Corb Lund - El Viejo (For Ian) [Official Music Video]

Noah Fallis - Director + Director of Photography
Jamie Campbell - Producer
Brendan Schmidt - Camera Operator + Editor
Ethan Wournell - First A/C
Blair Bourque - Key Grip
Alyssa Howland - Gaffer
Archival footage of Ian Tyson courtesy of Neil McGonagle

LYRICS:
El Viejo, friend of mine
I think you left us just in time
They're outta vodka, no more wine
I think you left us just in time

You know I hate to see you leave
But it ain't no secret you believed
You was meant for earlier days
Wilder times and a freer range

So old compadre Lord I know
You was likely glad to go
I hope it's easier in time
For those of us you left behind

They ain't dealin' blackjack down at Stockmen’s in Nevada anymore
And they'd wanna pay you six to five and that ain’t hardly worth playin' for
All’s I seen was slot machines from wall to wall the whole casino floor
Nobody hittin’ seventeen playin' against the dealer that's for sure (rest assured)
(Nobody hittin’ seventeen and worse yet the Commercial's closed its doors)

Mi amigo, mon ami
Elko blues, indeed
You know we did the best we could
But the shine was off the wood

We played up most all of your songs
But with you and Don and Baxter gone
That sure leaves some boots to fill
And I’m not sure we ever will

But on a slightly brighter side
The Outside Circle guys
They’re still tearin’ up the Star
And Capriola's ain't that far

They ain't dealin' blackjack down at Stockmen’s in Nevada anymore
And they'd wanna pay you six to five and that ain’t hardly worth playin' for
All’s I seen was slot machines from wall to wall the whole casino floor
Nobody hittin’ seventeen playin' against the dealer that's for sure (rest assured)
(Nobody hittin’ seventeen and worse yet the Commercial's closed its doors)

El Viejo, friend of mine
I think you left us just in time

[PhilSmith]

To the 33 of us who have already listened to this a thousand times here's to you and Ian!

[JamesCulletonartist]

"Wanna hear my new song?" "Not particularly". Priceless.

[ChrisDavis-jutx]

Truer words never sung . Ian, Don, and Baxter are looking down smiling.

[shannonbudiselic]

Well, I'm an official mess. I haven't teared up that much to any one of your songs Corb. This one's a gem, and a real tribute to one of the largest legends in country music the world has seen. The Southern Rockies are my home, and you pay such a tribute to them. This land gets in your blood, and you and Ian wrote that into your songs. Thanks Corb. We'll be seeing you at the Grey Eagle on March

[Buckaroo]

Corb, thanks for the song. You knew Mr. Tyson as a friend, we knew him and Mr. Edward's through his music and Mr. Black through his poetry and the back page of Western Horseman. We lost some amazing men. You're doing a damn fine job of filling some boots. I hope we're still listening to your songs when you are in your 80s. Hat's off you!

[crazymedic]

I think Ian would have loved this. Well done, Corb.

[birdseye]

What a great song. very fitting for a guy like Ian Tysan---One of the best cowboy singers there is and was Thanks Corb

[skybarnum]

I saw Ian Tyson shortly befor his voice went. Some guy kept yelling Bob Fudge. Ian called him out saying "I dont take dictations, you yell that again and we arn't playing it" pretty sure the guy got lynched after the show.

It was an honor to shake his hand.

Thank you for the song, you were the right person to sing it.

[danielmorris]

Damn. What a beautiful tribute to our late, great Canadian cowboy poet. Coming straight from the heart of another great Canadian cowboy poet. You've outdone yourself with this one Corb. 👏👏🍁

[EightyStringslinger]

Rip to a legend. Now you gotta carry that western torch for us in Alberta, Corb

[peterschancel]

I think of that Old Coyote, Ian Tyson often . I rarely drive through Longview without thinking of him.... Driving west on Coal Trail, thinking of Live at Longview. Thinking about hiking with my dog West of Hogg Park along the high cliffs above the Highwood River towards the mountains the day he died. CKUA playing tribute set to Ian Tyson. I lingered in my truck listening as Dog wandered and circled the truck saying lets go... lets hit the trail.I spent a wee moment or two sitting looking west up the River valley , watching the Sun sink slowly into the Rockies. Thinking this was The Old Coyotes back yard.I was hopping he was with his Coyote Queen . Dog my Coyote Dog Rescue off the Reservation and I headed back to 4X4 went to Town . I dropped in to The Longview Bar had a couple of Beers, bought some whiskey shots for the few patrons there, Toasted and leaving stopped in for some Longview Beef Jerky. Dog always insists. In life as we live we need to look for it;s ''Gifts" Great song as always by the way.. I will wave at The Grey Eagles Calgary Show Senior Corb.

[CarharttCowboy]

I had the fortune of seeing Ian & Corb in Vancouver. Great show

[NeilRossHistoryComedyPoetry]

R.I.P. Ian, thank you Corb. Boots will never be filled.

[glenhartley]

Here is a song that had to be written and sung by somebody....Im glad it was you Corb. Its a tribute to a Canadian Icon like no other, a masterpiece for the Master. Great work Corb.

[JamesHeier]

I miss his music like mad. And Baxter humor, too. Lot of wisdom in those songs of Ian's and Black's poems. And thank you for the respect you show to them.

[dalemills]

Very nice tribute to Ian. He had a long life

[crabbt]

For what it's worth, the Commercial has reopened as a floor for kids: mini golf, arcade games, pictures with Santa for the kids. They still have the bear. Time goes on.

I wish everyone who reads this clear blue skies and fourteen inches of rain.

[Aramis]

My uncle was my Obi-Wan, my Yoda, and my friend. I'd like to think he left us just in time, to go play his guitar in the great beyond.

[sawsurgeon]

Thank You Corb, for sharing your friend Mr. Tyson with us. I’m so grateful that you had the opportunity to not only meet him, but to spend precious time together. Your reverence for Ian is well placed.
Bless’ns, Tedd

[lindsaymalone]

This song reminds me of a meme after David Bowie died about how extraordinary it is/has been to exist during the same time and in a world when a musician gave so much. It's such a gift. Especially if we can take in the ride while we are riding. Ian Tyson gave this life so much. Thank you Corb for this tribute to your friend and mentor. ❤️