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
You Don't Tell Me What To Do
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Losing myself in the soul of a song
And the fight for the right to be righteously wrong
It’s a story that’s sad but it’s true
So I sing my own songs
And I drink when I’m thirsty
And I will go on
and love for as long
As the spirit inside me
Says you don’t tell me what to do
Gone are the reasons for changing my mind
Gone like the future that I left behind
If you want to I warn you
You’re wasting your time
You don’t tell me what to do
You don’t tell me what to do
Kris Kristofferson's "You Don't Tell Me What To Do" is a song that celebrates individualism and freedom. The song tells the story of a man who refuses to conform to societal norms and instead chooses to live life on his own terms, unapologetically. The opening words of the song, "So the highway is where I believe I belong," capture the idea that the open road is where the singer feels most at home, free from the constraints of society. He finds solace in music, whiskey, and love, and is determined to continue living life on his own terms for as long as he can.
The song is a statement about the importance of personal autonomy and the power of the human spirit to resist conformity. The lyrics capture the essence of a rebellious spirit that is determined to chart its own course in life, regardless of what others may think or say. This sentiment is reflected in the bold and defiant refrain, "You don’t tell me what to do," which is repeated throughout the song. Overall, Kristofferson's "You Don't Tell Me What To Do" is a powerful anthem for anyone who champions individual freedom and resists societal pressures to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
So the highway is where I believe I belong
I find fulfillment in travelling and making music on the road.
Losing myself in the soul of a song
I immerse myself in music, letting it consume me and my emotions.
And the fight for the right to be righteously wrong
I struggle to live life on my own terms, even if it conflicts with societal norms.
It’s a story that’s sad but it’s true
This is the reality of my life, and it's not always easy.
So I sing my own songs
I express my own thoughts and emotions through my music.
And I drink when I’m thirsty
I enjoy a drink when I need one, not when someone tells me to.
And I will go on
My life and music will continue.
Making music, and whiskey, and love for as long
I create and enjoy music, whiskey, and love for as long as I'm able to.
As the spirit inside me
My inner voice and drive.
Says you don’t tell me what to do
I won't let anyone else control or dictate my life and choices.
Gone are the reasons for changing my mind
There are no good reasons for me to compromise my beliefs or decisions.
Gone like the future that I left behind
The future I could have had if I followed societal expectations is no longer an option for me.
If you want to I warn you
I caution anyone who thinks they can make me change.
You’re wasting your time
It's futile to try and change me or my path.
You don’t tell me what to do
My life choices are my own, and no one has the power to tell me how to live.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christa Petrick
Hallöchen, wow suupiii, echt stark klasse hammermässig dieser Song wow Wauiii Bingo Volltreffer absolut...
Bellissimo wow very good Beautiefuul ...
Mag deine Songs, höre sie mir immer wieder gerne an...
Liebe diese Musik,denn auch ich liebe sehr Country und Western...
Meine 🎸Gitarre🎸 spielte, rockte diese Songs...
Mach weiter so lieber Kris, genieße deine Songs, jeder hat irgendwie immer das gewisse etwas echt cool
Hammermässig wonderfol, geil...
👍THANKYOU👍
so berry much
Christa
👍👍👍👍👍🎸🎶🎼🎵🍀🐞❤💖🔥🤗😘😍🤩🙋♀️
Wm Mad
Let’s get real. If Bob Dylan got a Nobel Prize for his songs, Kris deserves at least two. Thank you, Kris. Thank you for the music.
p t
That’s a good point
Michelle Cahill
Ok, he is gorgeous too! And a great actor! What's that? A quadruple threat!
Michelle Cahill
Always the best singer/songwriter and most underrated!!!! Love him forever!
Adelaide Heike
What an incredible song from a truly unique artist
Amy God Bless
Amen brother
Rosemary
I've always really enjoyed listening to Kris Kristofferson he's playing my very favorites I watch the movie Bloodworth and it was really good
Fred Honest
Hello Rose
Jeanette Hammons
Awesome song! Kris is such a brillant song writer. He is one of a kind. When he leaves this earth there will be no one who could ever take his place. Not only is he a great singer and song writer but he has a very kind soul. That's what I love the most about him.
Susan Quinn
Somehow, I lived most of my life not particularly crazy about Country music. My belated introduction to Kris Kristofferson 's deeply humble lyrics happened in this, my 75th year...and I am in complete rapture, with every word he writes/has written!! Kris is an alluring, intelligent, honest man, who can elicit powerful emotion from anyone who hears his wise and heartfelt lyrics. How I wish I had been in Nashville, when he was just beginning his career! I would have loved the opportunity to hear him sing LIVE!
I'll be buying everything he's done!!!! Thank you, Kris for all of the beauty,,,,