About the song
“Pancho and Lefty” is a timeless classic in the realm of country music, sung by two of its most revered legends, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Originally penned by Townes Van Zandt, this song tells the tale of two outlaw friends, Pancho and Lefty, and their fateful journey through life.
The song was first released by Townes Van Zandt in 1972, but it was Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson’s 1983 rendition that truly propelled it to fame. Their collaboration appeared on the album “Pancho & Lefty,” which not only featured this iconic track but also became one of the most successful albums of both artists’ careers.
“Pancho and Lefty” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying its status as a classic within the genre. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, earning critical acclaim and standing the test of time.
Both Haggard and Nelson bring their own unique vocal styles to the song, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their heartfelt delivery captures the essence of the characters and the emotions they evoke, making it a standout track in both of their extensive discographies.
With its rich storytelling and soul-stirring melody, “Pancho and Lefty” remains a beloved favorite among fans of country music. Whether you’re drawn to the outlaw narrative, the evocative imagery, or simply the magic of Haggard and Nelson’s collaboration, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
Living on the road my friend
Was gonna keep you free and clean
And now you wear your skin like iron
And your breath as hard as kerosene
Weren’t your mama’s only boy
But her favorite one it seems
She began to cry when you said goodbye
And sank into your dreams
Pancho was a bandit boy
His horse was fast as polished steel
He wore his gun outside his pants
For all the honest world to feel
Pancho met his match you know
On the deserts down in Mexico
Nobody heard his dying words
Ah but that’s the way it goes
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
Lefty, he can’t sing the blues
All night long like he used to
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
There ain’t nobody knows
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
We only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
The poets tell how 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
All the Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose
A few gray Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose