Townes Van Zandt - Big Country Blues

[gerwynevans]

One of the best of the Texan troubadors

[lanarae]

My mom always said that no matter where you go, the one thing you always take along is yourself.

[nailkuvatov]

America, I think I saw you! How real it is. We in Russia see America through Hollywood films. T
his is amazing! What characteristic faces, without words, the experience of people is clear.
The song brilliantly complements each portrait. Thanks!

[amirahkhan]

Within the depths of my soul, I have a relentless desire for 1970's American freedom which resurfaces when I least expect it and continues to haunt me. I keep reminding myself that my notion of freedom is a fabrication, life was hard work back then, I need to get this fantasy out of my head, but reading this comment section really makes me believe that those were happier, simpler times. I'm 17, I feel that my youth has been robbed in today's world. I discovered Townes about a year ago, his fearlessness stems from helplessness over harsh reality. I would give anything to just go back and talk with him.

[patrickpopa]

This is what youtube is suppose to be. Not only have I discovered a profound and raw song by Townes van Zandt but also a wonderful set of portraits by the great Richard Avedon. And already ordered my copy of In the American West. I wouldn't have found if it weren't for the video montage. Congrats, it fits brilliantly.

Went on a bike tour of my country, Romania, and had this song among others by van Zandt in my playlist which I listened across the places I've visited. Was cycling in the rundown and mostly abandoned copper and gold mine villages in the Apuseni mountains and Big Country Blues came up almost as a soundtrack to the entire eerie landscape. Few of the villagers, mostly former miners out of jobs stared at me with curiosity, clinging to their cheap beers. Instantly thought of Richard Avedon's portrait and wished for a moment I had the guts to ask them for a picture. But I didn't. Was close to my accommodation, so why not? Stood at a few tables from them with a beer in my hand. Easily started a conversation with them. Talked for a bit about their lives, how the copper mine closed and how difficult it was to find work around this part. Best I could do is buy them another round. Cheered them up, even if for a moment's worth. They were curious to know where I roamed and travelled and I told them my story. Got up, shook hands, said my farewells. Rosia Montana, 12 July, 2021. The song made me open up to them. Hope they're all well.

[michaelfriese]

Townes is the only musician and poet who can truly make my misery bearable

[chucklowery]

I played poker with townes in the late 80s in Kentucky. I was young n broke n didn't play long but there was an aura about him. He had an old soul. He ended up playing 2 songs and I was a townes fan for life. Wish he hadn't been so self destructive. Can only imagine the songs he had left to give. RIP TOWNES AND THANK YOU

[otis]

this people makes the rich people rich and the fake people laugh. THIS people knows whats life

[conordorrian]

We've lost our third " Roman Candle". Shane McGowan died couple of days ago., ... With Sinead ànd Dolores we are mourning and celebrating the beautiful music left to us by our Celtic sisters and brother...❤ 🔥🇮🇪🎇

[nadineropp]

In my opinion the greatest song writer to walk the face of this earth. Raw humanity. beautiful stuff.

[timsaliu]

From an old metal that hated country music but this song makes me all teary eyed

[jackdawes]

Whoever did these pictures deserves equal billing on this track

[pascaleline]

la vie de mon frère, la mienne aussi, mais pas en Amérique, la vie des sans racines, des sans enfance, que j'aurais aimé rencontrer ce mec et boire une bière avec lui, on doit pas nombreux en France à connaitre Townes Van Zandt et à écouter cette chanson en boucle, si oui, contactez moi, on doit être frères de vie, la conclusion de cette chanson, c'est la vie, c'est ma vie, God bless you Townes Van Zandt, RIP and thanks for all, so long buddy...

[jfielder]

I have never been to the US, I live in England, and listening to this song and watching the pictures was an education for me, I am becoming more inspired and moved by American social history and the struggles of the working man and say you can understand a country by it's deeply soulful music that comes from America is a reflection of it's rich it's pain and suffering.

[wilkbor]

I've been a fan of Townes Van Zandt and Richard Avedon for a long time, but have never seen the two together. It seems to be a wonderful combination.

[Karunadevidasi]

Never thought I would ever like this kind of music... it is so real, unlike so much in our world today, that is what makes it fantastic.

[russellsmith]

The thing with Townes songs is you never question what his singing about.
You KNOW in your very bones his lived what he sings about.

[jeancollins]

This is Townes at his unique best....if

[lastrada]

Some would say the faces were ugly. I say they were filled with character, unwritten stories and true life. No wonder Townes' was influenced by such people. Hollywood is not America....these people are America. Fifteen minutes of their trust in a cafe over coffee or a beer and they would tell you a story that Hollywood has never filmed, and no writer has ever written about. Alcohol can carve lines in a face, but so could a hard history. The deplorable's...yeah, these people lived lives some of us could never endure. Great pictures, wonderful song.

[tonybutcher]

More beauty in every photo than there is in the entire Instagram selfie catalogue.