The song, about life on tour, came about when the executive producer of the film "Honeysuckle Rose" approached Nelson about writing the song for the film's soundtrack.
Released as a single, it became Nelson's 9th Country & Western No. 1 hit overall (6th as a solo recording act) in November 1980, and became one of his most recognizable tunes. In addition, the song reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and No. 7 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. It was Nelson's biggest pop hit to that time and won him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song a year later.
The song has been covered by numerous other artists (and has even been parodied).
on the road again
Willie Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I cant wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
(Everybody sing)
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way, on the road again
Just cant wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I cant wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
Is on the road again (I hear ya)
Just can't wait to get on the road again (I hear ya)
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I cant wait to get on the road again
Big finish
And I cant wait to get on the road again
(Thank you)
(Well, what do you think? Can you handle one more if we can think of one?)
Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again" is an ode to the life of a traveling musician, celebrating his love for the open road and the music that he creates with his band. The lyrics paint a picture of a group of friends united in their pursuit of musical freedom, traveling down the highways like a band of gypsies. The first verse sets the tone for the song, as Willie can't wait to hit the road again and get back to the life he loves. He finds joy in making music with his friends, and the thrill of going to new places and seeing new things drives him forward. He can't wait to get back on the road and experience it all over again.
The second verse of the song describes the sense of adventure that comes with being a traveling musician. Willie and his band are constantly going to new places and having new experiences, seeing things that they may never see again. However, what drives them the most is the camaraderie that they feel as they travel together. They're the best of friends, and they insist that the world keep turning their way.
The chorus of "On The Road Again" is memorable and catchy, repeating the phrase "just can't wait to get on the road again" twice, emphasizing the excitement that comes with hitting the open road. This sense of anticipation is palpable, as Willie can't wait to meet new people, see new places, and make new music with his friends. The song ends with a big finish, leaving the listener with a sense of wonder and longing for the open road.
Line by Line Meaning
On the road again
I am excited to start traveling again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
I am eagerly anticipating the start of my trip
The life I love is making music with my friends
I am passionate about playing music with my companions
And I cant wait to get on the road again
I am looking forward to traveling with my friends and playing music
Goin' places that I've never been
I am excited to explore new locations
Seein' things that I may never see again
I am eager to witness unique experiences
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We travel on the road with the free spirit of nomads
We're the best of friends
We have a deep and meaningful friendship with each other
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
We hold onto the hope that things will continue to go our way
And our way, on the road again
We believe that traveling is the way to continue to have things go our way
Is on the road again (I hear yeah)
Our way of life is based on traveling and playing music
Big finish
We end the song with a flourish
Thank you
The singer thanks the audience for listening
Well, what do you think? Can you handle one more if we can think of one?
The singer is asking the audience if they want to hear another song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EvaandJavier
Love you Willie! ❤
@ddoeser5830
Respect voor ouderen in ons samenleving waar ook ter Wereld ! Jaar 2023 Tijdstip waarop het is 22:31 UUR Avonds ❤🇳🇱🙏🌹👋
@Nate-lw8ih
love my willie too
@Puxi
Bro, you jave Javier to love.
@ardford6828
Back in the 80's as my co-driver wife and I left the driveway pulling our rally car headed out of state she always started singing this. Lost her to cancer in '06. Now 85, I still cry every time I hear Willie sing it.
@yugare474
Sorry for your loss. You have great taste in music!
@fatihsolak9770
Damn this rly touched me, hope ur doing well sir
@goef1
Stay strong!
@macjolly6748
Bet you're still kickin' ass, buddy! Sing it for her!
@karsynsanchez3901
God bless and protect you sir