About the song
Few artists embody the spirit of American country music quite like **Willie Nelson**. With his braided hair, weathered voice, and unmistakable phrasing, Nelson has long been a symbol of both musical authenticity and personal freedom. His 2012 song, **“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,”** may be provocative in title, but behind the playful words lies a rich tapestry of meaning—about life, death, legacy, and the joy of living on one’s own terms.
This song, which first appeared on Nelson’s album *Heroes*, is part country ballad, part protest song, and part farewell letter—though Nelson delivers it with a wink rather than a tear. At first listen, the title seems like a simple marijuana joke, and in some ways, it is. After all, Nelson is a well-known advocate for cannabis legalization and a longtime user himself. But to stop there would be to miss the deeper layers of reflection and rebellion woven into the song’s lyrics.
**“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”** speaks to Nelson’s lifelong refusal to conform, whether in music or in life. He sings not of fear or regret, but of acceptance and celebration. Instead of mourning, he offers levity. Instead of finality, he suggests transformation—perhaps even transcendence. It’s a defiant yet serene way of looking at mortality, and it comes from a man who has lived fully, loved deeply, and walked his own road through both success and struggle.
The track is made even more powerful by the voices that accompany Nelson—**Snoop Dogg**, **Kris Kristofferson**, and **Jamey Johnson**—representing different genres and generations. Their collaboration signals that Nelson’s message, and his music, cross boundaries. Whether you’re a country fan, a rock listener, or a hip-hop devotee, there’s something universal in this song’s message: live honestly, love freely, and when the time comes, leave laughing.
In a world often full of fear and formality, **Willie Nelson** gives us a rare gift: the freedom to see death not as an end, but as a final, smoky joke in a life well lived.
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
