About the song
There are few figures in American music as enduring—or as endearing—as **Willie Nelson**. With his unmistakable voice, weathered face, and outlaw spirit, he’s not just a country legend—he’s a national treasure. And when it comes to capturing both the humor and the hard truths of life, few songs do it better than **Willie Nelson – Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die**.
Released in 2012, this track is a perfect example of Nelson’s singular ability to mix wit, wisdom, and a bit of mischief into a deceptively simple tune. At first glance, the title might provoke a laugh or a raised eyebrow, but listen more closely and you’ll find something deeper—a meditation on mortality, legacy, and living life unapologetically. The song was released on April 20th, a date not-so-subtly associated with marijuana culture, and it’s filled with tongue-in-cheek charm. But it’s also disarmingly candid, a reminder that Nelson, now in his 90s, has never shied away from speaking plainly about life and death.
Musically, **Willie Nelson – Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die** leans into traditional country rhythms, with that familiar blend of guitar twang and easygoing swing. But what really makes the song stand out is the lineup of voices it features—Nelson is joined by Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, and Jamey Johnson, creating a cross-generational, cross-genre gathering that feels more like a back porch jam session than a studio production. There’s an irreverent warmth to the whole thing, a sense that even when talking about death, it’s okay to laugh, share a joint, and celebrate the ride.
At its heart, this isn’t just a song about weed or about dying—it’s about freedom. The freedom to be yourself, to speak your truth, and to go out on your own terms. That’s a theme that resonates no matter your age. And in true Willie Nelson fashion, it’s all delivered with a wink, a grin, and a guitar that never misses a beat.
So yes, **Willie Nelson – Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die** might sound like a novelty tune at first, but give it a chance. You may find, behind the humor, a surprisingly poignant anthem about how to live—and how to leave—with grace, grit, and a good story to tell.
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Video
Lyrics
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here and I ain’t leaving, so don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die
Now you won’t see no sad and teary eyes
When I get my wings and it’s my time to fly
Call my friends and tell ’em there’s a party, come on by
And just roll me up and smoke me when I die
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look them in the eye
I didn’t come here and I ain’t leaving, so don’t sit around and cry
But just roll me up and smoke me when I die
And I’d go, I’ve been here long enough
So sing and tell more jokes and dance stuff
Just keep the music playing, that will be a good goodbye
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here and I ain’t leaving, so don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die
Hey, take me out and build a roaring fire
Roll me in the flames for about an hour
And take me out and twist me up and point me towards the sky
And roll me up and smoke me when I die
Roll me up and smoke me when I die
And if anyone don’t like it, just look ’em in the eye
I didn’t come here and I ain’t leaving, so don’t sit around and cry
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die
