Honoring Daniel Johnston: A New Cover of Walking the Cow
Austin-based artist mozworth has released a heartfelt cover of Walking the Cow, a beloved song by the late Daniel Johnston. The release coincides with Hi, How Are You Day, a celebration of Johnston's life and a movement for mental health awareness.
A Tribute to an Icon
Daniel Johnston's music and legacy have left a profound impact on mozworth. mozworth first discovered Daniel through the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston and became fascinated by home-recorded music and the raw honesty of his work. mozworth explains, "Daniel's story—his struggles with mental health and his ability to create without filters—has been a huge inspiration for me as an artist."
Releasing this cover on Johnston's birthday was an intentional choice. Releasing this cover on Johnston's birthday felt like a meaningful way to participate and connect with the city of Austin, which holds him in such high regard. As a new artist, mozworth saw this as an opportunity to cut through the noise and reach people who appreciate Daniel's music.
Reinterpreting Walking the Cow
When it came to arranging the song, mozworth took a different approach while still honoring Johnston's lo-fi aesthetic. The original recording is centered around the piano, and mozworth felt a lot of Daniel's anxiety in the way he played the keys. The new arrangement translates that feeling through drums trading tapping keys for a thumping rhythm. This leaves the guitar free to ring out and create space.
The recording process was a mix of spontaneity and intention. The demo was recorded independently, layering separate takes in a home studio. It started with a rough scratch track to a metronome, followed by drums, bass, guitar, and finally vocals. To maintain the raw, off-the-cuff feel of Daniel's lo-fi recordings, all original takes were kept for the final version, except for the drums, which were re-recorded by Kenneth Mockler in his Austin studio.
A Lasting Influence
Diving deep into Johnston's music has influenced mozworth's own songwriting approach. Daniel's music doesn't follow traditional song structures. In most music, standardized verses and choruses repeat, but his delivery constantly shifts. Each phrase is slightly different, erratic in a way that feels deeply personal. Recording this cover was a reminder that there are no strict rules in songwriting—everything is just a tool, and the key is knowing when to embrace chaos and when to rein it in. Daniel's music offers permission to be chaotic.
Written by Daniel Johnston
Arrangement by Michael Bosworth
Guitar, bass, and vocals performed by Michael Bosworth
Drums performed by Ken Mockler
Produced by Michael Bosworth
Recorded by Michael Bosworth and Ken Mockler
Mixed and Mastered by Steve Glaze at Tone Freq Studios
Cover art by Michael Bosworth