About the song
“In the vast tapestry of country music, certain songs resonate with a timeless quality, capturing the essence of heartache and human emotion with a raw, unfiltered honesty. One such gem is **Willie Nelson’s** poignant ballad, **’Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning.’** This song, released in 1982 as part of his acclaimed ‘Always on My Mind’ album, stands as a testament to Nelson’s unparalleled ability to convey deep emotional truths through his music.
The song, penned by Gary P. Nunn and Donna Farar, delves into the raw aftermath of a relationship’s end. It’s a tale as old as time, yet Nelson’s delivery imbues it with a fresh, heart-wrenching sincerity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the sudden departure of his lover, the ‘last thing’ he needed to face upon waking. The emotional weight of the song is amplified by Nelson’s distinctive vocal style, his weathered voice carrying the weight of lost love and regret.
What sets this song apart is its universal relatability. We’ve all experienced those moments when life throws us a curveball, when the unexpected hits us with the force of a freight train. Nelson’s rendition captures that feeling of vulnerability, that sense of being caught off guard by life’s cruel twists. The song’s melody, simple yet evocative, provides the perfect backdrop for Nelson’s heartfelt delivery.
‘Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning’ isn’t just a country song; it’s a slice of life, a reflection on the human condition. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a certain beauty in the shared experience of heartache. And in Willie Nelson’s capable hands, this sentiment becomes a timeless anthem for those who have loved and lost. It’s a song that speaks to the soul, a classic that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.”
Video
Lyrics
The postman delivered
A past due bill notice
The alarm clock rang two hours late
The garbage man left all the trash
On the sidewalk
And the hinges fell off of the gate
And this morning at breakfast
I spilled all the coffee
And I opened the door on my knee
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
Last night, you came home late
And I knew you’d been drinking
By that old mellow look on your face
I thought, “It don’t matter
Because it’s the holiday season”
And you fill such a big empty space
But then I laid down beside you
And I wanted your loving
Because your love makes my life complete
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
So excuse me for looking
Like my world just ended
And excuse me for looking
Like I just lost my best friend
And excuse me for living
And being forgiving
So just go on if you want to be free
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
