The Willie Nelson Always on My Mind song was released in 1982 and raced to number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart starting May 8, 1982, spending two weeks on top and a total of 21 weeks on the chart. The Willie Nelson cover of the song also fared well on Top 40 radio, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and staying on that chart for 23 weeks. It was the best-performing single on the Hot Country Singles year-end chart of 1982. The single was certified platinum by the RIAA on October 7, 1991.
Nelson’s version resulted in three wins at the 25th Grammy Awards in February 1983:
- Songwriters Christopher, James, and Carson won Song of the Year and Best Country Song
- Nelson won for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
This version also won Country Music Association Awards in two consecutive years: 1982 Song of the Year and 1983 Song of the Year for songwriters Christopher, James and Carson; 1982 Single of the Year for Nelson, and; contributed to Nelson winning 1982 Album of the Year for the album Always on My Mind. Nelson performed the song with Johnny Cash on the 1998 release of VH1 Storytellers: Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“Always on My Mind” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Nelson’s 1982 version is perhaps the most well-known rendition of the song, and has become an iconic piece of American music history. The music video became the most popular of Willie Nelson’s solo career with over 99 million views as of May of 2024. Watch the video performance of this classic song and see the written lyrics below.
Willie Nelson Always on My Mind Video
The song’s lyrics capture the emotional turmoil of a person who has hurt their loved one and is trying to make amends. The narrator acknowledges that they were “careless” with their lover’s heart and failed to appreciate the value of their relationship. The chorus of “You were always on my mind” is a poignant admission that despite their neglect, their lover has never left their thoughts and feelings.
“Always on My Mind” is a ballad written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, first released by Gwen McCrae (as “You Were Always on My Mind”) in 1972. Brenda Lee also released a version in 1972.
Willie Nelson Always on My Mind Lyrics
Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
Maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel second best
Girl I’m sorry I was blind
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
That I am so happy that you’re mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl I’m sorry I was blind
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
I’ll keep you satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
The enduring popularity of “Always on My Mind” is a testament to the power of simple, honest songwriting. Its message of regret and redemption is timeless, and its melody continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world. Willie Nelson’s version of the song remains a classic, and its impact on the world of music is undeniable. Remember to “share” the Willie Nelson Always on My Mind song with other Country Music fans.
