Long before boybands were harmonizing their way into the spotlight, there stood “The Highwaymen”, the original supergroup that didn’t need choreographed moves or flashy outfits to make their mark. Just four legends, guitars in hand, voices like whiskey and gravel, and a lifetime of stories etched into every note they sang. Willie – “Last Man Standing”, Willie’s account of his life. And a tribute to the friends who wrote country music history with him

Introduction

Willie Nelson’s “Last Man Standing” is the title track of his 67th solo studio album, released on April 27, 2018, coinciding with his 85th birthday. Written in collaboration with longtime producer Buddy Cannon, the song reflects Nelson’s contemplation of mortality and the passage of time, themes that resonate throughout the album. The lyrics poignantly address the loss of close friends and fellow musicians, such as Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, with lines like “It’s getting hard to watch my pals check out” .

Despite its somber subject matter, “Last Man Standing” is imbued with Nelson’s characteristic wit and resilience. The song’s upbeat tempo and candid lyrics exemplify his ability to confront life’s challenges with humor and grace. This approach is evident in other tracks on the album, such as “Bad Breath,” where he quips, “Bad breath is better than no breath at all” .

Critically acclaimed, the album received a Metacritic score of 84, indicating universal acclaim . It debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, selling 26,000 equivalent album units in its first week . The success of “Last Man Standing” underscores Nelson’s enduring relevance in the country music scene and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression.

The official music video for “Last Man Standing” features Nelson performing in a recording studio, interspersed with candid moments that highlight his enduring spirit and connection to his music. The video serves as a testament to Nelson’s legacy and his ability to find joy and meaning in the creative process, even as he reflects on the inevitable passage of time.

“Last Man Standing” stands as a powerful statement from an artist who continues to engage with life’s complexities through his music, offering listeners both reflection and inspiration.

Video

Lyrics

I don’t wanna be the last man standing
But wait a minute maybe I do
If you don’t mind I’ll start a new line
And decide after thinking it through
Go on in front if you’re in such a hurry
Like hell, I ain’t waiting for you
I don’t wanna be the last man standing
On second thought maybe I do
It’s getting hard to watch my pals checkout
Cuts like a worn out knife
One thing I learned about running the road
Is forever don’t apply to life
Waylon and Red and Merle and old Ronald
Lived just as fast as me
I still got a lotta good friends left
And I wonder who the next will be
I don’t wanna be the last man standing
But wait a minute maybe I do
If you don’t mind I’ll start a new line
And decide after thinking it through
Go on in front if you’re in such a hurry
Like hell, I ain’t waiting for you
I don’t wanna be the last man standing
On second thought maybe I do
Maybe we’ll all meet again on the other side
We’ll pick and sing
Load up the buses and ride
I don’t wanna be the last man standing
But wait a minute maybe I do
And if you don’t mind I’ll start a new line
And decide after thinking it through
Go on in front if you’re in such a hurry
‘Cause hell is a-waiting there too
I don’t wanna be the last man standing
On second thought maybe I do
Yeah maybe I do
Yeah maybe I do
Yeah maybe I do