About the song
Willie Nelson. The name alone conjures images of weathered faces, worn guitars, and a voice as smooth as Texas whiskey. This legendary outlaw country artist has woven his life and philosophy into every note he’s ever sung, and “Roll Me Up” is no exception.
This isn’t your typical country song. There’s no heartbreak ballad here, no tales of lost love or dusty roads. Instead, “Roll Me Up” offers a poignant reflection on life, death, and the enduring power of music.
The song begins with a simple, almost conversational tone. Willie, ever the storyteller, paints a picture of his own demise. He envisions his earthly remains being used in a way that transcends the limitations of mortality. His ashes, he suggests, should be mixed with marijuana and smoked by his friends and loved ones.
At first glance, the concept might seem unconventional, even a bit morbid. But upon closer inspection, the song reveals a profound message about connection, celebration, and the enduring spirit of the human experience.
Willie, a lifelong advocate for cannabis, sees this as a way to continue his journey through his music. His ashes, intertwined with the plant he so cherished, become a conduit for shared experiences and a reminder of his enduring presence.
“Roll Me Up” is not about glorifying death; it’s about embracing life’s inevitable end with a touch of humor and a profound sense of gratitude. It’s about finding beauty in the cycle of existence and celebrating the connections that bind us together.
The song’s simplicity is its greatest strength. Willie’s voice, weathered by years of smoking and singing, delivers the lyrics with a quiet authority that belies their unconventional nature. There’s no grandstanding, no melodrama. Just honest reflection on life, death, and the enduring power of music and friendship.
“Roll Me Up” is a testament to Willie Nelson’s unique perspective and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression. It’s a song that challenges our conventional notions of mortality and reminds us to find joy in the unexpected. It’s a song that, like the man himself, is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Willie Nelson or simply curious about this iconic figure, “Roll Me Up” is a song that deserves a listen. It’s a poignant reflection on life, death, and the enduring power of music, delivered with the characteristic wit and wisdom of a true American legend.
Video
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.
