About the song
Willie Nelson has spent a lifetime defying time itself. At 90 years old, the country legend remains as prolific and sharp as ever, still recording, still performing, still outpacing musicians half his age. But in Come On Time, from his 2019 album Ride Me Back Home, Nelson does something remarkable—he doesn’t just acknowledge time’s inevitable march; he invites it in for a conversation. The song is a wry, self-aware meditation on aging, but instead of despair, Nelson meets the subject with his signature blend of humor, wisdom, and an easygoing, lived-in delivery that only he can muster.
From the opening guitar licks, Come On Time settles into a laid-back country shuffle, one of those breezy, effortless grooves that Nelson and his iconic band have perfected over decades. It’s the kind of rhythm that feels both relaxed and deeply intentional, much like the man himself. And then, that unmistakable voice enters—weathered, warm, and wise, carrying every ounce of experience it has earned. Nelson doesn’t fight time; he addresses it like an old acquaintance, almost with the resignation of someone who knows he can’t win, but also with the curiosity of a poet who still has things to say.
The lyrics are playful but profound:
“Time, as you pass me by, why’d you have to take so much of my life? / Time, you’re catching up with me, I see you on my heels, I feel you constantly.”
There’s no bitterness here, no attempt to disguise the realities of aging. Instead, Nelson accepts time’s presence like an inevitable dance partner, fully aware that the steps are getting slower, but still moving along with grace. The song is filled with clever turns of phrase, the kind that remind us that Nelson isn’t just a country singer—he’s a storyteller, a philosopher in a cowboy hat.
One of the most striking aspects of Come On Time is its tone. This isn’t a lament; it’s a conversation. Where other artists might have turned to melancholy, Nelson turns to wit and pragmatism. The instrumentation reflects this easy acceptance—his longtime band provides a steady, unhurried rhythm, with his signature nylon-string guitar, Trigger, weaving in and out like an old friend chiming in on the discussion. There’s a warmth to the arrangement, a sense that Nelson isn’t afraid of time—he’s just acknowledging its presence, tipping his hat to it as it walks alongside him.
At this stage in his career, Nelson could easily rest on his laurels. He’s given the world more music than most artists could dream of. And yet, he remains as vital as ever, still engaging with the big questions, still bringing us songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Come On Time isn’t just a reflection on aging; it’s a testament to Nelson’s enduring spirit, his ability to meet life’s greatest inevitabilities with humor, wisdom, and, above all, a song.
Video
Lyrics
Time is my friend, my friend
The more I reject it, the more that it kicks in
Just enough to keep me on my toes
I say, come on time, I’ve beat you before
Come on time, what have you got for me this time?
I’ll take your words of wisdom and I’ll try to make ’em rhyme
Hey, it’s just me and you again, come on time
Time, you’re not fooling me
You’re something I can’t kill
You’re flying like a mighty wind
You’re never standing still
Time, as you’ve passed me by
Why did you leave these lines on my face?
You sure have put me in my place
Come on time, come on time
It looks like you’re winning the race
Time, you’re not fooling me
You’re something I can’t kill
You’re flying like a mighty wind
You’re never standing still
Time, as you’ve passed me by
Why did you leave these lines on my face?
You sure have put me in my place
Come on time, come on time
It looks like you’re winning the race
Come on time, come on time
It looks like you’re winning the race
