Introduction:
In 2012, country music legend Willie Nelson released a song that defied expectations and sparked conversations far beyond the honky-tonk. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” wasn’t your typical country ballad. With its blunt lyrics and surprising guest features, the track became a signature tune for Nelson’s later career, reflecting on mortality with a dash of dark humor and a whole lot of Texas swagger.
The song emerged from a collaborative effort. Nelson, alongside songwriters Buddy Cannon, Rich Alves, John Colgin, and Mike McQuerry, crafted the now-iconic chorus: “Roll me up and smoke me when I die / And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye / I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leaving / So don’t sit around and cry / Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.” This frank instruction, delivered with Nelson’s signature raspy vocals, presented a unique perspective on death – one that embraced the inevitable with a touch of defiance.
But “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” wasn’t just about the lyrics. The production, overseen by producer Buddy Cannon, offered a stripped-down, bluesy backdrop that perfectly complemented Nelson’s voice. The song’s true surprise, however, came in the form of its guest performers. Snoop Dogg, a West Coast rap icon, lent his smooth rhymes to the second verse, creating a genre-bending moment that showcased Nelson’s willingness to push boundaries. Country music traditionalists might have been surprised, but the collaboration added a layer of unexpected cool and a sly wink to Nelson’s own history as an outlaw country figure. The song also featured backing vocals from fellow country music giants Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson, further solidifying its position within the genre while simultaneously reaching out to a wider audience.
“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” wasn’t a chart-topping smash, but its impact was undeniable. The song became a staple of Nelson’s live performances, generating enthusiastic crowd singalongs. It resonated with fans for its honesty and its celebration of life lived on one’s own terms. The track even earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song in 2014, a testament to its lasting appeal. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” stands as a testament to Willie Nelson’s enduring legacy – an artist who isn’t afraid to break the mold, have a little fun with death, and keep on rolling, even after he’s gone.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die”
(feat. Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson)Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.Now, you won’t see no sad and teary eyes
When I get my wings and it’s my time to fly
Call my friends and tell ’em
There’s a party, come on by
Now just roll me up and smoke me when I die.Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.When I’d go I’ve been here long enough
So you’ll sing and tell more jokes and dance and stuff
Just keep the music playin’,
That’ll be a good goodbye
Roll me up and smoke me when I die.Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.Hey, take me out and build a roaring fire
Roll me in the flames for about an hour
Then take me out and twist me up
And point me towards the sky
And roll me up and smoke me when I die.Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here, and I ain’t leavin’
So don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die.