About the song
When you hear **Willie Nelson**, you’re not just listening to a musician; you’re experiencing a living piece of American musical history. Nelson, with his distinctive voice and heartfelt delivery, has a way of connecting with listeners on a profoundly personal level. “Gravedigger,” in particular, is a song that resonates with a sense of mortality and the passage of time, themes that become increasingly relevant as we navigate the later stages of life.
“Gravedigger” is a song written by Dave Matthews, and Willie Nelson puts his own unique spin on the song. It appeared on Nelson’s 2007 album, “Moment of Forever.” This song carries a weight of reflection, inviting us to contemplate the inevitable. Nelson’s interpretation adds layers of experience and wisdom, making the song feel like a conversation with an old friend who has seen it all.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of life’s journey, from its vibrant beginnings to its quiet conclusion. The image of the gravedigger serves as a powerful metaphor for the final chapter, a reminder that we all share the same destination. But it’s not a morbid song; rather, it’s a gentle acknowledgment of life’s cycle, a call to appreciate the moments we have.
Nelson’s voice, weathered and warm, brings a sense of comfort to the song’s somber theme. There’s a certain acceptance in his delivery, a sense that he’s made peace with the inevitable. The instrumentation is simple, allowing the lyrics and Nelson’s voice to take center stage. The acoustic guitar and subtle backing vocals create an intimate atmosphere, as if Nelson is singing directly to each listener.
For those of us who have lived through many seasons of life, “Gravedigger” offers a moment of reflection. It’s a reminder that time is precious and that every moment should be cherished. Nelson’s rendition of this song is a testament to his ability to connect with the human experience, to find beauty and meaning in the face of life’s inevitable end. It’s a song that stays with you, a gentle reminder to live fully and appreciate the time we have.
Video
Lyrics
Cyrus Jones 1810 to 1913
Made his great grandchildren believe
he could live to a 103
A hundred and three is forever when you’re just a little kid
So, Cyrus Jones lived forever
Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
Muriel Stonewall 1903 to 1954
She lost both of her babies in the second great war
Now, you should never have to watch your only children lowered in the ground
that means you should never have to bury your own babies
Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
Ring around the rosey
Pocket full o’posey
Ashes to ashes
{Musical intro}
We all fall down
Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
Little Mikey Carson ’67 to ’75
He rode his bike like the devil until the day he died
When he grows up he wants to be Mr. Vertigo on the flying trapeze
Oh, 1940 to 1992
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
I can feel the rain
I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
Grave digger
