About the song
Timeless, poignant, and beautifully understated—Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away” is one of those songs that strikes a chord no matter how often you hear it. Written in 1961 and featured on his debut album …And Then I Wrote, this classic country tune has since been covered by countless artists, from Elvis Presley to Al Green. Yet, Nelson’s own renditions—marked by his signature conversational singing style and unhurried phrasing—continue to stand as definitive.
The song unfolds like a casual chat with an old flame. Nelson’s lyrics are deceptively simple, blending regret and wistfulness with a subtle tinge of irony. It’s a classic “What if?” moment, as the narrator catches up with someone from their past, reflecting on love lost and lives moving on in different directions. The brilliance lies in its relatability; who hasn’t looked back on a past relationship and marveled at how time seems to slip through our fingers, often faster than we realize?
Musically, “Funny How Time Slips Away” embodies everything we love about traditional country. It’s understated yet rich, with its slow, swinging tempo and heartfelt delivery. Nelson’s guitar work—particularly his distinctive use of trigger, his beloved Martin N-20 guitar—adds a warmth and intimacy that makes you feel like you’re sitting across the table from him, sharing memories over coffee.
As you listen, let yourself be drawn into its gentle storytelling. This is more than a song; it’s a meditation on life’s fleeting moments and the bittersweet beauty of letting go.
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Lyrics
Well, hello there
My, it’s been a long, long time
How am I doing?
Oh, I guess that I’m doing fine
It’s been so long now
And it seems now that it was only yesterday
Gee, ain’t it funny how time slips away?
How’s your new love?
I hope that he’s doing fine?
I heard you told him
That you’d love him ’til the end of time
Now that’s the same thing that you told me
It seems like just the other day
Gee, ain’t it funny how time slips away?
I gotta go now
I guess I’ll see you around
I don’t know when though
Never know when I’ll be back in town
But remember, what I tell you
That in time you’re gonna pay
And it’s surprising, how time slips away
