Dead Flowers
Townes Van Zandt Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, when you're sitting there in your silk upholstered chair
Talkin' to some rich folks that you know
Well, I hope you don't see me in my ragged company
Well, you know I could never be alone

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning

Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Well, when you're sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac
Making bets on Kentucky Derby Days
Ah, I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon
And another girl to take my pain away

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Say it with dead flowers in my wedding

And I won't forget to put roses on your grave
No, I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Overall Meaning

In "Dead Flowers," Townes Van Zandt paints a vivid picture of two very different worlds: one of wealth and luxury, and another of poverty and drugs. The song is addressed to a person sitting in their "silk upholstered chair," talking to rich people they know. Van Zandt hopes that the person does not see him with his "ragged company," suggesting that they come from two different worlds.

The song's chorus makes use of dark humor, with a request for "dead flowers." This is followed up with a request for these flowers to be sent "every morning" and by mail. Additionally, Van Zandt requests that these same "dead flowers" be sent to his wedding. This sets a very somber and macabre tone for the song, even though it makes use of typical wedding imagery.

The final verse of "Dead Flowers" is a sharp contrast to the rest of the song. Here, we see the person addressed earlier in a "rose pink Cadillac," betting on the Kentucky Derby with a life of luxury. Meanwhile, Van Zandt is pictured in his "basement room" with a "needle and a spoon," and another girl to take his pain away. This provides a stark contrast between the two worlds that Van Zandt brings up throughout the song.

Overall, the song presents a stark and realistic depiction of the divide between the wealthy and the poor, as well as the struggles of those in poverty who may turn to drugs as a means of escape.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, when you're sitting there in your silk upholstered chair
While you bask in luxury and have the privilege of talking to wealthy acquaintances,

Talkin' to some rich folks that you know
Engaging in conversations with people of wealth and status,

Well, I hope you don't see me in my ragged company
I hope you never encounter me with my shabby and dispossessed companionship,

Well, you know I could never be alone
I need my misfit associates as my only allies since I am an outcast myself,

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
Lead me away from an existence in a world of empty glamour, Susie,

I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Being a part of the subculture, I realize you are the princess,

Send me dead flowers every morning
Please mail me wilted flowers on a daily basis,

Send me dead flowers by the mail
Deliver me the flowers by the post,

Send me dead flowers to my wedding
Present me the same dismal bouquet even on the day of my nuptials,

And I won't forget to put roses on your grave
And as a sign of my eternal love for you, I will adorn your burial plot with vibrant flowers,

Well, when you're sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac
While you live it up in the ostentatious pink Caddy,

Making bets on Kentucky Derby Days
Wagering on the horse race on Derby Days,

Ah, I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon
My addiction to heroin confines me to my basement room with only a sharp needle and a spoon to satisfy my cravings,

And another girl to take my pain away
Having another woman's company to distract my mind from my troubles,

Say it with dead flowers in my wedding
As if owning me, gift me with withering flowers even on my wedding day,

And I won't forget to put roses on your grave
As a tribute to your empty affection, a portion of your graveyard would be decked with colorful roses,

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jaggers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@ls1959

10y↑3

Dead Flowers (The Rolling Stones song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Song by The Rolling Stones from the album Sticky Fingers

Released
23 April 1971

Recorded
December 1969, April 1970

"Dead Flowers" is a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the rock band The Rolling Stones, appearing on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers

@animeshzelda

4y↑68

And when you're sitting there
In your silk upholstered chair
Talking to some rich folks that you know
Well, I hope you won't see me
In my ragged company
You know I could never be alone

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flower by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

And you're sitting back
In your rose pink Cadillac
Making bets on Kentucky Derby days
I'll be in my basement room
With a needle and a spoon
And another girl to take my pain away

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave
No, I won't forget to put roses on your grave

@violetm8655

4y↑15

Lyrics:
Well, when you're sitting there in your silk upholstered chair
Talkin' to some rich folks that you know
Well, I hope you don't see me in my ragged company
Aw, but you know I could never be alone

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Well, when you're sitting back in your rose pink Cadillac
Making bets on Kentucky Derby Days
I'll be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon
And another girl to take my pain away

