Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt
 by Kathy S-B  ·  6 October 2006

“I don’t envision a very long life for myself. Like I think my life will run out before my work does, ya know? I’ve designed it that way” Those haunting words are voiced by the subject of this film and, unfortunately, Townes Van Zandt was an accurate soothsayer. The day that Townes died, January 1, 1997, was the same day that his hero, Hank Williams, died. In both cases, their music lives on and this film is a fine testament and historical artifact that reflects the greatness of the poetic and musical vision of Townes Van Zandt.

Margaret Brown’s stunning documentary about the life and times of troubled singer-songwriter, Townes Van Zandt, is a must see for those of you who are interested in the influences of those who are currently on the acoustic music scene. Townes Van Zandt is a name that is not easily forgotten and it’s always been hanging out in a crevice of my mind – a name that was mentioned in passing by performers whom I have admired for some time, in particular Nanci Griffith. “Tecumseh Valley,” penned by Van Zandt has always been one of my favorite Nanci tunes. You can catch Nanci and Townes singing this song here.

“Be Here to Love Me” contains some riveting snapshots of a man who struggled with his place in the world and all of the demons that constantly plagued him. Townes was given shock treatments as a young adult and was diagnosed as “manic depressive with minimal adjustment to life.” One of the most poignant statements in the film is when it’s reported that Townes’ mother admits that if there was one thing that she could do over again, it would be to not authorize shock treatments for her son. Townes’ inability to relate to others was his downfall… yet, his music touched so many. A true enigma.

This film includes many interviews with performers whose paths crossed with Townes including Joe Ely, Guy Clark, Emmy Lou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Guy Clark talks about how Townes’ songs are the type that suck you right into them and allow your imagination to do the rest of the work. Those are the songs that stay with you. “Pancho and Lefty” made famous by both Willie Nelson an Emmy Lou Harris is the perfect example. You can see Willie and Bob Dylan perform the song here.

One stellar segment of this documentary shows Townes being interviewed at a radio station. The DJ is talking about playing “Pancho and Lefty” and “If I Needed You” and Townes asks the DJ… “Did I write that?” The DJ assured him that he did and Townes mused that he must have written it while he was asleep. In fact, he details how he wrote yet another song in his sleep: woke up and wrote it down word by word and chord by chord. It’s always startling and very moving to witness an artist of such depth, wisdom, and creativity and see how his life unravels. Would elusive “fame” have made a difference? The respect of his fellow songwriters and the fact that we’re still listening to his music today is proof enough that Townes Van Zandt is still a force to be reckoned with and as Steve Earle has said: “Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy books and say that.” That’s going some, eh?

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