Willie Nelson Song Analysis

Willie Nelson's Poetry of the Common Man

Willie Nelson seems to be the epitome of an authentic country artist, but his sound and persona are far from Nashville’s stereotype of real “country” musicians. Nelson’s sound always remained original and unaffected by pop-culture, and his mainstream success could be credited to his innovation and rejection of country artist sterotypes. People gravitated toward this artistic nuance as a breath of fresh air in the realm of country music. He made no to attempt to fit any mold, and this liberation allowed Nelson to transcend the limitations of the country genre, as well as transcend the limitations of social class as his music appealed to audiences of all ages and statures. This widespread and unique appeal drove Nelson to become one of the most iconic artists of all time.

Country music lyrics often argue for their own authenticity, where artists sometime falsely link themselves to a working-class, rural lifestyle that they never actually experienced. However, Willie Nelson’s lyrics are seldom perceived as trying or pretentious. Instead, his lyrics are representative of both his lifestyle and the lifestyle of his audience, and are arguably the poetry of the common man. His song “The City of New Orleans,” included in his “16 Biggest Hits” album, was written by Steve Goodman, but appealed to Nelson’s admiration and empathy for the struggles of the average working-class man. Nelson tells the story of a man’s journey through America on a freight train as he struggles to provide for his family. Nelson’s connection to the lyrics and his appearance of authenticity are both vital elements for the song’s widespread appeal where the significance and success of the song depends on whether or not the audience really believes that the artist’s heart is poured into every word.

“The City of New Orleans”

Dealin' card games with the old men in the club car

Penny a point ain't no one keepin' score

Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle

Feel the wheels rumblin' 'neath the floor

And the sons of Pullman Porters

And the sons of engineers

Ride their father's magic carpets made of steel

Mothers with their babes asleep

Are rockin' to the gentle beat

And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel

These lyrics provide a sense of empathy for the working-class family, where every day is a struggle and overworked men take pleasure in the acts of heavy drinking and gambling. The mention of the job “Pullman Porters” is interesting because the original Pullman Porters were often slaves that had been recently freed. The mention of this job suggests that many working-class Americans are slaves to their occupations, where people do whatever is necessary to survive. Nelson sympathizes with the struggle of the common family, and represents the traditional values of this culture through his own humble beginnings as a child of the Great Depression.

Nighttime on the city of New Orleans

Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee

Half way home, we'll be there by morning

Through the Mississippi darkness

Rolling down to the sea

And all the towns and people seem

To fade into a bad dream

And the steel rails still ain't heard the news

The conductor sings his song again

The passengers will please refrain

This trains got the disappearing railroad blues

In these lyrics, Nelson seems to understand the insignificance and routineness of these people’s lives as the train goes from city to city and all of the towns and people “seem to fade into a bad dream.” Although the song’s lyrics are melancholic, the music sound is uplifting and inspirational, as if Nelson is encouraging these people to stay positive, calling himself America’s “native son” which suggests Nelson is along for the ride with them. Nelson’s authenticity and genuine concern for the struggles of these people is arguably the reason this song achieved such notable mainstream success. 

Willie’s song “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” is arguably the saddest song he was ever written. Written after his son’s suicide, Nelson expresses his deepest emotions and allows his audience to mourn with him in a way that makes the listener feel like they know him personally.

"Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground"

If you had not have fallen

Then I would not have found you

Angel flying too close to the ground

I patched up your broken wing and hung around for a while

Trying to keep your spirits up and your fever down

So leave me if you need to, I will still remember

Angel flying too close to the ground.

I knew someday that you would fly away

For love's the greatest healer to be found

So leave me if you need to, I will still remember

Angel flying too close to the ground

Fly on fly on past, the speed of sound

I'd rather see you up than see you down

So leave me if you need to, I will still remember

Angel flying too close to the ground.

Regardless of whether this song is mourning the loss of his son or some other fallen relationship, the message is undeniably powerful and the emotions are real. It is relatable not through the stereotypes of the “country” lifestyle, but because everyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one can sympathize with Nelson’s sorrow which, in a way, connects Nelson to his audience even more. The song’s sound is slow, melancholic, and mournful, as are the lyrics. His live performance of this song could draw a tear from anyone’s eye, and it even seems Nelson has to refrain from tearing up as well. To me, this song speaks to Nelson’s authenticity through its honesty and believability, where only the most serious and sincere heartbreak could inspire such poetic lyrics and artistry.