Willie Nelson’s “Last Leaf” Performance Strikes an Emotional Chord With Outlaw Fans Bidding Farewell to Kris Kristofferson

If anyone has unfortunately experienced death in some capacity, they know that certain things take on new meanings when that occurs. Whether it be in a saying the departed used to use or a memory you had of them before their departure, death has a funny way of offering new perspectives. And in light of Kris Kristofferson’s passing, this phenomenon has seemingly happened to Willie Nelson’s song “Last Leaf.”



Nelson and Kristofferson shared a deep-seated and tight-knit relationship. Besides being close friends, their kids also grew up together, and in some way, it seemed the two were more brothers than friends. That being so, one could only speculate just how much Willie Nelson is hurting in light of this news. However, it seems Nelson has a song that may incidentally heal his grief, as it surely has done so for the masses.

A Farewell to Kris Kristofferson—”Last Leaf”

Originally released by Tom Waits in 2011, Nelson first performed the song in August and has been including it on many of his recent sets. In terms of Nelson’s selection of the song, it seems he picked the song to acknowledge his current position in country music. He is one of the last living singers from the Outlaw Country era. However, now that Kristofferson has passed, the song has only bolstered this

Now, this interpretation isn’t pulled out of thin air. Rather, it seems some people are interpreting the song in the same way. Multiple social media users stated, “I was thinking about [this song] when I heard Kris had died” and “He’s the last of the country outlaw gang.” Thus it seems the song marks two things—Nelson’s acknowledgment as the last Highway Man standing and the death of his good friend.

Lines such as I’m the last leaf on the tree / The autumn took the rest and If they cut down this tree/

I’ll show up in a song allegedly articulates the sentiments swirling around in Nelson’s heart at this time. Despite knowing he’s the only one of the The Highwaymen left, he also knows he’s not alone, he knows that Kristofferson and the rest of them will show up in a song.

Willie Nelson’s and Kristofferson’s Relationship Is Still Alive

To fans of music and art, they know that when one person dies, their work does not. Consequently, the relationship between Nelson, Kristofferson, and their fans is alive and arguably, better than ever given the newfound perspective Kris Kristofferson’s death now provides his music.

Nelson’s song “Last Leaf” is always up for interpretation, though, given the recent events, it seems the poignant message of this song is as relevant as ever. Long live Kris Kristofferson and Godspeed to you, Mr. Willie Nelson. Here is to being the last leaf on the tree.

Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images

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