Behind Willie Nelson’s New Song Lies a Hidden Farewell to a Country Rebel You Thought You’d Forgotten. ML
At 92 years old, country music icon Willie Nelson is no stranger to loss. Having witnessed the passing of many close friends and fellow artists, Nelson is now using his legendary voice to keep their legacies alive. His upcoming album, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, is a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator Merle Haggard, who passed away in 2016.
Set for release on November 7, the album features 11 carefully selected covers of Haggard’s songs, showcasing Nelson’s deep appreciation for the late artist’s music. The first single, a poignant rendition of the 1967 track “Somewhere Between”, offers fans a glimpse into the emotional depth of the project. Originally co-written by Haggard and his ex-wife Bonnie Owens, the song captures the heartache of two lovers drifting apart, despite lingering affection.
“Somewhere between your heart and mine / There’s a window that I can’t see through,” Haggard once sang. “There’s a wall so high it reaches the sky / Somewhere between me and you.”
Nelson and Haggard shared a bond that spanned decades, beginning in the 1960s when they first met over a game of poker at Nelson’s home in Nashville. What started as friendly competition quickly evolved into a creative partnership and a deep mutual respect. Together, they recorded several projects, including the hit “Pancho and Lefty,” and remained close until Haggard’s death on his 79th birthday.
In a 2016 interview shortly after Haggard’s passing, Nelson reflected: “I always had a lot of admiration for him. He wrote more Number One songs than me, Kris [Kristofferson], anybody… He was able to talk about his life in his songs intelligently and ingeniously, really.”
Poker remained a central part of their friendship. Haggard once joked to GQ, “You can’t bluff Willie Nelson because he calls every g–damned bet… He’s predictable — you can bet your ass he’s going to call you.”
With Workin’ Man, his 78th studio album, Nelson doesn’t just pay tribute to a friend — he preserves the essence of a musical era. Tracks like “Okie from Muskogee” and “Mama Tried” remind fans why Merle Haggard remains one of country’s most revered voices — and why Willie Nelson is its most enduring storyteller.
