I like the faster tempo of the studio version than he gives it live. I do like the Live 1980 version, especially vocally.
It's a cool little guitar piece. Nothing too hard to play but great fun to play over and over. It was the first finger-picking song I ever learned to play on the guitar.
Great song!

And I agree with everything you said about it being upbeat even though it's "down" song. I love songs like that.
