Townes Van Zandt(1944-1997) was a singer-songwriter, born in Texasto a life on the road. Van Zandt was master of the small, intimate folkperformance, such as the July 1973 show that became Live At The Old Quarter Houston, Texas, the double album on Tomato Records. As the Austin Chroniclewrites of the re-released CD, "Alone with a guitar, he hushes the crowd with his visionary tunes that are by turns haunting and eccentric, yet filled with beauty and dark shadows." Despite chronic battles with alcoholism and depression, his songwriting displayed a sense of humour and introspection, truth and beauty. Many artists cite Townes' influence on their music, with covers of his songs recorded by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Jeffrey Foucault, Cowboy Junkies, The Be Good Tanyasand others. His son John T.
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Townes Van Zandt
By townes van zandt
Proofread and authorized by jeanene van zandt
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 its nightfall
Id 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
Id have never noticed it passin
Except for the turnin of night into day
And the turnin of day into cursin
You look at me now, and dont think I dont know
What all your eyes are a sayin
Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies
Theyre just tricks that his brains been a playin?
A lover of women he cant hardly stand
He trembles hes bent and hes broken
Ive fallen its true but I say unto you
Hold your tongues until after Ive spoken
I was takin my pride in the pleasures Id known
I laughed and thought Id be forgiven
But my laughter turned round eyes blazing and
Said my friend, were holdin a wedding
I buried my face but it spoke once again
The night to the day were a bindin
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blinding