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave

Take me down, little Susie, take me down
I know you think you're the queen of the underground
Send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the mail
Send me dead flowers to my wedding
And I won't forget to put roses on your grave
No, I won't forget to put roses on your grave

@franklinduda

43w

[Intro] C G F C x2 [Verse 1] C G Well, when you're sitting there F C In your silk upholstered chair C G Talking to some rich folks that you F C know C G Well I hope you won't see me F C In my ragged company C G F C You know I could never be alone

29.9M

33.7K

How To Read Chord Boxes

NOW
PLAYING

[Chorus] G C Take me down little susie, take me down G I know you think you're the queen of C the underground F And you can send me dead flowers every C morning F C Send me dead flowers by the mail F C Send me dead flowers to my wedding C G And I won't forget to put roses on your F C grave [Verse 2] C G Well, when you're sitting back F C In your rose pink cadillac C G F Making bets on kentucky derby day C C G I'll be in my basement room F C With a needle and a spoon C G F And another girl to take my pain away C [Chorus] G C Take me down little susie, take me down G I know you think you're the queen of C the underground F And you can send me dead flowers every C morning F C Send me dead flowers by the mail F C Send me dead flowers to my wedding C G And I won't forget to put roses on your F C grave [Solo] C G F C C G F C C G F C C G F C [Chorus] G C Take me down little susie, take me down G I know you think you're the queen of C the underground F And you can send me dead flowers every C morning F C Send me dead flowers by the mail F C Send me dead flowers to my wedding C G And I won't forget to put roses on your F C grave C G And I won't forget to put roses on your F C grave

All comments from YouTube:

@arousedyoda

3y↑705

A good song to listen to when coping with the loss of a bowling team mate.

@deadpaul6415

3y↑55

The dude abides

@williamehrbright3625

3y↑26

thanks for that..... gave a lonley guy a chuckle

@stevensimmons5981

3y↑20

Mark it x Walter

@NeuronTheory

3y↑12

Far out, man.

@damianmoreno6327

2y↑19

Strikes and gutters

51 More Replies...

@parkerj1232

3y↑259

I lost my brother and the mother of my children, and damn near myself to the needle, so this goes out to you Andy and Lindsay. Love y'all

@michaellaidler7143

2y↑9

Legend! I hope you are still going mate. We've all been dealt a bad hand, I hope you are coping with yours. Take care.

@deadskunk8733

2y↑7

29 years sober. 9/3/92. I never thought that I could. Hell I didn't even want to. I'm telling you that you can do it. If I can do it then you can too. It almost fucking killed me too. AA works.

@cliffordduzz4342

2y↑3

Hope your sober. i am i loved it but man was it hard it took me 7 years to get off that devil shit

@ryangoble3726

🙏🏼

@stephencombs452

2y↑6

I can't imagine. Me and my wife were on the stuff for years and years and she finally was able to kick it and get clean and about three years later died suddenly in my arms at home. Seemed so unfair at the time that she survived the drugs and then was taken something totally different. But I have never been able to quite get my s*** together and I'm struggling right now. But I do want you to know that hearing stories like yours makes have hope. My son's can't lose their only parent to an overdose. It's only been 4 months since they lost their mother. And I know that if something don't change I'll be next and it'll be soon and it scares the hell out of me. But I'm making something change it's now or never in every sense of the word

17 More Replies...

@chrisammons5344

6y↑115

Townes Van Zandt is completely underrated.

@mr.jazzbodkelsey58

1y↑8

Who's underrating Townes?
Let me at 'em! 🤠🙃

@elizabethheyenga9277

1y↑11

more like undiscovered. Those who found him "rated" him

@flintsky7706

48w↑1

No he ain’t

@buckhorncortez

40w↑1

The only one doing the alleged "underrating" is you...the remainder of the universe thinks Townes Van Zandt was a unique talent.

@chrisammons5344

40w

@@buckhorncortez lol, look up the definition of "underrated" lmao

@owenreese2216

6y↑93

This version of the song puts me at peace every time I hear it. All I can think of is the ending of The Big Lebowski and how happy that film makes me and it all feels alright for 5 minutes.

@IAMRUSTEDROOT

1y↑5

@IFF GC Me too. The Dude abides.

@rsk5197

50w↑4

Just knowing he's out there taking it easy for the rest us sinners is comforting

@fetcorran1

35w

Best comedy ive ever seen.

