"The Townes You Left Behind" 
(A tribute to the late Townes Van Zandt) 
Words and Music © 2001 by Kenny Butterill (BMI) 

Verse 1 

He died they say, on New Year's Day 
the year was '97. 
His name was Townes, 'till then he'd worn the crown 
"Best songwriter this side of heaven". 


A life of soul searching, of pain and hurting 
Filled with danger and surprise. 
He let us inside, his stormy ride 
with no pity or alibis. 


Chorus: 

You know he wouldn't want us, to make a fuss 
But probably wouldn't mind if we kept in mind, 
There's no prettier sight than looking back, 
at the Townes you left behind. 


Verse 2 

He'd play all night long, for the sake of the song, 
He took us to his darkest places. 
With tales of gloom, he could fill a room, 
You could see (it on) the spellbound faces. 

Since he's been gone, there's no more songs 
Now it's us that have the blues 
And from the dirt and the dust, if he could hear us, 
He'd hear us say "we loved you". 


Chorus