Introduction
“Funny (How Time Slips Away)” is a poignant country ballad penned by Willie Nelson in 1961 during a remarkably productive period in his songwriting career. This song, alongside “Crazy” and “Night Life,” was composed within the same week, marking a significant turning point for Nelson as he transitioned from performing in Texas to establishing himself in Nashville’s music scene .
The song was first recorded by country artist Billy Walker and released as a single by Columbia Records in June 1961. Walker’s rendition reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot Country & Western Sides chart, introducing Nelson’s songwriting to a broader audience . Nelson later included his own version on his debut album, “…And Then I Wrote,” in 1962 .
Over the years, “Funny How Time Slips Away” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, highlighting its universal appeal. Notable renditions include those by Jimmy Elledge, whose 1961 version peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Al Green, whose soulful 1973 interpretation brought the song to a new audience . The song’s enduring relevance is further evidenced by a 2017 duet between Nelson and Glen Campbell, which won the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year .
In a live performance at RCA Studio B for WSM Radio, Lukas Nelson, Willie Nelson’s son, delivers a heartfelt rendition of “Funny (How Time Slips Away),” paying homage to his father’s legacy. This performance not only showcases Lukas’s vocal and emotional depth but also underscores the song’s timeless quality and its significance within the Nelson family’s musical heritage.