@alanmalcheski8882

32w

that's kinda like what heroin is like, but for longer. I've heard.

@jakewall712

5y↑472

Might sound lame but finding this guy changed my life. Straight-up.

@nikita70

4y↑20

It doesn't sound lame by no means to me.
As strange as it sounds, this guy saved my life more than once. Or at least helped me put my shit together.

@jimlahey5798

4y↑6

Straight up man.

@bethemery7526

4y↑4

Not lame at all. It's true for you, true for me, true for a lot of us.

@MarkMasters...

4y↑5

Poetic Outlaws We Are...Humble and Knowing where we all end up...stay true and honest brothers and beautiful sisters...🙏😎🇺🇸😈

@briankelly5432

4y↑1

Jake Wall Oh yeah Damn straight

22 More Replies...

@debbyvanzanen6705

5y↑14

The man playing lead guitar & singing harmony w/ Townes was the love of my life, the late Jimmy Gray. I sang w/ him often in the early 70's, both in Phoenix & around Arizona, & in Nashville after I moved there in late '73. He was the greatest singer & musician I ever worked w/, or ever heard. He was Waylon's lead guitarist from early '68 through '70 when I first met him at Mr. Luckey's in Phoenix when he was still w/ Waylon. In Nashville we were in a band together w/ Curtis Buck (real name Jerry McGill), & we recorded at the Glaser Brothers studio, at Fred Carter's out in Goodlettsville, & at the famed Stax studio in Memphis. Jimmy was so talented & knew & sang hundreds of songs, not just country. He is still my favorite country singer I ever heard. He was famous among musicians, but was too into music to care about fame. He covered everyone from James Taylor, to Heads, Hands, & Feet, to literally everyone who was great back then-a huge repertoire. He was Cherokee from El Reno, Oklahoma, was the first to record "The Race in On" in Dumas, Texas, when George Jones heard his record, covered it & had the hit version. He lived & played in Phoenix for years before he was hired by Waylon. Shortly after, he lost his guitar playing brother Paul, who had just joined him in the Waylors, when he was shot & killed at an after gig party in Atlanta. Jimmy played for Townes in the late '70's, until he tired of life on the road w/ him, & went back to Nashville. He died in Puryear, Tennessee, in 2009 at age 69. He is on YouTube w/ Waylon on "The Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" live on Hee Haw, & also on "Lonely Weekends" from the same show. He is also on Buddy Long tribute (by Buddy Moeck)- Buddy was his former brother in law, & was in the Waylors w/ him. (I sang w/ Buddy Long & Grammy winner Dale Noe back in those days. In 1981, I also sang the theme song for the tv series "Harper Valley PTA" , the 1st season). I still love & miss Jimmy, and have many great memories--he was truly the best.

@debbyvanzanen6705

5y↑2

For some reason part of my comment is crossed out but still readable. Jimmy deserves better. All of the information is accurate.

@mattkomaroski7598

5y↑3

I just hope his loving spirit still lingers through songs like these, almost as if he’s still here. You loved him, and that is awesome

@suzannesellers7383

2y↑18

Jagger and Richards are true geniuses to have written songs that can be covered so beautifully.

@blakenorman4822

27w↑3

Townes swears its his song, I know who i believe

@Ajmorno1

27w

Yes songs that can’t be covered beautifully is a clear sign of the lack of genius of the song writer

@triggeredraptorsfan2881

18w

Bob Dylan is the ultimate epitome of this imo. His songs are so immaculately written hence why his songs are more covered than any artist in history.

@TooStinkinFine

16w

Kevin Sherwood actually wrote the song. Look it up.

@Ope_itsadam

5y↑152

"Ill be in my basement room with a needle and a spoon, and another girl to take my pain away." Those lyrics absolutely blow my mind. It really taps into something raw.

@lynkhs

3y↑14

But isn’t this one his few covers? Rolling Stones Dead Flower. The choice of this version was great for end of Lebowski. Who is Townes singing with? Sounds like a friend of mine. She was aware that men she she loved, loved her because she could make their own singing sound so good. They don’t come in together a lot in this tune. Probably because Townes usually a single act.

@davidk7904

3y↑4

He makes you feel!

