About the song
Pancho and Lefty – A Timeless Story Told by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Pancho and Lefty is one of the most iconic country songs ever recorded, brought to life by the legendary Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. Released in 1983 as the title track of their duet album, the song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It remains one of the most memorable collaborations between two of country music’s greatest artists.
Originally written and recorded by Townes Van Zandt in 1972, Pancho and Lefty is a song filled with mystery and emotion. The lyrics tell the story of two characters—Pancho, an outlaw who meets a tragic end, and Lefty, who seemingly betrays him. The song does not give all the answers, leaving listeners to interpret the story in their own way. Some see it as a simple tale of bandits and betrayal, while others believe it holds a deeper meaning about survival and regret.
Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard’s version brings a new depth to the song. Their voices, rich with experience, add emotion and storytelling power. The gentle melody, accompanied by acoustic guitar and soft harmonies, enhances the song’s haunting atmosphere. The music video, featuring both artists in Western roles, further captures the essence of the story.
Even decades after its release, Pancho and Lefty remains a masterpiece of country music. The combination of great songwriting and the unforgettable voices of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard ensures that this song will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Living on the road my friend
Was gonna keep you free and clean
And now you wear your skin like iron
And your breath as hard as kerosene
Weren’t your mama’s only boy
But her favorite one it seems
She began to cry when you said goodbye
And sank into your dreams
Pancho was a bandit boy
His horse was fast as polished steel
He wore his gun outside his pants
For all the honest world to feel
Pancho met his match you know
On the deserts down in Mexico
Nobody heard his dying words
Ah but that’s the way it goes
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
They only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
Lefty, he can’t sing the blues
All night long like he used to
The dust that Pancho bit down south
Ended up in Lefty’s mouth
The day they laid poor Pancho low
Lefty split for Ohio
Where he got the bread to go
There ain’t nobody knows
All the Federales say
They could have had him any day
We only let him slip away
Out of kindness, I suppose
The poets tell how Pancho fell
And Lefty’s living in cheap hotels
The desert’s quiet, Cleveland’s cold
And so the story ends we’re told
Pancho needs your prayers it’s true
But save a few for Lefty too
He only did what he had to do
And now he’s growing old
All the Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose
A few gray Federales say
We could have had him any day
We only let him go so long
Out of kindness, I suppose
