About the song
**Funny How Time Slips Away** is one of those timeless songs that seem to resonate across generations, carrying with it a bittersweet wisdom about love, loss, and the passage of time. Written by **Willie Nelson** in 1961, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but there’s something especially poignant about hearing Nelson himself deliver it. His unmistakable voice, rich with the weight of experience, makes every lyric feel deeply personal.
The song tells a simple yet universally relatable story—two former lovers run into each other after a long time apart. There’s a polite exchange of pleasantries, but underneath the surface, there’s a quiet ache. The narrator asks how his old flame has been, casually mentioning how funny it is that time has passed so quickly. But as the song unfolds, we realize that this isn’t just a nostalgic reunion—it’s tinged with heartbreak. He learns that she has moved on with someone new, and though he feigns indifference, the sadness in the lyrics and melody tell another story. The final lines reveal his lingering pain as he bids farewell, hinting that he knows she will one day experience heartbreak too: *“But remember what I tell you / In time, you’re gonna pay.”*
What makes **Willie Nelson’s** rendition so powerful is his distinctive phrasing and the way he lingers on certain words, stretching them just enough to let the emotion sink in. His delivery is conversational yet deeply expressive, making you feel as if he’s sitting right beside you, sharing an old memory.
Musically, the song is understated—a slow, lilting melody backed by simple instrumentation. This allows Nelson’s voice and lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate, almost confessional atmosphere. Unlike many country songs that rely on dramatic storytelling or grand choruses, **Funny How Time Slips Away** thrives on its subtlety. It’s a song that doesn’t need to shout to make an impact. Instead, it gently tugs at the heart, reminding us all of how fleeting time can be and how love—no matter how strong—sometimes fades into the past.
Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it years later, the song never loses its emotional depth. It’s proof of **Willie Nelson’s** brilliance as a songwriter and storyteller—someone who understands that the most powerful songs are often the simplest ones.
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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