@davidfarley1902

3y↑5

After raw where do you go?

@jobeyrm

3y↑3

@David Farley this reply sparked a profound series of questions within myself. I thank you for that.

@jobeyrm

3y↑5

And I completely agree, Adam. Being a former user of heroin for only like a few decades, it taps into something raw within me as well. :)

13 More Replies...

@MarkThomas-hn2ct

11y↑104

"There's only two kinds of music. The blues, and zip-a-dee-do-da." -Townes Van Zandt

@buckfitch1536

22w↑3

It’s rare for a cover to be better than the original yet here we are.

@michaelcameron3787

2y↑22

The extent of Townes' musical genius is only know beginning to be appreciated...there are no comparisons. He left us much too soon

@bubblegum1948

5y↑7

The guitar, for whatever reason, its melody - gives me chills.
It's really beautiful in my own opinion.

@craigjohnson1408

4y↑17

I absolutely bloody love this song. Thanks to The Coen brothers and T. Bone Burnett for bringing it to me.

@cliffwheeler7357

27w

I bet they are glad that Mick and Keith wrote it for their Sticky Fingers album as well.

@deadpaul6415

4y↑14

I lost my dad nearly 3 years ago and this was his favourite movie. He has the words “the dude abides” engraved on his headstone. I miss you so much dad 💙💔💙

@choptuber241

2y↑1

I'm sorry man

@alucardtepes5924

2y↑1

I understand the pain. Lost my Dad in June 2022.

@josephmartelli9010

Me too bro, the intro to this song made me think of my dad straight away. I lost him in April 2021 fuckin C miss him everyday

@TheBrucepix

41w

My Dad left us last October. He never saw the movie. But he had a full life anyway. Thanks for your comment!

@auntymoi

36w

That's a great headstone tho

1 More Replies...

@paulhynes836

3y↑17

This is a song for the end of a great night to put all things in perspective. Long live the dude.

@torrerodriguez3783

8y↑44

God bless Townes he played this better than any version of this song. Haunting and powerfull emotional

@DjAboo1

2y↑9

I love this version, it’s just soulful. Have a few stiff drinks and feel it.

@chadgraber8472

2y↑6

With all due respect to Keith and Mick, this is the definitive version of their song. I wonder if Keith and Townes ever had a chance to duet this song before Townes died. Those two together on this song would have been amazing.

@telemaster1953

12y↑10

i keep coming back to this song, there is something about Townes van zandt that words cannot describe, he puts his soul into every song he sings.

@Joeyland

8y↑161

With Townes you have a genuine tortured soul coming through in the performance and the lyrics, hes perfect for this song.

@DonnSeib

6y↑2

Joeyland absolutely Townes had a special way with this song and Poncho & Lefty.

@mickeyaltizer2329

5y↑6

@Don Seib he wrote Pancho and Lefty

@timothycox7297

2y↑1

Not about heroine being neglected for something better sam stone that's about dope

@ls1959

10y↑18

This is a fine version. More of a true country sound. As a Stones fan and a fan of what I consider to be the best rock album of all time, Sticky Fingers, I will always favor the original. It was a perfect fit on that fabulous album. I highly recommend folks listen to Sticky Fingers from beginning to end. If you love this song, I think you will also just love Moonlight Mile which finishes that just unbelievable collection of the Stones at their absolute prime.

@mysteriouscharisma

10y↑1

Actually if you listen to TVZ tell it (check out Solo Sessions from 1995), and I happen to believe him, Keith Richards stole this song from him. Though the Stones may have produced it first, doesn't mean they originated it :-)

@lekkki1

10y

Ummm, Townes wrote and performed the original. The Stones covered it.

@ls1959

10y↑3

@Lildrummerboy50

10y↑3

lekkki1 The Stones wrote it... this is a cover.

@lekkki1

10y↑2

Now I am really confused, I always thought Townes wrote this, but it looks like I am wrong

3 More Replies...

@markrichards2595

10y↑17

Still leaves tear drops on my old guitar.

@gabbyhayes1568

23w

The accompanying guitarist on this version fills in perfectly to Townes. Beautifully interpreted and played.

