"For me, 'Rake' is unforgettable," producer Frangipane marvels in the 2007 book To Live's To Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt. "When we finally nailed it, we knew it was the special moment on the album." Although these songs are particularly dark, the album does include several tender ballads rich with Van Zandt's poetic imagery, such as "Come Tomorrow" and "Tower Song".
Producer Frangipane recalls in his 2007 book To Live's To Fly: The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt that the song "Rake" left a lasting impression on him. He notes that when they finally got it right, he knew it was a standout track on the album. Although the album has its darker moments, it also includes several gentle ballads that showcase Van Zandt's vivid imagery, such as "Come Tomorrow" and "Tower Song".