You ever hear a song that feels like it’s wrapping you in a warm blanket, but also poking at some old wound you forgot was there? That’s Lukas Nelson’s take on “Funny (How Time Slips Away).” It’s not just a cover of a classic—it’s like he’s sitting across from you at a campfire, strumming his guitar, telling you a story about love and loss that hits right in the gut.
Lukas, son of Willie Nelson (yeah, that Willie), takes this song—originally penned by his dad in 1961—and makes it his own. The original is a country-soul gem, crooned by legends like Elvis and Al Green, but Lukas brings something fresh. His version, from the 2020 album Naked Garden, is raw, tender, and a little rough around the edges, like a well-worn pair of boots. His voice cracks just enough to make you feel the ache of time slipping through your fingers, and the stripped-down arrangement lets every note breathe. It’s less about flashy production and more about the kind of honesty that makes you stop and listen.
What makes this song special? It’s the way it captures that universal feeling of looking back on a love that’s faded—not with anger, but with a wistful smile. The lyrics, like “Well, hello there, my it’s been a long, long time,” are simple but devastating. They’re the kind of words you’d say to an old flame you run into at a diner, both of you knowing things’ll never be the same. Lukas sings it like he’s lived it, and at just 30-something, you believe him. Maybe it’s the weight of growing up in his dad’s shadow, or maybe it’s just that he’s got an old soul.
There’s history here, too. Willie wrote the song when he was a struggling songwriter, pouring out his heart about love and the relentless march of time. It’s been covered by everyone from Patsy Cline to The Supremes, but Lukas’ version feels like a full-circle moment—a son paying homage to his father while carving out his own space. The way he lingers on certain phrases, letting them hang in the air, feels like a nod to Willie’s laid-back style, but with a modern edge that’s all Lukas.
Why does this song stick with you? It’s not just the melody or the lyrics—it’s the way it makes you think about your own life. The people you’ve loved, the moments you let slip away, the way time sneaks up like a thief in the night. It’s the kind of song you put on late at night when you’re feeling a little nostalgic, maybe a little lonely, and you just want to feel something. Lukas doesn’t just sing it—he invites you to sit with those feelings, to let them wash over you.
So, next time you’re scrolling through your playlist, give this one a spin. Picture Lukas and his band, maybe a little road-weary, pouring their hearts into this track. What’s a moment in your life where time slipped away? That’s what this song’s about, and trust me—it’s worth every second.
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