Willie Nelson – Always On My Mind

About the song

Always on My Mind,” a timeless ballad of regret and longing, is a song that has resonated with listeners for generations. <strong>Willie Nelson recorded and released the song in early 1982</strong>, and it quickly ascended the charts, becoming a defining moment in his illustrious career. <strong>It raced to number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart that May, spending two weeks on top and a total of 21 weeks on the chart.</strong> The song’s appeal transcended the country genre, crossing over to <strong>Top 40</strong> radio and reaching number five on the <strong>Billboard</strong> Hot 100 for three weeks. This widespread success solidified “Always on My Mind” as a cultural phenomenon, a testament to its enduring power and emotional depth.

The song’s impact was undeniable. <strong>It was the best-performing single on the Hot Country Singles year-end chart of 1982</strong> and achieved platinum status, a significant milestone in the music industry. <strong>This version also charted in a number of other countries. The single was certified platinum by the RIAA on October 7, 1991.</strong>

Critical acclaim followed. <strong>Nelson’s version resulted in three wins at the 25th Grammy Awards</strong> in February 1983: songwriters Christopher, James, and Carson won <strong>Song of the Year</strong> and <strong>Best Country Song</strong>; in addition, Nelson won for <strong>Best Male Country Vocal Performance</strong>. The song’s accolades continued with multiple <strong>Country Music Association Awards</strong>, including <strong>1982 Song of the Year</strong> and <strong>1983 Song of the Year</strong> for the songwriters, <strong>1982 Single of the Year</strong> for Nelson, and contributing to his <strong>1982 Album of the Year</strong> award for “Always on My Mind.”

“Always on My Mind” has continued to captivate audiences long after its initial release. The song’s enduring legacy is evident in its numerous appearances in popular culture. Nelson performed the song with Johnny Cash on the 1998 release of VH1 Storytellers: Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson, creating a poignant and unforgettable duet. The song was also featured in a December 2009 ASPCA commercial, further solidifying its emotional resonance. In 2008, the song was inducted into the <strong>Grammy Hall of Fame</strong>, a prestigious honor recognizing its historical and artistic significance.

More recently, <strong>Nelson’s version was also featured in its entirety in a season two episode of the HBO series The Newsroom</strong>, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. “Always on My Mind” remains a timeless masterpiece, a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the enduring power of regret. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal themes and the artistry of Willie Nelson’s iconic performance.

Video

Lyrics

Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
And maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel second best
Girl I’m sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

And maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
And give me
Give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
I’ll keep you satisfied

[Instrumental Interlude]

Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind