Shawn James - Rake (Townes Van Zandt cover)

This is a fantastic cover made by Shawn James from his live acoustic show on Facebook (22/03/2020)
This cover is from a song called Rake, by Townes Van Zandt on his album Delta Momma Blues.

Enjoy it!

[saundramcbrearty]

I love these tortured lyrics sung by Shawn’s gorgeous baritone.

[ivesmacedo]

I used to wake and run with the moon
I lived like a rake and a young man
I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds
My laughter the devil would frighten
The sun she would come and beat me back down
But every cruel day had its nightfall
I'd welcome the stars with wine and guitars
Full of fire and forgetful

My body was sharp the dark air clean
And outrage my joyful companion
Whisperin' women how sweet did they seem
Kneelin' for me to command them
And time was like water but I was the sea
I'd have never noticed it passin'
Except for the turnin' of night into day
And the turnin' of day into cursin'

You look at me now, and don't think I don't know
What all your eyes are a sayin'
Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies
They're just tricks that his brains been a playin'?
A lover of women he can't hardly stand
He trembles he's bent and he's broken
I've fallen it's true but I say unto you
Hold your tongues until after I've spoken

I was takin' my pride in the pleasures I'd known
I laughed and thought I'd be forgiven
But my laughter turned 'round eyes blazing and
Said my friend, we're holdin' a wedding
I buried my face but it spoke once again
The night to the day we're a bindin'
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blinding

[orvisboy]

This is a beautiful homage to Townes.I once had a conversation with someone that knew and loved Townes over many years, and it is such a sad tale.This song is also one of my favourite Townes' songs.

[bronzedesignbronzedesignli]

Fantastic cover . Thanks for share all that diamonds and young people learn that perfect sing. 👍👍👍

[phlyers]

Fantastic interpretation of one of Townes’ most timeless songs

[karenstudebaker]

I so love this tune with Mr. James’ soulful voice

[Anomanolis]

I was waiting for someone to upload this

[runner]

Glad to see you back! Keep it up! Thank you!

[switchflow]

This is a great song. Townes was a complicated guy but one of the most amazing story tellers of all time. Not surprised you are a fan
If you ever do waitin around to die, I think you could bring it the sound it deserves, I've heard covers but I think it's waitin on you. Thanks for all your amazing work. Rake, wonderful cover.

[korento]

Beautiful cover and a really great voice!

[erykpawlikowski]

It is like he sang out my soul now. My anrhem in these foul times

[brandoncoomer]

If you know Townes, you know know Rake

[Cantabinexile]

I’ve always thought that this would song good if it was almost turned into a West Country English folk song. Really good 👍