The song tells the story of a Mexican bandit named Pancho and a more enigmatic character, Lefty. The song tells of Pancho's death and implies that he was betrayed by his associate Lefty who was paid off by the Mexican federales.
Full Answer
Is the song Pancho and Lefty a true story?
The True Story Behind the Song ‘Pancho and Lefty’. It tells of a Mexican bandit named Pancho and his friendship with Lefty, the man who ultimately betrays him. Many of the details in the lyrics mirror the life of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, who was killed by unknown assassins in 1923.
What happens at the end of Pancho and Lefty?
The poets tell how old Pancho fell And Lefty’s living in cheap hotels The desert’s quiet, Cleveland’s cold And so the story ends we’re told Pancho needs your prayers it’s true But save a few for Lefty too He only did what he had to do And now he’s growing old.
Who originally sang Pancho and Lefty?
"Pancho and Lefty" was first covered by Emmylou Harris on her album Luxury Liner in 1976. The song has since been covered by various artists, notably Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson 's title track of their duet album Pancho & Lefty.
Did Pancho Villa have a buddy called Lefty?
I kinda always knew it wasn't about Pancho Villa, and then somebody told me that Pancho Villa had a buddy whose name in Spanish meant 'Lefty.' But in the song, my song, Pancho gets hung. 'They only let him hang around out of kindness I suppose' and the real Pancho Villa was assassinated."
What is The Ballad of Pancho and Lefty about?
Pancho and Lefty is a story song, one of the finest of the genre. It tells of a Mexican bandit named Pancho and his friendship with Lefty, the man who ultimately betrays him. Many of the details in the lyrics mirror the life of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, who was killed by unknown assassins in 1923.
Who did the original Pancho and Lefty?
Townes Van Zandt"Pancho and Lefty" is a song written by country music artist Townes Van Zandt. Often considered his "most enduring and well-known song," Van Zandt first recorded it for his 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt....Pancho and Lefty."Pancho and Lefty"Song by Townes Van ZandtGenreCountry, folkLength3:40LabelTomato4 more rows
Who wrote song Pancho and Lefty?
Townes Van ZandtPancho and Lefty / LyricistJohn Townes Van Zandt was an American singer-songwriter. He wrote numerous songs, such as "Pancho and Lefty", "For the Sake of the Song", "If I Needed You", "Tecumseh Valley", "Rex's Blues", and "To Live Is to Fly", that are widely considered masterpieces of American songwriting. Wikipedia
Is there a movie about Pancho and Lefty?
Pancho and Lefty (Short 2006) - IMDb.
Is Townes Van Zandt still alive?
January 1, 1997Townes Van Zandt / Date of death
Who wrote Seven Spanish Angels?
Eddie SetserTroy SealsSeven Spanish Angels/Composers
Who was lefty in Pancho Villa?
From the details given in the lyrics, "Lefty" is clearly Lefty Frizzell, the famous '40s-50s country singer who died broke in a Cleveland hotel.
Who wrote If I needed you?
Townes Van ZandtIf I Needed You / Lyricist
Who played Pancho and Lefty?
Support musicians in need -- join the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Rick Ruskin.
Why does Lefty sell out Pancho?
Lefty sells out Pancho to save his own skin and must live with that fact for what's left of his life. "The dust that Pancho bit down south ended up in Lefty's mouth.". "The day they laid poor Pancho low, Lefty split for Ohio. Where he got the bread to go - ain't nobody knows.".
Where did Lefty go after Pancho was killed?
After Pancho was killed Lefty headed back to Cleveland Ohio where the two had been friends before going to Mexico. But Lefty never amounted to anything after returning to Cleveland and never recovered from the guilt he felt for betraying his friend Pancho for the reward money. ( Lefty he cant sing the blues all night long like he used to.) He ended up an old and friendless drifter living in a cheep hotel. Yes Pancho needs your prayers, but save a few for Lefty. He only did what he had to do.
Where did Pancho and Lefty end up?
Pancho and Lefty were a couple of outlaws that, like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, decided to try their luck down south. Pancho and Lefty ended up in Mexico where they engaged in their chosen profession. They managed to make enough of a name for themselves that the Mexicans posted a reward for them.
Did Lefty turn Pancho in for the reward?
They managed to make enough of a name for themselves that the Mexicans posted a reward for them. When things got tough, Lefty made a deal with the Federales to turn Pancho in for the reward. ( thats why they let Lefty slip away and also explains where the bread came from).
Who is Pancho Villa?
Pancho Villa is a sort of folk hero to some in Mexico. He was betrayed by one of his cohorts and killed in the desert of Mexico. The song/story should make more sense now I hope. It's a great song as were many of Townes' tunes. If you get a chance, listen to "Snowing on Raton".
Who said "Townes Van Zandt is the greatest songwriter who ever lived"?
And as for Townes, remember that Steve Earle (who would be a contender for the Title/Active division) said. "Townes Van Zandt is the greatest songwriter who ever lived and I'd climb up on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say so.". If you like that song, here are a few others you'd probably like too.
Who wrote the song Pancho and Lefty?
" Pancho and Lefty " is a song written by country music artist Townes Van Zandt. Often considered his "most enduring and well-known song," Van Zandt first recorded it for his 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt.
How many copies of Pancho and Lefty have been sold?
Reception. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard ' s Hot Country Songs for chart dated July 23, 1983. In the Willie Nelson release, it has sold 648,000 digital copies in the United States as of October 2019 since becoming available for download. "Pancho and Lefty". Single by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson.
What is the fourth stanza of Lefty?
Following the refrain, the fourth stanza poetizes Pancho's life and appears to call for some sympathy for Lefty's attempt at going home. A final extended refrain extends the two verse refrain to three.
What happens in the third stanza of Pancho?
After the refrain, the third stanza tells of Pancho's eventual death in "the deserts down in Mexico" and implies that he was betrayed by his associate Lefty who was paid off by the Mexican federales. Lefty then uses the money to "split for" Ohio, trying to return to friends and family who apparently have moved on.
What is Lefty's first stanza about?
The verses of the first stanza introduce Lefty as a restless young soul who leaves home and his loving mother to seek his fortune south of the border.
Who played Lefty in the song "Are the Good Times Really Over"?
A music video was released for the song in 1983, depicting Willie Nelson as Pancho, and Merle Haggard as Lefty. Townes Van Zandt also appears in a supporting role. Willie's daughter Lana (who incidentally was the one that suggested the recording of the duet) directed the video, the first for Nelson and second for Haggard, the first being for "Are the Good Times Really Over?" a year prior (albeit as mostly a performance video).
Is Pancho and Lefty a country song?
Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as the 17th-greatest Western song of all time. In June 2004, Rolling Stone ranked "Pancho and Lefty" 41st on its list of the "100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time".
