About the song
When you think of Willie Nelson, the first things that probably come to mind are his timeless country classics, that unmistakable voice, and the free spirit of the outlaw country movement. But the magic of Willie Nelson is that he can breathe new life into just about anything he touches—and that includes holiday standards. His take on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a heartwarming, laid-back rendition of a Christmas classic that’s as cozy as a fire on a cold winter’s night.
Originally made famous by Gene Autry in 1949, Rudolph has been covered by countless artists over the decades, from Bing Crosby to The Temptations. But Willie’s version, featured on his 1979 album Pretty Paper, stands out with its easygoing charm. It blends that signature country twang with a relaxed, almost story-like delivery, as though Willie himself is telling the tale of Rudolph to an old friend.
What makes this rendition so special is its authenticity. Willie doesn’t try to over-embellish the song; instead, he leans into its simplicity. The gentle strum of his guitar, paired with his unpretentious vocals, strips the song down to its heartwarming core. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a simple story about a misfit reindeer can still resonate, no matter how old we are.
If you grew up hearing Rudolph as a child, Willie’s version has a way of making you feel that sense of nostalgia without being overly sentimental. It’s Christmas through the eyes of someone who’s seen a lot of holidays come and go, but who still finds joy in the little things—like a reindeer with a glowing nose. So pour yourself a cup of eggnog, sit back, and let Willie Nelson take you on a sleigh ride through this familiar, yet refreshingly down-to-earth, holiday classic.
Video
Lyrics
You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
Had a very shiny nose
(like a light bulb)
And if you ever saw it
(saw it)
You would even say it glows
(like a flash light)
All of the other reindeer
(reindeer)
Used to laugh and call him names
(like Pinochio)
They never let poor Rudolph
(Rudolph)
Play in any reindeer games
(like Monopoly)Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
(Ho Ho Ho)
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him
(loved him)
And they shouted out with glee
(yippee)
“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
You’ll go down in history!”
(like Columbus)
