A Guide to the Townes Van Zandt Song Lyrics

Biographical Note

John Townes Van Zandt, singer and songwriter, better known as Townes Van Zandt, was born in Fort Worth on March 7, 1944. He wrote songs about his experiences in life, including alcoholism, depression, and life on the road. He wrote in a narrative style, and his songs often were autobiographical. His best-known piece, "Pancho and Lefty," made popular through a duet featuring Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, speaks of life on the road and hope for redemption.Van Zandt died of an apparent heart attack in Smyrna, Tennessee, on January 1, 1997.

[from The Handbook of Texas]

Scope and Contents

Handwritten lyrics for the song "For the Sake of the Song" by Townes Van Zandt, taken from Van Zandt's personal touring notebook.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Townes Van Zandt Song Lyrics, ca. 1968, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.

Detailed Description of the Collection