[@jimrebr]

Legend, Icon, Storyteller, songwriter, singer, ☑️✔️☑️✔️☑️❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@drewsmith974]

Townes. Legend. His words cut deeper than I care to admit.

[@nightintheruts617]

💯

[@DanDDirges]

The audio quality just proves how superior analog was

[@marxman00]

And how are you even hearing this quality now?

[@etherashe5164]

Damn this story is way too familiar. Such beautiful lyrics about such a desperate journey. It's frightening.

[@jjrbcr812]

I don't believe he ever wrote a bad song. A poet as good or better than Dylan.

[@goofroot]

Have you heard Talking Karate Blues?....everyone, even the greatest lyricist of all time, has the odd bad song!

[@gav8558]

@Hateful Tens youtube likes don't decide whether a song is good or not

[@gav8558]

@Hateful Tens i love this song but music is subjective. im just saying the amount of likes a video has doesn't matter.

[@Wanderingdayo]

So said Dylan...

[@MusicalHog08]

@@goofroot Talking Karate Blues is a great little song.... I think most Townes fans would enjoy it.

[@wjack4728]

My favorite Townes Van Zandt song, but he has so many great songs that reach real deep.

[@lawcat65]

My favorite version. Townes and his guitar at his best.

[@sebastiandakin9]

All the Townes I've heard over the years, so much brilliance. But this is the alpha, the omega, the all of Townes, no ice, no mixer, no flaws.

[@dmanwainright2132]

Yes sir, no doubt

[@robertphillips2769]

What brilliant, poetic, haunting lyrics. Wow. "And now the dark air is like fire on my skin, and even the moonlight is blinding." How many times have I sat alone and played this song, getting chills in the night, feeling almost as if ... Townes was there, listening.

[@Bigbrotherthunder]

Robert Phillips the party never lasts. You can’t run from inevitable suffering

[@laurenceguitarbhoy5503]

@@Bigbrotherthunder You can totally run to the suffering..Towns was running away from it while promoting the ills of the world..he was a regular guy..genuine..rambling around like us all..but also a song writing genius..words man..he'd shame the mouth off Dylan! :)

[@SonOfAHerbert]

The Shawn James cover is delectable

[@mbinsc2010]

If Hank Williams was the hillbilly Shakespeare, Townes Van Zandt was the hillbilly Rimbaud. "Rake" is "A Season in Hell" written as a country song, and it is as devastating as the original.

[@harrydeanbentzel]

No one likes pain songs. But they are the best ones

[@davidmichaels5120]

"Our sweetest songs are those / that tell of saddest thought"--Shelly

[@buttjohnson]

wtf I do

[@holy_braille]

They're not just lyrics. These words are poetry.

[@nateroma5256]

I've heard the argument that lyricism isn't poetry, and I can understand that. However, when I hear Townes, especially in this song, I suddenly have a tough time drawing the line between the two

[@Maggie5846]

Townes gives the listener himself fully exposed. He lets the listener know that he does things, lives things, desires things, that cost him much but are part of his life. "Time was water but I was the sea/I wouldn't have noticed it passing" says so much about where he was in this journey. The road owned him, made love to him, called to him, enslaved him, freed him, gave birth to his words in a way that no person could ever do. His was a rare talent and one to be shared over and over. I think of his children often and how much they respected his gift but how much they hurt over never having a father. Blessings to them and may we all keep Townes's music and legacy alive.

[@dmanwainright2132]

Bless you Maggie

[@neillongmayyourun]

townes. no one else will ever write songs like this.

[@jonnybyrne9759]

Well, it's nice to be here...ya know 🤠

[@reddwing4368]

Ahhhh Townes your the only one that understands Young bring me to tears Sharpening my lonesomes wisdom Threw Your Assimilation In turn the Quickening Has repaired the broken parts of my mind

[@johnrowan7288]

This is absolutely One of Townes songs that moves me the most. He basically only uses two chords and it sounds like a clock ticking his ( the rake's) life away as he sings. This is a perfect song in every way. I marvel each time I hear it.

[@dmanwainright2132]

You freakin nailed it!

[@Weekend_Washouts]

Never heard a better performance.