@tango-bravo

5y↑1

This is my favorite song on YouTube these days. Not only did TVZ do a great vocal cover, the whole vibe of this recording is perfect. The random audience feedback, the slight musical imperfections, the little audio quirks...but overall the soloing and the back up singing and the whole thing is just PERFECT as-is and I rarely say that about anything. Would love to know who is doing the solo work here, it’s so subtle and complex at the same time.

@claytonmidgett7997

He's playing the guitar.

@tango-bravo

@Clayton Midgett an explosion of “what if” thinking is simply the prerogative for future development and the truth of what you think would be best for you before the church Road and your church is not being there to be with your community of believers! Nifty indeed, static emanating from the vending machine where the forefront existed.

@jonasskjtt5542

Which concert is this from?

@lewisaultman

2y↑35

Currently sitting on my porch at 10pm enjoying a glass of Jameson and a cigar during a rainstorm with my dogs sitting at my feet while this plays. Life is good.

*Update: 3 months later and I'm listening to this in a whole different light. Life sure can break you down sometimes.

@seanrommel7535

2y↑1

Living life brother! Enjoy the little moments.

@AndyCigars

1y↑3

Hang tough...we change, the music remains. It finds us in different places. Abide, my friend.

@GeneShuorts

Cringe

@shelleylowenberg-deboer8575

42w

Hope it's better now. ❤

@animeshzelda

4y↑68

@clintstewart5545

1y↑1

THANK YOU

@danateetampabay

11y↑18

What a great version. I never knew Townes did this. Thanks so much for posting a great peice of musical history. He was the best that ever was!

@violetm8655

4y↑15

@pwm02176

12y↑4

What a great cover....how did I miss this??

@kevinnaughton4562

7y↑4

I only discovered Townes a few weeks ago but I am very impessed with his song writing...fantastic.

@gringoloco4

2y↑1

Except he didn’t write this song.

@WildwoodClaire1

5y↑201

My favorite Townes story is the one where someone asked him why he didn't ever sing happy songs and Townes responded that these WERE his happy songs. Who said he didn't have a sense of humor?

@codyspires4538

4y↑7

Mine is when Steve Earle was bad on the needle and came home to Townes drunk on his couch to give him a sobriety talk

@johnburnett3432

3y↑9

Townes said, "There's just two kinds of music. The blues and 'Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.'"

@emporororretargds8601

@John Burnett whats the song "zip de do dah" im new to Towns

@johnburnett3432

3y↑1

@emporor or retargds It's a happy Disney song that Townes wouldn't have been caught dead (which he is now) doing. You can google or youtube it.

@brandonwilson3774

Too soon

1 More Replies...

@pineapplejuice13

11y↑9

Ok I am a MASSIVE stones fan, pretty much a stones junky, and sticky fingers is my favorite album, and i love Dead Flowers.....but God himself could've covered this and it still wouldn't compare Townes' version. This cover is pure perfection

@WildwoodClaire1

5y↑11

Whenever I get to feeling too upbeat and unconscionably optimistic I just put on a little Townes van Zandt to bring me back to Earth. :))

@johnnyguitar7921

5y↑2

you know,,, people often do the opposite,,, its a very good thing to get back to Earth,,, i used to do it more often back then,,, good thing i came across a Youtube Comment to channnel my inner self,,,

@hippymusicguy

10y↑14

To me, it doesn't get much better. It's almost impossible to sing the chorus as anything but an anthem, yet Townes had the restraint to do it right.

@BrentTheGent1

28w

Played this for my mate last night who is a massive Stones fan, knows how to play all their tunes and just about you could know about them.
He really loves Townes version of this classic song as i do.
Love Townes way of playing and singing..

@bobfells

6y↑4

best version of this tune hands down. RIP Townes.

@russellmakar579

6y↑1

Sounds awesome, I've never heard anyone else do it better.

@oldskoold22

4y↑2

Absolute greatness! What a treasure!

@ShaDHP23

4y↑1

I like this. It's nice to hear someone sing a song they loved with such feeling.

@mazrio128

11y

Amazing. One of my fave songs of all time..Thanks to TVZ. That pull-off on the high E is magical, along with the atmosphere and playing.

@jimhurlbut3649

10y↑65

Behind Dylan, Townes is America's greatest songwriter, IMO. This is a great cover. And whoever mentioned Gram Parsons is absolutely right; this has him written all over it. He had a huge influence on the Stones country-tinged tunes.

