They'll kill you, but will you fight? In Memoriam Justin Townes Earle sung songs that I’ve known since before I was even born. Songs that were as much a part of me as my own hand. "Harlem River Blues" and "Down on the Lower East Side" are a part of my permanent memory of New York City. "They Killed John Henry" feels at home on the prairies of Illinois. His music shaped me. I came of age to Justin Townes Earle. And I will forever be in debt to his music.  He didn’t make it out of this life alive. I wish he did. But maybe he’ll be John Henry for another generation of Americans trying to navigate even more novelty and progress. A lone singer who stood in front of the bulldozers. Who preserved the old time style. And who paid the price for it.