Pancho and Lefty
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- This article is about the song. For the album, see Pancho & Lefty
"Pancho and Lefty" is a folk song written by Townes Van Zandt which was notably covered by such artists as Emmylou Harris and Merle Haggard/Willie Nelson (as a duet). 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.
Although many people initially assume that the song is about the famous Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, Van Zandt has denied this, and the lyrics are not easily reconciled with the historic details of Villa's life and death.
Lesser-known covers of "Pancho and Lefty" have been released by the following artists:
- Dick Gaughan, on his album Redwood Cathedral (1998)
- Steve Earle, on his album Together at the Bluebird Cafe (2001)
- Delbert McClinton, on his album Poet: A Tribute to Townes Van Zandt (2001)
- Old and in the Way, on their album Old & In the Gray (2002)
- Richard Dobson, on his album Amigos: Richard Dobson Sings Townes Van Zandt (2003)
- Emmylou Harris, on her album Luxury Liner (1977)
[edit] External links
- Review at allmusic.com
