About the song
In the world of timeless country music, few artists have captured the essence of heartache and reflection as beautifully as Willie Nelson. Known for his unique voice, poetic songwriting, and undeniable charm, Nelson’s career spans decades, and his music resonates with listeners from all walks of life. One of his most cherished songs, Funny How Time Slips Away, was originally penned by country legend Willie Nelson in 1961, but it was in 1997, when Nelson recorded a version of the song for his album Night and Day, that it reached new heights of introspective poignancy.
Funny How Time Slips Away is a song that speaks to the fleeting nature of time and the quiet, sometimes painful, realizations that accompany it. With lyrics that explore the passage of time, the song’s theme revolves around the bittersweet feelings that come when people drift apart, relationships change, and life moves forward in ways we can’t always control. Nelson’s rendition in 1997 brings a deep, rich maturity to the track, showcasing both his mastery as a storyteller and his ability to express universal emotions with sincerity.
What makes this version of Funny How Time Slips Away stand out is the tenderness that Willie Nelson imbues in each line. His weathered, gravelly voice, combined with the gentle arrangement, gives the song a reflective, almost nostalgic tone. Nelson’s delivery is both personal and universal—his voice feels like a conversation with an old friend who’s seen it all, who understands the passage of time, and who, despite it all, still finds beauty in the memories.
Listeners of a certain age, especially, will connect with the themes of loss, change, and the inevitability of moving on. Yet, even as the song reflects on time’s elusive nature, it also celebrates the memories that shape us. Willie Nelson – 1997 – Funny How Time Slips Away is a perfect example of how music can carry the weight of years and experience, offering not just nostalgia, but also wisdom and comfort in the face of life’s endless march forward.
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Lyrics
Well, hello there
My, it’s been a long, long time
How am I doing?
Oh, I guess that I’m doing fine
It’s been so long now
And it seems now that it was only yesterday
Gee, ain’t it funny how time slips away?
How’s your new love?
I hope that he’s doing fine?
I heard you told him
That you’d love him ’til the end of time
Now that’s the same thing that you told me
It seems like just the other day
Gee, ain’t it funny how time slips away?
I gotta go now
I guess I’ll see you around
I don’t know when though
Never know when I’ll be back in town
But remember, what I tell you
That in time you’re gonna pay
And it’s surprising, how time slips away
