To Live Is to Fly

Townes Van Zandt

About To Live Is to Fly

"To Live Is to Fly" is a song written by Townes Van Zandt. The name is also that of a biography about the songwriter, by the name To Live's to Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt. It was covered by Wade Bowen on his album The Given. It was also covered by Cowboy Junkies on their album Black Eyed Man.


Year:
2005
3:15
64 

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Won't say I love you, babe
Won't say I need you, babe
But I'm gonna get you babe
And I will not do you wrong
Living's mostly wasting time
And I'll waste my share of mine
But it never feels too good
So let's don't take too long
You're soft as glass
And I'm a gentle man
We got the sky to talk about
And the earth to lie upon

Days, up and down they come
Like rain on a congadrum
Forget most, remember some
But don't turn none away
Everything is not enough
And nothin' is too much to bear
Where you been is good and gone
All you keep is the getting there

To live is to fly
Low and high
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eyes

Goodbye to all my friends
It's time to go again
Think of all the poetry
And the pickin' down the line
I'll miss the system here
The bottom's low
And the treble's clear
But it don't pay to think too much
On things you leave behind
I will be gone
But it won't be long
I will be a'bringin' back the melodies
And rhythm that I find

We all got holes to fill
Them holes are all that's real
Some fall on you like a storm
Sometimes you dig your own
The choice is yours to make
Time is yours to take
Some sail upon/dive into the sea
Some toil upon the stone

To live is to fly
Low and high
So shake the dust off of your wings
And the sleep out of your eyes

Shake the dust off of your wings
And the tears out of your eyes

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Townes Van Zandt

John Townes Van Zandt (March 7, 1944 – January 1, 1997), best known as Townes Van Zandt, was an American Texas Country-folk music singer-songwriter, performer, and poet. Many of his songs, including "If I Needed You," "To Live is to Fly," and "No Place to Fall" are considered standards of their genre. more »

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Written by: Townes Van Zandt

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

SONG CREATION
"To Live Is to Fly" was written and performed by the legendary country singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt.
RELEASE DATE
The song was released on December 31, 1971, as a part of the studio album "High, Low and In Between."
SONG INSPIRATION
Known for his poetic lyrics, often reflecting upon life and death, Van Zandt is believed to have captured some of his own life views in "To Live is to Fly."
SONG MEANING
"To Live Is to Fly" is interpreted by many as showcasing a hopeful acceptance of life with its joys, sorrows, and inevitable end – a reflection of Van Zandt's own life battles with addiction and mental health issues.
SONG INFLUENCE
Many consider this song one of Van Zandt's finest works because of its profound lyrics and beautiful melody.
COVER VERSIONS
"To Live is To Fly" was covered by multiple artists after its release, including Steve Earle and Guy Clark, which displays its enduring popularity and influence.
ALBUM ACCOLADE
The album that features "To Live Is to Fly," "High, Low and In Between," is often ranked as one of Van Zandt's best records.
FUN FACT
Despite its popularity after its release, "To Live Is to Fly" was not a commercial hit during Van Zandt's lifetime, which is often the case with his other songs.
LYRIC QUOTE
A notable lyric from the song goes, "Everything is not enough, and nothin' is too much to bear, where you've been is good and gone all you keep is the getting there."
RELEVANCE TODAY
The song, much like Van Zandt's other works, remains relevant today. It still influences new generations of musicians and songwriters with its truthful articulations on life and death.

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