Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard – It’s All Going to Pot

About the song

When two legends of country music join forces, the result is often more than just a duet—it’s a cultural moment. Such is the case with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, two names that have defined the heart and soul of American country for over half a century. Their 2015 song “It’s All Going to Pot” isn’t just a clever play on words; it’s a wry, toe-tapping tune that blends sharp wit with laid-back charm, all wrapped in the smooth twang of seasoned storytelling.

By the time this track was released, both Nelson and Haggard were well into their seventies and eighties, respectively, proving that age had done nothing to dull their humor or their rebellious spirits. The song appeared on the collaborative album Django and Jimmie, a heartfelt tribute to the musical influences of Django Reinhardt and Jimmie Rodgers, but “It’s All Going to Pot” quickly stood out as a fan favorite thanks to its light-hearted commentary on modern times—and perhaps a little nod to Nelson’s well-known fondness for cannabis.

The phrase “going to pot” is traditionally used to describe a decline or collapse of something. But in Nelson and Haggard’s hands, it’s given a tongue-in-cheek twist. While they lament how “the economy is shot,” “the politicians are lying,” and “the world’s in a mess,” they can’t help but shrug it off with a chuckle and a puff. The delivery is pure outlaw country—relaxed, wise, and never too serious. There’s an undercurrent of resilience, too; the kind that comes from men who’ve lived through life’s wild turns and come out the other side laughing.

Musically, the song is anchored by a steady groove and breezy guitar licks that feel like a warm front-porch conversation. The interplay between Haggard’s smooth baritone and Nelson’s unmistakable nasal twang is as natural as an old pair of boots—worn in, comfortable, and undeniably real. It’s a track that manages to feel nostalgic and current all at once.

“It’s All Going to Pot” isn’t just a novelty tune—it’s a wink, a nod, and a knowing grin from two old friends who’ve seen it all. For fans of classic country, it’s a reminder that humor, honesty, and a bit of mischief never go out of style.

Video

Lyrics

Well, it’s all going to pot
Whether we like it or not
Best I can tell
The world’s gone to hell
And we’re sure gonna miss it a lot

All of the whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Just couldn’t hit the spot
I gotta hundred dollar bill, friend
You can keep your pills
Cause it’s all going to pot

That cackle-bobble-head-in-a-box
Must think I’m dumb as a rock
Readin’ daily news
While I’m kickin’ off my shoes
And it’s scarin’ me outta my socks

The Red Headed Stranger I’m not
But buddy, let me tell you what
If ya ask ol’ Will
He’ll tell ya here’s the deal
Friends, it’s all goin’ to pot

Well, it’s all going to pot
Whether we like it or not
Best I can tell
The world’s gone to hell
And we’re all gonna miss it a lot
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All the whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Just couldn’t hit the spot
I gotta hundred dollar bill
You can keep your pills, friend
It’s all goin’ to pot

Well I thought I had found me a girl
Sweetest little thing in the world
But all my jokes went up in smoke
When I caught her makin’ eyes at Merle

He said, sweet little honey
With her eye on your money
Is gonna take every penny you got
I said she’s never gonna get it
Cause I’ve already spent it
Merle, it’s all goin’ to pot

It’s all going to pot
Whether we like it or not
Best I can tell
The world’s gone to hell
And we’re all gonna miss it a lot

All the whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Just couldn’t hit the spot
I gotta hundred dollar bill
You can keep your pills, friend
It’s all going to pot
I gotta hundred dollar bill
You can keep your pills, friend
Cause it’s all goin’ to pot