About the song
Willie Nelson has never been one to shy away from saying exactly what’s on his mind. Whether it’s through his music, his activism, or just his signature wry sense of humor, the Red Headed Stranger has built a career on honesty, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of rebellion. Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, released in 2012 on his album Heroes, is a prime example of all these qualities rolled into one (pun very much intended). The song is a playful yet poignant meditation on mortality, delivered with the kind of easygoing charm that only someone like Nelson can muster.
At its heart, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die is a classic outlaw country anthem, but it’s also something more—it’s a philosophy, a way of looking at life and death with humor and acceptance. With its rollicking beat, twangy guitars, and laid-back groove, the track feels like an impromptu jam session between old friends who have seen it all and aren’t afraid of what’s coming next. And in a way, that’s exactly what it is. Nelson is joined on the track by an all-star lineup of fellow country greats—Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, and Jamey Johnson—each adding their own unique spin to the tune. This blend of country, folk, and a little bit of stoner humor makes for an irresistible combination, one that perfectly encapsulates Nelson’s ability to bring people together, no matter their background.
Lyrically, the song is as direct as its title suggests. “Roll me up and smoke me when I die,” Nelson croons, his voice as weathered and familiar as an old leather saddle. It’s a sentiment that could easily be taken as a joke—after all, Nelson is one of the most famous cannabis advocates in the world—but there’s something deeper beneath the surface. This isn’t just a novelty song about marijuana; it’s about embracing life’s fleeting nature with a grin rather than a grimace. It’s about leaving behind a legacy of joy, music, and camaraderie rather than fear and regret.
What makes Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die truly special is its refusal to dwell on the sadness of death. Instead, it turns the entire concept into a celebration. The song’s honky-tonk rhythm, the playful vocal delivery, and the camaraderie of its featured artists all contribute to a sense of warmth and togetherness. In many ways, it echoes the themes found throughout Nelson’s entire career—love, freedom, and the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured.
Of course, Willie Nelson has always had a knack for writing and selecting songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. From On the Road Again to Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, his music has a way of making listeners reflect on their own lives while also feeling like they’re sitting beside him on his tour bus, just shooting the breeze. Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die continues this tradition, offering a mix of humor and wisdom that only someone with Nelson’s experience could pull off.
For those who have followed Willie Nelson’s career, this song feels like a quintessential entry in his catalog—an irreverent yet heartfelt statement on the inevitability of death, delivered with the same laid-back charm that has made him a legend. For those new to his music, it serves as an excellent introduction to his unique blend of wit, wisdom, and musical craftsmanship. Either way, it’s a song that lingers long after the final chord, much like the smoke Nelson so often sings about.
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Lyrics
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Now you won’t see no sad and teary eyes
When I get my wings and it’s my time to fly
Call my friends and tell them
There’s a party, come on by
And just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look them in the eye
Say I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
When I go out I’ve been here long enough
So sing and tell more jokes and dance and stuff
Just keep the music playing that’ll be as good as goodbye
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Hey take me out and build a roaring fire
And just roll me in the flames for about an hour
And then take me out and twist me up
And point me towards the sky
And roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
