Townes van Zandt was one of our great singer-songwriter-storytellers.    In Tecumseh Valley, he writes with plain language telling the story of a girl who faces life’s challenges, has lost her way, and then dies.    Even though this is a fictional character, the tale is told with empathy and is quite moving to many listeners.    Although Townes wrote and recorded the song, it is best sung by Nancy Griffith, one of the best singer of folk songs, and who has sadly now passed away.

...But the times were hard, Lord, and the jobs were few
All through Tecumseh Valley
But she asked around and a job she found
Tending bar for Gypsy Sally

She saved enough to get back home
When spring replaced the winter
But her dreams were denied, her pa had died
The word come down from Spencer...