About the song
Willie Nelson is one of the most iconic and influential country singers of all time. He has recorded over 300 albums and won multiple awards, including 10 Grammys, 9 CMAs, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy, especially for his support of farmers and environmental causes.
One of his most popular songs is “Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning”, which was released in 1982 as the second single from his album “Always On My Mind”. The song was written by Gary P. Nunn and Donna Sioux Farar, and it tells the story of a man who wakes up to find his lover gone, along with a series of other misfortunes.
The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, but lost to “Always On My Mind”, another song from the same album.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Chris Stapleton, who recorded a version for his 2017 album “From A Room: Volume 1”. Stapleton’s rendition has a more bluesy and soulful feel, with his powerful vocals and electric guitar.
The song is considered a classic example of Willie Nelson’s style, which combines traditional country elements with folk, rock, and jazz influences. The song features Nelson’s distinctive nasal voice, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and piano. The song also showcases Nelson’s ability to convey emotion and storytelling through his lyrics and delivery.
The song is a favorite among Nelson’s fans and critics, who praise its honesty, simplicity, and relatability. The song captures the feeling of despair and loneliness that many people experience after a breakup or a loss. The song also reflects Nelson’s own personal struggles, as he was going through a divorce and facing financial and legal troubles at the time.
The song is a testament to Nelson’s enduring legacy and influence in the music industry and beyond. The song is not only a country hit, but also a universal anthem for anyone who has ever felt heartbroken or hopeless.
Video
Lyrics
The postman delivered
A “past due” bill notice
The alarm clock rang two hours late
The garbage man left all the trash
On the sidewalk
And the hinges fell off of the gateAnd this morning at breakfast
I spilled all the coffee
And I opened the door on my knee
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on meLast night you came home late
And I knew you’d been drinking
By that old mellow look on your face
I thought, “It don’t matter
‘Cause it’s the holiday season”
And you fill such a big empty spaceBut then I laid down beside you
And I wanted your lovin’
Because your love makes my life complete
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on meSo excuse me for lookin’
Like my world just ended
And excuse me for lookin’
Like I just lost my best friend
And excuse me for livin’
And being forgiving
So just go on if you want to be freeBut the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
