Comments on: Willie Nelson – “Gravedigger”

By: Alan Carre

Alan Carre — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:02:39 +0000

Does nobody notice that he changed the lyrics? And that that change is so subtle and powerful it completes the song’s intent.

“Gravedigger, when you dig my grave
could you make it shallow?
so I can’t feel the rain”

*can’t*, not *can*. That makes sense, “can” does not. What is it that you obtain when you’re dead? You no longer feel pain (ie. rain). In a shallow grave the rain can fall and hit you all it wants, but you *can’t* feel it. It’s an affront to the idea of death itself.

By: RON REECE SR

RON REECE SR — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:44:45 +0000

WELL DONE WILLIE.MAY BE WILLIE IS GETTING OLDER BUT WHEN HE SINGS YOU SHOULD’NT BURY YOUR OWN CHILDREN HE SINGS FROM HIS HEART BECAUSE HE DID BURY HIS SON ,SO GOD BLESS WILLIE FOR SINGING THIS SONG.

By: France

France — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:21:09 +0000

I am a long-time Willie Nelson fan, but I did not like this song at all. Could be partly ’cause of the same reasons you stated about it probably not working real well on Country radio. It’s not a feel good song, or one that’s real relatable (even though we all die, we don’t necessarily want to be reminded of it.

But, more than that, I thought that Willie’s voice sounded kind of old and broken on this song – even kind of weak. It took me aback at first, then when I thought about it, I realized that could well be the case. He is getting older.

I’ll stick with two of my favorite Willie songs, “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in The Rain” and “On The Road Again” and leave “Gravedigger” alone :-(

By: Jeremy Potts

Jeremy Potts — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:08:35 +0000

This is definitely the standout track on a disappointing record. A great rendition (although I haven’t heard the original) of a killer song and as the review says – a great example of how cool Nelson’s vocal style can be. The Chesnefied production even works in its favour (I like the percussion intro).

By: tamdee

tamdee — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:48:59 +0000

only willie can take a song like this and make an amazing video. he is so unique and you cannot help but like the way he sings it .this is my favorite video this year

By: FLETCH

FLETCH — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:41:14 +0000

GRAVEDIGGER-BURY IT!

By: Morgan

Morgan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:37:00 +0000

AMAZING! Johnny Cooper also covered it on a live album, it’s pretty good too.

By: Backyard

Backyard — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:30:54 +0000

8) Yes…I saw “Gravedigger,” on VH1…

It’s real Willie, his style and wit…

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:57:32 +0000

Nice review. I like the video, too. The black and white is perfect for that song. This is a song that Kenny Chesney suggested be on the album; good job Kenny! I have to agree with Mikey, that Willie’s unique phrasing really makes the song his own. Willie said that they spent the night in the graveyard in the Bronx, and started filming at 6:00 a.m. in the morning. He said it was raining all day, and rained really hard when he sang, “..so I can feel the rain.” That’s (one thing) I love about Willie, if he likes a song, he will sing it; doesn’t think about how will this play on the radio.

The video for his song, ‘You don’t think I’m funny anymore,’ also on the Kenny produced ‘Moment in Time,’ will premier on MTV on Feb. 9. This is the video filmed at Willie’s ranch, with Jessica Simpson, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Johnny Bush, and others, racing lawn mowers.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:14:59 +0000

I can definitely see VH1 playing this. It’s sad that country radio won’t play it, but CMT and VH1 will. Plus, it’s Willie. He has a built-in audience. They’ll buy whatever Willie records, mainly because it’s usually knock-down great.