About the song
If there’s one thing Willie Nelson has always done well, it’s embracing humor and honesty in his music. **“Still Not Dead”** is a prime example of this, showcasing Nelson’s signature wit while offering a playful, yet poignant, reflection on aging, mortality, and resilience. Released in 2017 as part of his album *God’s Problem Child*, this song is both a defiant response to the many death hoaxes that have circulated about him over the years and a celebration of life itself.
At this point in his career, **Willie Nelson** had already cemented his place as a country music legend. With a career spanning decades, he had seen trends come and go, outlived many of his contemporaries, and remained as prolific as ever. But as the years passed, rumors of his demise seemed to pop up regularly—an absurd reality he decided to address head-on with this song. Instead of taking offense, he turned the speculation into a wry, toe-tapping anthem.
Musically, **“Still Not Dead”** is classic Nelson—warm, straightforward, and filled with the effortless charm that has made him beloved by fans of all generations. The song leans into a traditional country sound, with a steady rhythm, twangy guitar, and Nelson’s unmistakable, well-worn voice delivering each lyric with a mix of amusement and sincerity. The chorus—*“I woke up still not dead again today”*—becomes a mantra of sorts, reminding listeners that every day above ground is a gift, no matter what the gossip mills might say.
Lyrically, the song strikes a balance between humor and wisdom. While the verses poke fun at the frequent false reports of his passing, there’s also an underlying message about perseverance and gratitude. Nelson acknowledges the passage of time but refuses to let it define him. His delivery is lighthearted, but the sentiment is universal—no matter how old we get, as long as we’re still here, there’s still something to celebrate.
In the grand tradition of country music storytelling, **“Still Not Dead”** stands out as both a personal statement and a relatable tune for anyone who has ever faced the absurdities of aging. It’s a testament to Nelson’s ability to find joy and humor in the inevitable, turning something as morbid as death rumors into an uplifting, good-natured song. And as long as Willie keeps waking up, we can count on him to keep writing, singing, and proving the headlines wrong—one song at a time.
Video
Lyrics
I woke up still not dead again today
The internet said I had passed away
If I died I wasn’t dead to stay
And I woke up still not dead again today
Well, I woke up still not dead again today
The gardener did not find me that a way
You can’t believe a word that people say
And I woke up still not dead again today
I run up and down the road making music as I go
They say my pace would kill a normal man
But I’ve never been accused of being normal anyway
And I woke up still not dead again today
I woke up still not dead again today
The news said I was gone to my dismay
Don’t bury me, I’ve got a show to play
And I woke up still not dead again today
I run up and down the road making music as I go
They say my pace would kill a normal man
But I’ve never been accused of being normal anyway
And I woke up still not dead again today
Last night I had a dream that I died twice yesterday
But I woke up still not dead again today
