I think this is pretty close to Townes' version as opposed to Willie Nelson's arrangement which is quite nice and different than this. I like to capo on 1 but it's not necessary. I suck at guitar playing so feel free to add or correct anything here. Livin' on the road my friend is gonna keep you free and clean Now you wear your skin like iron, your breath's hard as kerosene You weren't your momma's only boy, but her favorite one it seems Began to cry when you said, "good-bye", sank into your dreams. Poncho was a bandit boys, his horse was fast as polished steel He wore his gun outside his pants for all the honest world to feel Poncho met his match, ya know, on the desert down in Mexico No one heard his dyin' words, but that's the way it goes. All the Federales say, they could'a had him any day They only let him go so long, out of kindness I suppose. Lefty he can't sing the blues, anymore like he used to The dust that Poncho bit down south, ended up in Lefty's mouth The day they laid poor Poncho low, Lefty split for O-hio Where he got the bread to go, ain't nobody knows. Chorus: (slip away) The poets tell how Poncho fell, Lefty's livin' in a cheap hotel The desert's quiet, Cleveland's cold and so the story ends, we're told Poncho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty too He only did what he had to do but now he's growin' old. Chorus: (slip away) Chorus: (go so wrong)

Watch the song video
Top songs from Townes Van Zandt
Playground Sessions Course Banner
Did you ever dreamed on playing piano?

Playground Sessions is a revolutionary new way to learn music and play the piano. No more boring courses. The adaptive videos automatically adjust to your skill level. Plus, you’ll receive regular feedback on your progress each week, plus a personal training plan from a professional piano teacher.

Start to play the piano instantly - and have fun doing it!