About the song
Introduction: Willie Nelson’s “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”
In the vast landscape of American music, few figures stand as tall and as enduring as Willie Nelson. A true iconoclast, Nelson has spent decades defying expectations, blurring the lines between country, folk, and even rock, all while maintaining an authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.
His songs are more than just tunes; they’re stories, reflections on life, love, loss, and the ever-present passage of time. And while he’s known for his tender ballads and heartfelt narratives, Nelson also possesses a mischievous streak, a playful sense of humor that peeks through in some of his most memorable work.
It’s this playful side that takes center stage in “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” a song that, on the surface, might seem like a simple ode to a favorite pastime. But like any good Willie Nelson song, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Beneath the catchy melody and the lighthearted lyrics lies a deeper reflection on mortality, on the acceptance of life’s inevitable end, and on the importance of living each day to the fullest. It’s a sentiment that resonates particularly strongly with those of us who’ve seen a few decades pass, who’ve learned to appreciate the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.
With his signature blend of wit and wisdom, Nelson invites us to contemplate our own mortality, not with fear or trepidation, but with a wink and a smile. He reminds us that life is too precious to be taken too seriously, and that sometimes, the best way to face the unknown is with a bit of irreverent humor and a devil-may-care attitude.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Willie Nelson or a newcomer to his music, “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the man who, even in the twilight of his career, continues to surprise and delight us with his timeless music.
Video
Lyrics
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 them
There’s a party, come on by
And 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 them in the eye
Say 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 go out I’ve been here long enough
So sing and tell more jokes and dance and stuff
Just keep the music playing that’ll be as good as 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
And just roll me in the flames for about an hour
And 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.
