Steve Earle describes Townes Van Zandt’s song ‘Lungs’ as one of the scariest songs ever written; one that the songwriter always said should be screamed rather than sung.
The original version is, however, relatively subdued. The enigmatic words are delivered in Van Zandt’s gentle, understated manner.
Lyle Lovett recorded it several years ago on his covers album ‘Step Inside This House’ and there’s also a live version performed by Lovett & Earle together.
The definitive version now must be the one Earle has recorded for his album of Van Zandt songs called ‘Townes’. This features Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello and his contribution , together with Earles slurred, snarling vocals, gives the song the edge it deserves.
The third of the four stanzas gives a flavour of the apocalyptic imagery of the song :
Salvation sat and crossed herself
Called the devil partner
Wisdom burned upon a shelf
Who’ll kill the raging cancer
Seal the river at its mouth
Take the water prisoner
Fill the sky with screams and cries
Bathe in fiery answers
Steve Earle met Townes when he was an innocent newbie, something that’s hard to imagine now. Aside from the musical connections, both were dedicated substance abusers – Van Zandt drank himself to an early grave while Earle has tried just about everything but at 54 is ageing disgracefully and still raging after all these years.
