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
Did You Ever?
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look in the mirror, wipe the guilt from your eyes
Take a drink to chase the bitter taste left over from your lies
You go right back to the bottom every time my back is turned
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Bow your head you can't look me in the eye
But you'll go on burning bridges till there's no more left to burn
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Was the thrill worth the gamble that you live from day to day
Does it really hold a candle to the love you threw away
Each night takes you closer to the point of no return
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
In Kris Kristofferson's song "Did You Ever?" the lyrics tell a story of a close friend or companion who is trapped in a destructive cycle of self-destruction and recklessness. The singer addresses this person directly, questioning their choices and confronting them about the consequences of their actions.
The first verse sets the tone with lines like "Look in the mirror, wipe the guilt from your eyes" and "Take a drink to chase the bitter taste left over from your lies." It suggests that the person in question is trying to escape their guilt and the consequences of their dishonesty through substance abuse. The singer expresses their frustration and concern, noting that this person always ends up back at the bottom every time they turn their back, indicating a repeated pattern of destructive behavior.
In the second verse, the singer challenges the person to face their actions and emotions directly. They urge them to bow their head and confront the reality of their choices because both the singer and the person they're addressing dislike witnessing someone break down and cry. The line "But you'll go on burning bridges till there's no more left to burn" highlights the person's tendency to destroy relationships and opportunities. The singer questions when this person will finally learn from their mistakes and break free from their destructive cycle.
The chorus poses a thought-provoking question about the worth of the person's actions and choices. It asks whether the thrill they seek in their reckless lifestyle compares to the value of the love they have lost due to their behavior. It suggests that each night they indulge in their destructive tendencies, they inch closer to a point of no return, losing everything meaningful in their life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Did You Ever?" offer a poignant reflection on the consequences of self-destructive behavior and the difficult journey of self-discovery and change.
Line by Line Meaning
Look in the mirror, wipe the guilt from your eyes
Reflect on your actions and try to rid yourself of the remorse and shame
Take a drink to chase the bitter taste left over from your lies
Use alcohol as a way to numb and forget the unpleasant consequences of your deceit
You go right back to the bottom every time my back is turned
Without my supervision, you consistently revert to a state of despair and hopelessness
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Friend, when will you finally grasp the lessons life is trying to teach you
Bow your head you can't look me in the eye
Lower your gaze because you cannot face me directly
Because just like me you hate to see a man break down and cry
Because like me, you despise witnessing a man succumb to tears and vulnerability
But you'll go on burning bridges till there's no more left to burn
Nevertheless, you will continue to destroy relationships until there are none remaining
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Friend, when will you finally understand the consequences of your actions
Was the thrill worth the gamble that you live from day to day
Was the excitement worth the risky and uncertain lifestyle you lead
Does it really hold a candle to the love you threw away
Does it truly compare to the love you carelessly discarded
Each night takes you closer to the point of no return
Every night pushes you nearer to a situation or decision where there is no going back
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Friend, when will you finally acquire the wisdom you need to make better choices
Buddy, when are you ever gonna learn
Friend, when will you finally comprehend the valuable lessons life is trying to teach you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paulogomes1183
It does't matter how famous you are, Jesus is your Savior.
@jvicktwin
This song is so special to me. My Dad was a wonderful Dad but he was lost. We found out he had cancer on Sept 2,1980., he got saved on Oct 2,1980, and died on Nov 2,1980. We had this song sung at his funeral… it was so appropriate …Thank you for a beautiful, spirit-filled song!
@HarperShawn-xu3en
Hello 😊 how are you doing?
@myroselle6987
You are loved….
@HarperShawn-xu3en
@@myroselle6987 you're welcome😊,where are you from?
@cryptopeter1
Made me cry
@72plyduster1
If you’re a Christian and that doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, as it does mine, thank you for that,renews my faith, God bless you all!
@snakemansnakes1
22 October 2021 and their are 3.9k haters on this page who don't see or hear the world class poetry of Kris Kristofferson. Their loss and not ours. I'm with the 90K believers.
@user-nm1bx3wv9d
Willie and Kris could sing Why Me Lord 24 hours A day to me and I will never get tired of thos song. Just love it. Cry so many tears . Thank you Willie and Kris for such a powerful emotional and moving dong. Just love both of you so much. Lorene Downing
@stevem.stempien6885
I agree