"Pancho and Lefty" is a song written by Townes Van Zandt that tells the story of two outlaws, Pancho and Lefty. The song explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the run. It reflects on the choices they made and the consequences that followed. The song gained popularity after being covered by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard in 1983, bringing it to a wider audience. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody have made it a classic in the country and folk music genres, resonating with listeners for decades.