About the song
Willie Nelson, the weathered troubadour of American music, possesses a voice that sounds like it’s been baptized in whiskey and sandpapered by time itself. His songs, often tinged with a melancholic beauty, reflect a life lived on the road, a life steeped in both joy and sorrow. “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground,” a poignant ballad from his 1978 album Stardust, is a quintessential example of Nelson’s artistry.
The song, penned by Gene Pistilli and Buffy Sainte-Marie, tells the tale of a love affair doomed from the start. It’s a story as old as time itself: two souls drawn together by an undeniable force, yet ultimately separated by circumstances beyond their control. The metaphor of an “angel flying too close to the ground” is both evocative and poignant. It speaks to the fragility of love, how easily it can be shattered by the harsh realities of life.
Nelson’s weathered vocals imbue the song with a deep sense of longing and regret. He sings with a raw honesty that resonates with listeners, reminding us of the bittersweet nature of love and loss. The melody, simple yet achingly beautiful, perfectly complements the song’s melancholic tone. It’s a timeless piece that transcends generations, speaking to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the passage of time.
“Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” is not just a song; it’s a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love. It’s a testament to Nelson’s enduring legacy as a songwriter and performer, a reminder that even in the face of heartbreak, beauty and grace can be found.
This song, like many of Nelson’s greatest hits, possesses a timeless quality that transcends musical genres. It’s a song that can be enjoyed by both seasoned music lovers and those just discovering the magic of Willie Nelson’s music. So sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be transported by the haunting beauty of “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground.”
Video
Lyrics
If you had not a-fallen, then I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground
And I patched up your broken wing
And hung around a while
Trying to keep your spirits up
And your fever down
I knew someday that you would fly away
For love’s the greatest healer to be found
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
I’d rather see you up than see you down
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
