Poncho & Lefty
Willie & Merle Lyrics


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Living on the road my friend was gonna keep you free and clean
And now you were your skin like iron and your breath's as hard as kerosene
You 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

Poncho 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
Well poncho 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 federals say they could've had him any day
We only let him slip away out of kindness I suppose

Lefty he can't sing the blues all night long like he used to
Well the dust that poncho bit down south ended up in lefty's mouth
The day they laid poor poncho low lefty split for Ohio
Where he got the bread to go there ain't nobody knows

All the federals say they could've had him any day
We only let him slip away out of kindness I suppose

The poets tell how poncho fell and lefty's living in a cheap hotel
The desert's quiet and 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 and now he's growing old

All the federals say they could've had him any day
We only let him go so long out of kindness I suppose





A few great federals say could've had him any day
We only let him go so long out of kindness I suppose

Overall Meaning

The song "Pancho and Lefty" is a collaborative effort between Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. It tells a story about two men, Pancho and Lefty, who lead different lives but are ultimately united by the fact that both of them are trying to survive in a harsh world. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The lines suggest that living a nomadic lifestyle can be both liberating and hard, and that it can also leave one battle-hardened.


The song's second verse is about Pancho, a Mexican outlaw who is known for his fast horse and quick trigger finger. He is a notorious bandit who is feared by many, but he eventually meets his match in the deserts of Mexico. The third verse is about Lefty, who isn't a bandit but is still living on the fringes of society. Lefty can no longer sing the blues like he used to, suggesting that age and life's trials have worn him down. The last two verses detail what happens to both Pancho and Lefty after their lives intersect. Pancho dies and Lefty goes on the run. The song's final lines suggest that, while Pancho might need prayers, Lefty also deserves a little sympathy.


Overall, the song is a poignant reminder that, even though people lead different lives, they share common experiences and struggles. Life can be hard and unfair, and sometimes people do what they have to do to survive. The song's haunting melody and melancholy lyrics perfectly capture the mood and emotions of the story it tells.


Line by Line Meaning

Living on the road my friend was gonna keep you free and clean
Choosing a life on the road was meant to give you a sense of freedom and a fresh start.


And now you wear your skin like iron and your breath's as hard as kerosene
Years of travel and rough living have made you tough and hardened you.


You weren't your mama's only boy but her favorite one it seems
Your mother had other children, but you held a special place in her heart.


She began to cry when you said goodbye and sank into your dreams
Leaving caused your mother deep sadness and left you hoping for a better future.


Poncho was a bandit boy his horse was fast as polished steel
Poncho was a criminal, known for his quick and agile horse.


He wore his gun outside his pants for all the honest world to feel
Poncho wanted others to know he was armed and dangerous.


Well poncho met his match you know on the deserts down in Mexico
Poncho's downfall occurred in the Mexican deserts where he faced a worthy opponent.


Nobody heard his dying words ah but that's the way it goes
Poncho died alone, with no one to hear his last words.


All the federals say they could've had him any day
The government claims they could have caught Poncho at any time.


We only let him slip away out of kindness I suppose
However, they claim to have let him go due to a sense of generosity.


Lefty he can't sing the blues all night long like he used to
Lefty's life has changed, and he's lost the passion for music he once had.


Well the dust that poncho bit down south ended up in lefty's mouth
Lefty was in close proximity to Poncho when he was killed and was affected by the dust kicked up during the incident.


The day they laid poor poncho low lefty split for Ohio
After Poncho's death, Lefty left town and went to Ohio to start over.


Where he got the bread to go there ain't nobody knows
It's unclear where Lefty got the money to make his journey to Ohio.


The poets tell how poncho fell and lefty's living in a cheap hotel
This is how the poets tell the story: Poncho met his end, and Lefty ended up living in a cheap hotel.


The desert's quiet and Cleveland's cold and so the story ends we're told
The desert where Poncho died is quiet, and Cleveland, where Lefty is now, is cold, signaling the end of their story.


Poncho needs your prayers it's true but save a few for lefty too
Poncho may be the one who died, but Lefty also needs prayers and support.


He only did what he had to do and now he's growing old
Lefty did what he needed to do to survive, and now he's aging.


A few great federals say could've had him any day
Some officials maintain that they could have captured Poncho anytime they wanted.


We only let him go so long out of kindness I suppose
But once again, they maintain that they let him go due to a sense of generosity.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rickhensley5963

Now this song is real C&W music. Not the half-baked twangy bill shit of today.

@charliewhite9777

Check out Daryll Mc Call " the weeds outlived the roses " ( 1976)

@JamesBond-ym2gv

Your absolutely right 💯💪🤠

@iwantmynametobeaslongaspos7194

Finally someone who agrees with me. Modern country is trash but old country is amazing. A lot of people say they hate all country but old country is art. This is coming from a big rap fan, I genuinely love country

@JimmyGelhaar

Preach it!!

@toddbob55

agreed ... january 1st of 2000 country music died

8 More Replies...

@cerconefamily2912

My grandfather was a troubled man. An orphan, an alcoholic and was severely abused as a child. He was really strong and very smart. He became very successful and had two beautiful daughters one of whom was my mother. When he got everything he ever wanted he destroyed because he was scared someone would take it all away. He drank himself into oblivion in a bar he had built in his house. My mother and her sister forbid us from seeing him but when I grew up I was really drawn to him. We had a great relationship and I helped mend the fences. We were all there at his deathbed. My mother cried like I've never seen before and he had a soldiers burial in Arlington. This was his favorite song. R.I.P. Granpa I hope you know everyone loved you.

@philschuler9674

Thats a beautiful and tragic story. God bless you and your Grandfather.

@samueldewey5528

My grandparents raised me n i never quite got to know my real dad n relate to this story R.I.P. GRAMPA love you much n miss ya

@KimCritchlow-cn3yf

Nice tribute

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