[@johnrowan7288]

John Lennon has his, Working Man's Hero. Bob Dylan has his Masters of War. They're basically 2 chord songs in the form of old folk "sea shantys". This one is Townes' 2 chord gem. It is always a mistake to compare (I'm sure someone will comment on that), but this song by Townes Van Zant, blows the other two songs away. It is totally other worldly in its tone and lyrical composition. It can only be described as a masterpiece.

[@buttjohnson]

I love two chord songs (Cortez the Killer), but I wouldn't consider this one of em. G, F, and Dm - three chords, right? Ridiculously beautiful song, regardless.

[@johnrowan7288]

Yeah, that true. I think Lennon's and dylan' song have a third one as well but that simplicity is part of the beauty. I knew there were other musicians out there somewhere who would pick that up. God bless. Keep on pickin. A horse with no name, is another two chord song, for real, but doesn't stand with the ones we mentioned.

[@robertyapkowitz5606]

There's a lot more than two chords in this song.

[@ElisonJackson]

ya there's like 5! hah

[@archstanton3059]

It's three chords, do any of you people play the fucking guitar? Dm to F to G

[@Kevtron9000]

one of the best recordings that exists

[@bossteyn]

Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever .

[@314kingperry]

This song is the story of my life, and i found it when on bed rest after a heart attack at age 31

[@lukasnummer1]

"Whispering women, how sweet did they seem, kneeling for me to command them... " I love poetry.

[@rottenwings]

This just hurts, I've been a depressed person with kind of a similar background to Townes. These words just hit a bit too close to home...

[@BlacksburgEV]

Paska Niska ditto. Ive been in a basement room with a needle and a spoon.

[@TheJohnieB]

Yes, he had a few mental issues. He did have a creative personality. His gift was his way of using words and empathy.

[@wimd4964]

Breathtaking. After listening to this version dozens and dozens of times I am still in awe how a 25 year old at the time could write and perform this stunning song. The best songwriter hands down.

[@supertzar]

Who the hell would dislike this?

[@ThaDude-ci1zk]

A f****** moron bro a f****** moron

[@TheJohnieB]

I just loved this one, thank you, Carlene Jones for posting this on his birthday today. He would have been 77 today had he lived longer.

[@ThaDude-ci1zk]

Complete captivation... I'm No rookie I've heard it all and this guy is just the best damn writer I've ever heard...end of story

[@peterfox1982]

A true master of language, thank you for bringing us your music Townes.

[@bmacnaughton]

How is it that every song Townes wrote and performed touches my soul? Every phrase and note evoke ineffable emotions that others leave untouched. His music somehow makes a direct connection to the listener with all the rawness and power unfiltered and undiminished.

[@Joeyland]

one of the greatist poets to ever strum a guitar

[@pieman3141]

Holy shit those lyrics.

[@yingiho]

best version ever!

[@anti-artclub2104]

It doesn't matter what version of this magnificent song one chooses to listen to, it will always blow you away.

[@mrmaldoon8362]

Simply amazing.

[@gringotroller]

When I was young I thought this was about a vampire lol great song

[@jeremyreagan9085]

I as a songwriter myself would give my good eye to write one song as good as this one here. Townes makes me think of Edger Allen Poe poetry. I am proud to a Texas man thanks Townes for your work.

[@xPg13X]

Jeremy Reagan You as a song writer should ponder upon your selfish need to refer to yourself as a song writer on a KZbin comment feed right after listening to a song so amazing that any human with an ability to create a sentence worth writing down would have been humbled into a deep silence. Whatever tho

[@lemmh2]

It's amazing. I've been writing songs for over 20 years, thousands of them, and not a one is as good as the Townes songs that I don't even really like, like Hi, Lo and In Between, much less when he's at his best with songs like Rake.

[@davidweisinger834]

you must be kidding me. an artist is an artist. i believe anyone has the right to refer to themselves as a songwriter. hell, maybe they are a good or great songwriter and undiscovered, as townes would have been (in my opinion) if he'd been around now.

[@Kowasi]

Mentioning Mr. Poe… one song by Mr. Van Zandt that makes me think of him is Silver Ships of Andilar.

[@MusicalHog08]

@@xPg13X ironic that you mention being humble while casting judgement on someone else. songwriter = writer of songs.

[@jackkrause4551]

no matter what I always come back to this guy

[@robertphillips2769]

This sad simple little song by Townes is one of my favorites to sing. It's real.

