In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Closer To The Bone
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't 'cha gettin' better Runnin' out of time
Making pretty music Closer to your feelings
Working on the reason Running on the rhyme
Heading for the highway Rolling like a river
Soaring like an eagle Skippin' like a stone
Comin' from the heartbeat Nothin' but the truth now
Ain't afraid of moonlight Ain't afraid of freedom
Love will make you crazy But your soul will keep you sane
Singing to the starlight Over the horizon
Open to the pleasure Equal to the pain
Heading for the highway Rolling like a river
Soaring like an eagle Skippin' like a stone
Comin' from the heartbeat Nothin' but the truth now
Everything is sweeter CLOSER TO THE BONE
Kris Kristofferson's song "Closer To The Bone" is a reflective meditation on the human experience. The opening lines, "Ain't it kinda funny, Ain't it just the way though," suggest a wry acceptance of life's ambiguities and paradoxes. The following lines, "Ain't 'cha gettin' better, Runnin' out of time," hint at a sense of urgency – a recognition that life is finite and that time is running out. The theme of the song might be summarized as the idea that the closer one gets to the essence of life, the more meaningful and sweet it becomes.
The lines "Making pretty music, Closer to your feelings, Working on the reason, Running on the rhyme" suggest that art can help us to connect with our emotions and that we are constantly searching for meaning and purpose. The image of "Heading for the highway, Rolling like a river, Soaring like an eagle, Skippin' like a stone" suggests a restlessness, a desire to seek out new experiences and to feel fully alive. The line "Comin' from the heartbeat, Nothin' but the truth now" suggests that the truth of our existence can be found in our own hearts.
The chorus, "Everything is sweeter, Closer to the bone," suggests that the closer we get to the essence of our own being, the more we are able to appreciate the sweetness of life. The lines "Ain't afraid of moonlight, Ain't afraid of freedom, Love will make you crazy, But your soul will keep you sane" suggest that fearlessness, authenticity, and love are essential aspects of a fulfilling life. The final lines, "Singing to the starlight, Over the horizon, Open to the pleasure, Equal to the pain" suggest a willingness to embrace all aspects of life, both positive and negative.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't it kinda funny Ain't it just the way though
Isn't it amusing how things happen exactly as they do?
Ain't 'cha gettin' better Runnin' out of time
You may be improving, but time is running out.
Making pretty music Closer to your feelings
Creating beautiful melodies that are more in tune with your emotions.
Working on the reason Running on the rhyme
Focusing on the purpose behind the words, while still relying on the poetic rhythm.
Heading for the highway Rolling like a river
Moving forward with a sense of purpose, flowing like water.
Soaring like an eagle Skippin' like a stone
Feeling unencumbered and free, both flying high and skipping lightly over obstacles.
Comin' from the heartbeat Nothin' but the truth now
Expressing only genuine emotions, coming from the core of one's being.
Everything is sweeter CLOSER TO THE BONE
As you get closer to the essence of things, life becomes sweeter and more fulfilling.
Ain't afraid of moonlight Ain't afraid of freedom
Not being intimidated by the unknown or by personal liberty.
Love will make you crazy But your soul will keep you sane
Romantic love can be wildly intense, but true inner peace comes from the soul.
Singing to the starlight Over the horizon
Belting out songs to the night sky, looking beyond the limits of the physical world.
Open to the pleasure Equal to the pain
Being willing to experience both the joy and the sorrow that come with living fully.
Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Claire Lowry
Yeah -- he's lived the life that he wanted. And his voice tells the story. He wouldn't have it any other way. kristoferson is poet -- and a national treasure...
Frank Huerta
He's beautiful and amazing.
Xine999
And such a compelling voice
Bill King
40+ Years and still on top of his game. Now Kris can only be described by Two Words Legend and Icon
ZombieKitty
Kristofferson is my all-time favourite. This is absolutely wonderful. Like a fine wine, he has matured into an even greater artist. Such a feat is reserved for this genre. The likes of Kris himself, Willie, Johnny, Waylon, Bocephus, Haggard, Jones & Price - All only got better with age. Saw Kris live in December, and he was wonderful. Will definitely see him again when he's local! Thank you Kris, for this masterpiece, and of course, Feeling Mortal!
Becky Haines
Kris is helping me thru a journey of very rare Cancer, he's the most spiritual person I know...Thanks to my Mom and Dad for the Culture, just saw him in Jan. thought I had already died and went to heaven RIP Mom and DAd and Stephen!!
MrFabioDiamante
a masterpiece! as everything is done by Kris Kristofferson. Tks for the video!!!
John Flowers
"Open to the pleasure and equal to the pain". Awesome.
Steve Skafte
Later than almost anyone, and with his dignity and songwriting ability still totally intact (can't really say the same for Nelson), this man is absolutely a reality. Man, I love Kris.
Andrew Bingham
Kris is a one and only. No one can write and/or sing a song with more honesty and conviction than this guy. Plan on seeing him and Merle Haggard in St. Louis in March. Can't wait!!