Willie Nelson – Always On My Mind

Willie Nelson’s rendition of “Always on My Mind” – a veritable titan of a song, given a voice that’s as weathered and soulful as the Texas plains themselves. Released in 1982 on Nelson’s album of the same name, this cover transcended its origins to become a signature tune for the Red Headed Stranger, propelling him to unimaginable heights of popularity.

But “Always on My Mind” wasn’t always destined for Nelson’s smoky vocals. The song’s journey began in 1972, penned by Gwen McCrae and songwriter Ossman (or Audrey) Mills. Originally, it was an R&B ballad recorded by McCrae herself, achieving moderate success. However, the song found new life in the hands of Elvis Presley, who included it on his 1976 album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.” Presley’s melancholic take, imbued with his trademark vulnerability, resonated deeply, but it wasn’t until Nelson’s version that the song truly exploded.

The story goes that producer Chips Moman suggested “Always on My Mind” to Nelson during the recording sessions for his collaborative album with Merle Haggard, “Pancho & Lefty.” Haggard reportedly wasn’t interested, but Nelson, as he himself recounted in his autobiography, was immediately struck by the song’s emotional depth. “We’ll never know what would have happened if Merle had really heard the song right,” Nelson mused, “…’Always on My Mind’ bowled me over the moment I first heard it, which is one way I pick songs to record.”

And what a recording it is! Nelson’s phrasing is pure poetry in motion. He lingers on certain words, imbuing them with a world-weary wisdom. The simple, stripped-down arrangement, featuring just piano, bass, and brushed drums, perfectly complements the raw honesty in Nelson’s voice. There’s a sense of longing, a deep yearning for a love lost, that cuts straight to the core. It’s a song of regret, of missed opportunities, yet somehow, through Nelson’s delivery, there’s a flicker of hope, a quiet acceptance that resonates with anyone who’s ever loved and lost.

“Always on My Mind” became a phenomenon. It topped the country charts for a staggering 22 weeks, even crossing over to the pop charts where it peaked at number two. It won Nelson two Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, and cemented his status as an American musical icon.

But beyond the accolades, “Always on My Mind” endures because it speaks to a universal human experience. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever been haunted by a past love, a reminder that the heart remembers what the mind forgets. And with Nelson at the helm, it becomes a timeless ballad, a masterclass in emotional storytelling that continues to move audiences to this day.

Video

Lyrics

“Always On My Mind”
(originally by Brenda Lee)