[@oskarwylde1]

PURE GENIOUS

[@vintagedawg]

this recording is a real treasure imo. Thanks for posting.

[@0gmo]

Beautiful...

[@mdogg1604]

Wow!! Goosebumps, seriously....

[@abnerstowe]

Who can deny the great Townes Van Zandt. Townes paints a beautiful portrait of himself in this song and the words ring true for most of us too.

[@seanriffle1841]

Happy Birthday Townes.

[@stephans7388]

best of townes!

[@0421072]

occam's razor straight to the soul!

[@carsonsuecarsonsue2801]

WOW............I was only 8 years old....back in 69.................

[@MichaelBeavers-iu7us]

Who gives a damn how many chords it has, just listen Man, it's absolutely brilliant This song has a lot of truth,and makes a hell of a lot of sense to me!

[@rainerofensohn7261]

simply beautiful!! so emotional...and that's why I could actually imagine Jack White doing a great cover, like his version of "Jolene", just more acoustic!

[@dantean]

I'm not sure "acoustic" is something that admits of degrees bing like "sad" or "thirsty". I think either you're electric or you're acoustic but once you're either you can't REALLY or MORE that. Or "extremely" one or the other--same thing. Just sayin'.

[@chuckfarkas3067]

a hidden gem

[@fractiousperson303]

This song puts into words something I never could. Thank you, Townes.

[@dmanwainright2132]

Me too

[@johnturner4300]

now that is what I meant to say.

[@shawnhilton4560]

Real troubadour so few

[@joannehack7588]

😔🥀

[@johnmoonitz2968]

By far, the best version of this despairing song . . . pure beauty . . . pure America

[@burakakdemir3934]

great song

[@strangerthanml]

love it!

[@craigmiller1870]

It sounds like "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (I know this song was first). I was wondering if the tune was based on an earlier folk song?

[@ThaDude-ci1zk]

You just described my entire life in 3 and 1/2 minutes🤣🤣🤣 how in the absolute f***

[@musicisbrilliant]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This haunting feel is my favorite Townes. Thanks for posting it!!!

[@kb1056]

No words

[@kireek666]

thank you very much for uploading this! :)

[@Ironborn]

This guy is up there with Dylan. He needs some more recognition

[@buttjohnson]

It's way better, imo

[@mcnowski]

This fucking song burst's a hornets nest of emotional knots in my chest.

[@theoldkid5725]

This is beautiful

[@ThaDude-ci1zk]

This is the most perfectly Written song ever and I'm not a rookie I've heard it all this s*** tops everything writing wise

[@WindEnergy]

Does anyone know how he made his flatpick “pop” or “click” like that?

[@Thetruthisstrangerthanfiction]

I have wondered about that too. He was a maestro. Rest in Peace Townes.

[@phlyers13]

You either get it or you don’t

[@blackdiamond6077]

So he was 25 years old singing this? He wrote this? At 25? Born in '44.

[@robertphillips2769]

This guy.

[@SamanthaBezzina]

💜💜💜

[@mdogg1604]

Townes is the Dylan Thomas of Americana.

[@ronenbo33]

those words my god ..

[@dianemassenet8366]

Sublime

[@strangerthanml]

love this version - do you other tunes, videos of him during this time period?

[@tobiaskleiner3287]

Did someone hear the similarity between Rake and the Dead Man Soundtrack from Neil Young? I don't know if Neil has listen to Townes but I can imagine.

[@AxelCross]

unbelievable

[@pogues2300]

miley cyrus is all over the news and a relative few people have even heard this song, pretty sure the world is backwards

[@ravenouscolonelhart]

"I believe we live in the opposite universe where mediocrity thrives and goodness is murdered, always seems that way doesn't it?" - Bill Hicks "Rake" destroys 90% of all music ever produced, yet here's this video with 13k views.

[@memphis550]

ravenouscolonelhart that cause people now a days don't know what real music is. music back then was full of emotion and full of talent can't say that for music today

[@GIRLSMAKE12334]

andre flores there is great modern music with an abundance of emotion and intelligence.

[@Ricksrock373]

“Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” - Steve Earle

[@davebunnell1105]

Earle later backed off this claim and today smiles and says it was hubris and marketing.

[@dmanwainright2132]

Screw earle