@claytonmidgett7997

9y↑9

I don't even know if I'd give Dylan the edge. An even tie at best - they spoke the same truths to different demographics.

@jimhurlbut3649

9y↑4

I think that could be argued. Good point. :)

@samuelwalkingstick2949

7y↑2

Jim Foxworthy i thought that the stones might have stole this from the stones but it does sound like something parsons might have had a hand in. and since parsons and keith were close im guessing he did have some influence on this one

@robertowen573

6y↑3

He was never behind Dylan. He was an influence on Bob Dylan, in my opinion.

@Phish1995

It's arguable. Dylan out lived Townes. As we know. Dunno what he, Townes wudda come up with had he stayed around. Wished that wudda happened.

12 More Replies...

@cjmaloney69

5y↑5

Best version of this song to my mind. Just a superb cover, Van Zandt makes it his own, in the way that Joe Cocker made "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" his own.

@brianosullivan7537

@fck the only thing missing is u think you are mistaken my friend, it’s a Rolling Stones song originally 👍🏼

@fcktheonlythingmissingisu3792

@Brian O sullivan Yes I am. Thank You for the correction. Must of had my head up my ass, this should be a no brainer.

@jonaskarlstrom4152

24w

Frankie millers liveversion is my favorite..

@garrettkittel304

23w

actually this is a topic of debate, I firmly believe that Van Zandt wrote this song and it was stolen by the stones. Anecdotal, that how it goes.

@vGBoondock

11y↑1

Must be a true bliss to be so ignorant to not feel the emotion behind the voice of this man.. A man who sings with such passion and love for what he's doing.

@dirtroadsandwoodstoves

I think Townes is without question - one of the greatest ever in the American genres.
God Bless Us
✝️🇺🇸

@johnkc4775

6y↑1

What a perfect performance to end a perfect movie, brilliant.

@gail9566

2y↑1

One of the most beautiful and poignant songs about addiction ever sang. Townes was meant to sing this song.

@lukehoward4182

6y↑2

Such a underrated talent,unbelievable writer!

@lukehoward4182

@Toughen Up, Fluffy I never said he wrote this particular song. Brighten up ,Fluffy.

@4775joshua

3y↑4

How can I love this cover so much when Townes is my favorite song writer?

@jordyngriffith6519

7y↑1

You have to be a little seasoned to fully appreciate what TVZ did with an already fantastic song. Of course few songs covered have ever been as good or better than the original. Another great cover that was better than the original, Joe Cocker With A Little Help From My Friends. If we named them all it would be a very exclusive list with Townes at the top!

@JHATDRUMMER1976

6y↑2

THIS SONG REALLY TIES THE SOUNDTRACK TOGETHER

@smanater

11y

Beautiful cover of a gorgeous song. Thank you for sharing.

@rumwomenandguns

7y↑2

This needs more views brother! I love this Townes tune. Thank you for the upload.

Gratitude from Northern California.

@Johnnythefinrockstar

47w↑10

For me, the song is about her. You know who she is, she's the one who you can't be with. The one you long to hold again warm and tightly, to never let go again. This song truely embodies that painful lust. Sure you can take the pain away by being with
'another girl' but it never fully goes away. She was special, and you'll never find someone like her again. She can hate you all she wants (metaphor for the dead flowers) she can forget about you, she can easily find other guys better than you, but even after all that you'll still love her. (The roses on her grave)

@alanmalcheski8882

32w

it's about not being a wasteful high society sinner who cuts up flowers. he doesn't return the gift of flowers until she's dead and can't see them. for me it's plant roses on your grave, not put.

@CoastalAngler688

3y↑5

May your memory live forever John Townes Van Zandt.

@ralfdog3

12y↑1

By far the best version of the song. Wish I had seen him in concert. It’s good know’n he’s out there, the Dude, takin’ ‘er easy for the rest of us sinners. Look at me. I’m ramblin’ again.

@zacpike993

4y↑2

Townes Van Zant was the greatest songwriter of all time, I named my son after him

@ulrichwill496

👍👍👍💪💪❤️❤️❤️🇨🇭🇨🇭

@corbinjones4527

One of the best folk artists of all time.

