About the song
When we think of **Willie Nelson**, images of his weathered face, his trusty guitar Trigger, and that unmistakable, soulful voice come to mind. He’s an icon, a true American original, and a man who’s never been afraid to explore the outer edges of musical expression. So, it should come as no surprise that he took on Jimmy Cliff’s classic reggae anthem, “The Harder They Come.”
Nelson’s version, found on his 2005 album *Countryman*, is more than just a cover; it’s a reinterpretation. He infuses the song with his signature blend of country, folk, and a touch of that laid-back Texas spirit. It’s a testament to Nelson’s ability to transcend genres, to find the common threads that connect seemingly disparate musical styles.
“The Harder They Come” is, at its core, a song about resilience, about standing up to adversity, and about the struggle for freedom. It’s a message that resonates across cultures and generations, and it’s one that Nelson clearly connects with. His delivery is both heartfelt and defiant, capturing the essence of the song’s message while adding his own unique stamp.
What makes Nelson’s version so compelling is the way he strips away the song’s reggae rhythms and replaces them with a more organic, acoustic feel. The result is a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a reminder that a great song can be reimagined and reborn, taking on new meanings and finding new audiences.
In a career that has spanned decades, **Willie Nelson** has never stopped evolving, never stopped pushing boundaries. His version of “The Harder They Come” is just one example of his restless creativity, his willingness to take risks, and his unwavering commitment to making music that speaks to the heart. It’s a song that reminds us that no matter how tough things get, we can always find the strength to keep going. And in these times, that’s a message we all need to hear.
Video
Lyrics
Well they tell me of a pie up in the sky
Waiting for me when I die
But between the day you’re born and when you die
They never seem to hear even your cry
So as sure as the sun will shine
I’m gonna get my share now of what’s mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Ooh the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Well the oppressors are trying to keep me down
Trying to drive me underground
And they think that they have got the battle won
I say forgive them Lord
They know not what they’ve done
So as sure as the sun will shine
I’m gonna get my share now of what’s mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Ooh the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Ooh yeah oh yeah woah yeah ooooh
And I keep on fighting for the things I want
Though I know that when you’re dead you can’t
But I’d rather be a free man in my grave
Than living as a puppet or a slave
So as sure as the sun will shine
I’m gonna get my share now of what’s mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Ooh the harder they come
The harder they’ll fall, one and all
Yeah, the harder they come,
The harder they’ll fall one and all
