Articles for category: Country

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die

Willie Nelson – Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die

**Background** “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” is a song by the legendary American country musician Willie Nelson. It was released as a single in 2012 as part of his album *Heroes*. Known for his laid-back persona and advocacy for marijuana legalization, Nelson’s career has always been intertwined with themes of rebellion, personal freedom, and anti-establishment sentiment. This song, in particular, stands as a celebration of Nelson’s unconventional views and his unique approach to life and death. The album *Heroes* represents a continuation of Nelson’s decades-long career as one of the foremost figures in country music. At

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Heaven Is Closed

Willie Nelson – Heaven Is Closed

Background “Heaven Is Closed” is a song performed by Willie Nelson, featured on his 2002 album The Great Divide. This album was notable for its collaborative nature, featuring a diverse range of guest artists from various genres, including Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Brian McKnight, and Kid Rock. “Heaven Is Closed,” however, is a solo performance by Nelson, allowing his distinctive voice and phrasing to carry the weight of the song’s poignant message. The song’s background is interwoven with themes of loss, longing, and the search for solace in the face of grief, reflecting a common thread in Nelson’s work and

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Amarillo by Morning – George Strait

Amarillo by Morning – George Strait

Background “Amarillo by Morning” is a song written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser and originally recorded by Stafford in 1973. However, it is George Strait’s 1982 version from his album Strait From the Heart that cemented the song’s place in country music history and made it a signature tune for the “King of Country.” The song tells the story of a weary rodeo cowboy reflecting on the hardships and transient nature of his chosen lifestyle. Terry Stafford, a singer-songwriter known for his 1964 hit “Suspicion” (later covered by Elvis Presley), co-wrote “Amarillo by Morning” with Paul Fraser. Stafford’s original

13 June 2025

Content Staff

All My Ex’s Live in Texas – George Strait

All My Ex’s Live in Texas – George Strait

Background “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a country music song written by Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran. It was first recorded by George Strait in 1987 and released as the second single from his album Ocean Front Property. The song quickly became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for two weeks and solidifying Strait’s position as one of country music’s biggest stars. The song’s concept, though simple, resonated with audiences. It tells the story of a heartbroken narrator who laments that all of his former romantic partners reside in the same state

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Check Yes or No – George Strait

Check Yes or No – George Strait

Background “Check Yes or No” is a country music song written by Dean Dillon and Jimmy Dean Black. It was first recorded by George Strait in 1986 and released as the first single from his album Blue Clear Sky. The song quickly became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for three weeks and solidifying Strait’s position as one of country music’s biggest stars. The song’s concept revolves around a simple but effective premise: a man is trying to decide whether or not to propose marriage to his girlfriend. He grapples with the anxieties and

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain (Live From Austin City Limits, 1976)

Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain (Live From Austin City Limits, 1976)

Background “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” is a country music standard with a rich history, predating Willie Nelson’s iconic rendition. The song was written by Fred Rose in 1945 and first recorded by Roy Acuff that same year. Acuff’s version, delivered in his signature mournful style, became a hit and helped establish the song’s place in the country music canon. Rose, a prolific songwriter and music publisher, was a key figure in the development of country music. He co-founded Acuff-Rose Music, one of the most important publishing houses in the genre’s history. Rose’s songwriting was characterized by its simplicity,

13 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Me and You

Willie Nelson – Me and You

Background “Me and You” is a song written and performed by Willie Nelson. While not as widely known as some of his signature hits like “Crazy” or “On the Road Again,” “Me and You” occupies a significant place within his extensive catalog, showcasing his songwriting prowess and his ability to convey deep emotion through simple, direct lyrics. The song first appeared on Nelson’s 1983 album Pancho & Lefty, a collaborative project with fellow country music legend Merle Haggard. This album was a significant release for both artists, showcasing their combined talents and solidifying their status as icons of the outlaw

9 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Always On My Mind

Willie Nelson – Always On My Mind

**Background** “Always On My Mind” is one of Willie Nelson’s most iconic songs, released in 1982 as part of his album *Always on My Mind*. The song was written by Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson. Although it was originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972 and subsequently covered by several artists, it was Nelson’s version that brought the song to the forefront of country music and solidified its place in American popular music history. The song was a massive success for Willie Nelson, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning critical acclaim across

9 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Just Breathe

**Background** “Just Breathe” is a song performed by American country music legend Willie Nelson. Released in 2020, this track appears as part of his album *First Rose of Spring*, which is his 70th studio album. Willie Nelson, known for his distinct voice and contributions to country, outlaw country, and Americana music, has had a long and illustrious career that spans more than six decades. In *First Rose of Spring*, Nelson explores themes of love, loss, reflection, and human connection, and “Just Breathe” is a prime example of this. This song stands out as one of the more introspective tracks on

8 June 2025

Content Staff

Willie Nelson – Seven Spanish Angels

Willie Nelson – Seven Spanish Angels

“Seven Spanish Angels” is a memorable country song recorded by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, released as a single in 1984. It is featured on Nelson’s album *City of New Orleans*, which highlights his versatility as an artist, blending traditional country with other genres and collaborating with musical legends from outside the country music world. The song, written by Eddie Setser and Troy Seals, stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. This collaboration was particularly notable, as it brought together two iconic musicians from different musical backgrounds—Willie Nelson, a pioneer of the outlaw country movement, and Ray Charles,