@larryinca693

4y↑2

Perfection.
Thank you Townes.

@manbitesdog9642

Townes nailed this song by far. Check out Caitlin Rose' cover too. Pretty good.

@bobbychi7081

5y↑4

I love this cover it is sad only few know his music.

@BrandonHann

8y↑2

Whenever I hear this song, it makes me a little sad. Mostly because the Big Lebowski has come to an end, but also it's just an awesome version of this song.

@gregwood7753

7y↑2

Simply a great Texas troubadour like many others that had some serious Demons. Always thought it would be great to play at my funeral while everyone slowly get Stoned. Miss you old friend. Peace.

@andrewbrennan7291

5y↑1

This has so much heart and soul. About as much as a body can take without breaking.

@venicequeen7535

5y↑1

Love this version😘

@09nob

11y↑7

this is one of the best covers ever

@robertpayne6781

11y↑5

This song speaks to me in more ways than I care to admit

@liammcooper

Dude was a legend, RIP.

@s3dchr

4y↑30

The ultimate soundtrack to waking up hungover while your life is crumbling down around you.

@carrrie_lynnn

Put the bottle down then

@s3dchr

2y↑1

@Carrie T. Oh my goodness. You done did it! You FIGURED IT OUT!! THAT'S how you do it!! Thank you so much~

@larrysawchuk370

2y↑1

Sunday morning coming down.

@gustavoherrera7864

Gorgeous. Townes always delivers.

@Hannah-fh9sm

4y↑1

Love how TVZ cries into the higher notes of the chorus. Never forced, he always let his addiction run naturally through his music. I can almost feel the alcohol and other vices pulsing through my head listening to this. Kind of like how Jack Daniels mixed with pills takes the edge off the day's stressors...

@darlincommitme

11y↑1

I don't entirely agree he is forgotten. - Townes is probably better known today than during the height of his career thanks to younger artists who look up to him. He is recognized as a key figure in Americana/roots music. Granted, the average pop music fan has no idea, but that is true of a great many important artists.

@wormX666

7y↑1

I love this version but I'll always pick the stones, either way real musicians don't care who's better or not...they just put their own signature on things.

@sepperD3

1y↑1

By far in my opinion the best song writer ever and his guitar play is amazing ,I rarely tell anyone him as like to think he's my secret

@IAMRUSTEDROOT

1y↑1

You can FEEL him playing that guitar.

@sepperD3

1y↑1

@Rusted Root yes, and besides the emotion he created and of course melody and chord structure he finger picked almost every song which sounds at times as if more than one person is playing guitar

@mattconnor8677

8y↑4

A great artist & poet, killed before his time by H and booze. Thanks for the great music, Townes.

@nicolaattilioromano4545

4y↑1

I love this version

@springstownewildcat

8y↑529

He died, like so many young men of his generation, he died before his time. In your wisdom, Lord, you took him, as you took so many bright flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364. These young men gave their lives. And so would Donny. - Walter Sobchak

@ocfanning

7y↑4

springstownewildcat

@PBRninjas

7y↑2

check out 'hank state of mind' for a great tribute to Towns and many of the greats

@UndoFilms

7y↑38

Donny was good bowler, and a good man ...

@lynnmiller3937

7y↑3

he's still alive !

@tonyslark7368

7y↑16

what the fuck is your problem man

24 More Replies...

@TimMOtto

A great guy with a-lot of talent. I met him twice. Once in Seattle, One in Portland

@dontaylor7315

5y↑1

The Stones may be rock icons but this song was always country and Townes really brings that out.

@jamesgreene4811

Amazing what a song absolute classic

@mwells219

8y↑48

Music with integrity. Hopefully someobody is still out there making music like this in the 21st century. I'm so tired of all the artificial bullshit.

@nilradem

8y↑2

There are a lot of great musicians out there with integrity. If you are not seeking them out, you are part of the problem. nodepression.com is a good place for this type of music. Or look up Jason Isbell, Parker Millsap, Joe Pug.... and so on.

@piggsquigg983

8y↑1

i'd never heard of that site but as someone who's always on the lookout for supm exciting, i thank you for the recommendation!
i'll return the favour too! check out bandcamp.com/squinchowl - brilliant guitar / banjo / accordion playing folk songwriter out in maine. hell of a voice.

@fromthedoor22

7y↑3

mwells219 Sturgill Simpson, Shawn James, Colter Wall, Nathaniel Rateliff, Shakey Graves, Shovels and Rope. You'll probably like atleast a few of those.

@steveoh4595

They are out there in little haunts making and playing great music...the industry just happens to be pushing ghetto shit now that's all.

@yoseidman4166

Lazer Lloyd

5 More Replies...

@papabearblues

11y↑1

As a listener, the key is to hear this version only for what it is, and for what he brought to it, rather than as someone else's work. If you do that and don't like it, that's cool... but don't come at this expecting a rehash of the original, anyone who knows anything about Townes (or Cash) should know that you just won't get that from either of them. Cheers!

@barbarablonsky7521

1y↑1

The song is by Jagger/Richards…..it is a brilliant song. It can bring a smile or break your heart. Soothe you or bring tears. Do whatever you need. I listen to it often. This is a great version.

@garrettkittel304

23w

there's much evidence to show this isn't a song written by the stones. Van Zandt wrote this most likely, it is debated.

@easyskankingdude

6y↑1

Maybe if Townes was a little bit more like the dude he would still be alive. What an amazing songwriter performer he was.

@zimmawoman

12y↑1

It's a great song. It shouldn't matter where you heard it. Just enjoy the music

@MAGAMANPATRIOT

I loved the way Townes done all his songs..

@brandonlace

11y↑4

I really wish Keith had did the lead vocal on Sticky Fingers. He has such a nice voice for country. Regardless of how Jagger did it as a joke, one can't deny how beautiful the song is. This is here is a great version. I like Steve Earls version too.

@windowsperf

Ill check out Steve Earls, thanks for saying that

@LowProfileTexas

Using the Townes Van Zandt version of "Dead Flowers" for that movie was absolutely perfect.

"I'll be in my basement room

with a needle and a spoon."

Perfect.

Adios, Townes.

@willybluessenkiwsky3848

5y↑2

This one hits me in the head. The sorrow in his voice, phasing, picking, and everything else about the song put this far, and away, above Mick Jagger!

@lauraashley2933

The first time I heard this song it was on my friend's ipod as we were waiting in the wings to dance in a play. It was such a random song for two middle school girls to listen to and I can't remember how we found it but somehow it calmed our nerves and we started listening to Townes before we would go on each night. Now, years later, Townes' music still calms me down and makes me feel connected when I'm homesick for Texas.

@j.p.holiday8899

5y↑10

One of the best songs ever written.

Science Fact, y'all.

@sarahisaiah1

opposite.one of the most depressing

@franklinduda

43w

@klausrain111

7y↑7

Townes put out an album of covers in 1994, called Roadsongs. They were all covers, he wrote none of them. He said he wishes he'd written them all, but "no such luck." Mick and Keith wrote Dead Flowers. Like I said in a previous comment, Townes's version is much more serious than the Stones version, which is almost a parody of a C&W song. I prefer the Stones version, others prefer the Townes version. Both are great! The emotions conveyed are completely different in these two versions.

@konstantingeorgiev7521

Gotta admit, this text sounds like Mick and Keith wrote it for Townes. Its so much like him...

@ReedRosson1987

Hell yeah! One of the greatest songs ever.

@josephstevenson9230

6y↑2

Beautiful. What an honour it must be for Townes to cover one of your songs. Wondering if anybody can tell me if this beautiful rendition was included in any of his records? If so, which? Thank you.

@RevZafod

1y↑1

Roadsongs 1992

@garrettkittel304

23w

he wrote it, It was probably stolen by the stones

@nicholasdauphinais

Incredible version

@fontsavant

9y↑5

Damn I love this song. It's hard to say why, but maybe because the country feel and the edgy rock lyrics work so well. Also, it's a dude song. The dude abides.

@JesusChrist-bu5ws

7y↑1

Probably my favourite song on planet earth. This will be booming on my funeral

@garryvey7586

Great job van Zandt love this version just as good as u know who

@bobbychi7081

5y↑1

Townes van zandt was one of the most amazing song writters and singers. This wasnt his but his sound made it his. Its like johnny cash on the american records he made songs his too by his sound.