About the song
When it comes to the pantheon of American music legends, Willie Nelson stands tall—a figure of resilience, reinvention, and raw talent who has managed to remain relevant through decades of shifting cultural and musical landscapes. With his signature braids, well-worn guitar “Trigger,” and a voice as unmistakable as the rolling Texas plains, Nelson has always embodied a defiant spirit. This defiance is on full display in his cheeky, yet profoundly poignant song, “Still Not Dead,” released on his 2017 album God’s Problem Child.
“Still Not Dead” is as much a declaration of vitality as it is a wry commentary on mortality and the rumors that often swirl around public figures of Nelson’s stature. By the time this song came out, Willie was already deep into his eighties, a stage of life when many would assume the creative fire might dim. Yet here he is, humorously debunking the tabloid-fueled whispers of his demise with a song that is not only alive but bursting with wit and vitality.
The track is quintessential Willie—his unique blend of outlaw country ethos and sardonic humor. Nelson begins with a simple, driving rhythm that immediately transports the listener to a honky-tonk somewhere on the backroads of America. His vocals, rich with years of wisdom and experience, carry the weight of a man who has lived every word he sings. There’s a conversational quality to his delivery, almost as if he’s sitting across the table from you, strumming his guitar, and spinning a yarn over a cup of coffee.
Lyrically, the song is a masterpiece of self-aware humor and existential reflection. Willie recounts his encounters with death—both the literal kind and the media’s obsession with prematurely assigning him to the grave. Lines like, “I woke up still not dead again today,” capture his dry wit and unwavering spirit, reminding listeners that he’s not only alive but still kicking, writing, and playing music on his own terms.
But beneath the humor lies a deeper message. In a world that often feels obsessed with youth and vitality, Willie’s declaration is a testament to the beauty of aging with grace, grit, and creativity. It’s a reminder that life, in all its messy, unpredictable glory, is worth celebrating at every stage.
Musically, “Still Not Dead” doesn’t stray far from Nelson’s country roots, featuring the sparse yet rich instrumentation that has long been his hallmark. The steady rhythm guitar, twangy pedal steel, and subtle percussion provide the perfect backdrop for Willie’s voice, allowing his storytelling to shine.
Ultimately, “Still Not Dead” is more than just a song—it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that Willie Nelson, like his music, is timeless, defying expectations and refusing to fade quietly into the night. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his catalog, this track is a delightful introduction to the irreverent, indomitable spirit of a true American icon.
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Lyrics
I woke up still not dead again today
The internet said I had passed away
If I died I wasn’t dead to stay
And I woke up still not dead again today
Well, I woke up still not dead again today
The gardener did not find me that a way
You can’t believe a word that people say
And I woke up still not dead again today
I run up and down the road making music as I go
They say my pace would kill a normal man
But I’ve never been accused of being normal anyway
And I woke up still not dead again today
I woke up still not dead again today
The news said I was gone to my dismay
Don’t bury me, I’ve got a show to play
And I woke up still not dead again today
I run up and down the road making music as I go
They say my pace would kill a normal man
But I’ve never been accused of being normal anyway
And I woke up still not dead again today
Last night I had a dream that I died twice yesterday
But I woke up still not dead again today
