About the song
Released in 1982, “Always on My Mind” is a pivotal album in the career of country music legend Willie Nelson. Marking his 27th studio effort, the record not only topped the Billboard country charts for the year but also achieved phenomenal crossover success, reaching number two on the all-genre Billboard 200.
The story behind the album’s title track holds a touch of serendipity. Originally intended as a duet with Merle Haggard for their collaborative project “Pancho & Lefty,” “Always on My Mind” ultimately became a solo venture for Nelson after Haggard expressed disinterest. As Nelson himself recounted in his autobiography, the song’s emotional resonance struck a chord deep within him, making it an instant choice for his solo album.
This wasn’t the only departure from the norm for “Always on My Mind.” Unlike Nelson’s typical country-focused releases, the album explored a wider soundscape. Tracks like “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” and Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” embraced adult-contemporary and pop influences. The record also featured reimagined versions of Nelson’s own classics like “Permanently Lonely” and “The Party’s Over,” showcasing his ability to breathe new life into his established repertoire.
Despite the genre-bending elements, the album resonated with audiences. It remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for a staggering 253 weeks, peaking at number one for a total of 22 weeks. This commercial success, coupled with critical acclaim, solidified Nelson’s status as a musical force to be reckoned with, not just within the confines of country music but across genres.
A 2003 re-release of “Always on My Mind” included two bonus tracks, further enriching the listening experience. The core album itself, with a total runtime of just under 34 minutes, packs a powerful punch. From the melancholic beauty of the title track to the diverse range of covers and revisited classics, “Always on My Mind” stands as a testament to Willie Nelson’s artistic evolution and enduring influence.
Video
Lyrics
Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
Maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel, oh, second best (you did, you did)
Girl, I’m sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
When you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
And give me
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied
I’ll keep you satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
But you were always on my mind (you were always on my mind)
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind (you were always on my mind)
You were always on my mind