About the Song
In the vast landscape of American music, few artists have woven their life experiences into song as authentically and enduringly as Willie Nelson. With a career spanning decades, Nelson has become an icon, not just of country music, but of American culture itself. His voice, weathered yet warm, carries the weight of life’s joys and sorrows, triumphs and tribulations. It’s a voice that speaks to the heart of the human experience, and in his 2018 album, “Last Man Standing,” Nelson once again offers listeners a collection of songs that resonate with the wisdom and resilience of a life well-lived.
Among the gems in this album is the beautifully reflective song, “Something You Get Through.” Released at a time when Nelson was in his late 80s, the song carries a particular poignancy, a sense of looking back on a life filled with both challenges and triumphs. It’s a song that acknowledges the inevitable hardships we all face, the losses we endure, and the pain that life can sometimes bring. But it’s also a song that offers hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we have the strength to persevere.
Musically, “Something You Get Through” is a classic Willie Nelson ballad. The arrangement is simple and understated, allowing Nelson’s voice and the heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar, the subtle piano chords, and the warm strings create a backdrop that is both intimate and expansive, perfectly complementing the song’s reflective mood.
Lyrically, the song is a testament to Nelson’s songwriting prowess. With his signature blend of simplicity and profundity, he captures the essence of the human spirit’s ability to endure. The lyrics speak to the cyclical nature of life, the way in which we experience both joy and sorrow, love and loss. “It’s not something you get over, but it’s something you get through,” Nelson sings, reminding us that healing is not about forgetting or erasing the pain, but about learning to live with it, to grow from it, and to emerge stronger on the other side.
In a world that often seems obsessed with instant gratification and quick fixes, “Something You Get Through” offers a refreshing dose of honesty and realism. It’s a song that acknowledges the complexities of life, the ups and downs, the twists and turns. It’s a song that reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, that others have walked this path before us, and that we too can find the strength to carry on.
Willie Nelson’s “Something You Get Through” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the capacity to heal, to grow, and to emerge stronger than before. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of the human experience, and it’s a song that will stay with you long after the final notes have faded away.