Townes Van Zandt
Many a Fine Lady (1999 version)
[Verse 1]
Ah it's many a fine lady that's laid along beside me
With her flesh made of velvet and her eyes made of rain
Some tried to hold me, to hurt me, to hide me
And some turned away not to look back again
[Verse 2]
Ah but one stood among them, I remember most clearly
Ah her sorrow were heavy and her laughter was slow
Well I courted her gently for I loved her most dearly
And I came her majestic reflections to know
[Verse 3]
Ah her words like a mountain stood lonely and lofty
With her face like a daydream and her hair like the shawl
Worn by a mourner who steals away softly
From those that would have him mourn nothing at all
[Verse 4]
Aw endlessly sorrow rode high on the north wind
Slashing and slicing to take him his toll
And endlessly creatures of darkness were cuttin'
Their paths through the walls that sheltered her soul
[Instrumental interlude]
[Verse 5]
Ah but no longer gypsy like sadness unending
Her eyes they lie hollow and her face petrified
For some will go laughing and others condemn him
Aw but who there among you could have told her goodbye
[Verse 6]
It's many a fine lady that's laid along beside me
With her flesh made of velvet and her eyes made of rain
For some tried to hold me, to hurt me, to hide me
And some turned away not to look back again
Ah some turned away not to look back again