Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: Willie Nelson, “Always On My Mind” – Country Universe

About the Song

Willie Nelson is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and activist. He is known for his outlaw country music style and his distinctive voice. Nelson has written over 2,000 songs, including the classics “Crazy”, “On the Road Again”, and “Always On My Mind”.

“Always On My Mind” was written by Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson Thompson. It was originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972, but it became a much bigger hit when Willie Nelson released his version in 1982. Nelson’s version of the song is a slow, country ballad with a warm and inviting sound. His vocals are smooth and expressive, and he delivers the song’s heartfelt lyrics with conviction.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is constantly thinking about the woman he loves. He can’t stop thinking about her, even when he’s trying to forget her. He knows that she’s always on his mind, and he can’t help but wonder if she feels the same way about him.

“Always On My Mind” is a beautiful and moving song about love and longing. It’s a song that has resonated with people of all ages, and it’s sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Some interesting facts about the song:

  • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, John Mayer, and Beyoncé.
  • It was named the Song of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1982.
  • It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

If you’re a fan of country music, or if you’re just looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then you should definitely check out “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson.

Willie Nelson 'Never Thought' He'd Get to Age 90

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Lyrics: Always On My Mind

Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
And maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel second best
Girl I’m sorry I was blindYou were always on my mind
You were always on my mindAnd maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the timeBut you were always on my mind
You were always on my mindTell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
And give me
Give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
I’ll keep you satisfied[Instrumental Interlude]Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the timeBut you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

You Missed

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.