About the song
“**Neil Young with Willie Nelson – Four Strong Winds**” is a heartfelt and poignant collaboration that blends two of the most iconic figures in American music. Both Neil Young and Willie Nelson have long been recognized for their deep connection to roots music, and their voices are intertwined in a way that evokes a timeless sense of nostalgia, longing, and resilience.
The song itself is a classic written by Canadian singer-songwriter **Ian Tyson** of the duo **Ian & Sylvia**, first released in 1961. “Four Strong Winds” is widely regarded as one of the most enduring songs in the folk and country music canon. The song’s reflective lyrics speak of love, separation, and the passage of time, with an evocative image of a person contemplating the wind’s power and its ability to carry away emotions and memories. The lyrics are simple but profound, resonating with listeners across generations.
When **Neil Young** and **Willie Nelson**, two legends in their own right, come together on this track, they create a magical moment that is at once familiar and fresh. **Neil Young**, known for his distinctive voice and emotive guitar playing, complements **Willie Nelson’s** laid-back yet soulful delivery. Nelson’s signature smooth voice, paired with his gentle guitar strumming, creates a relaxed atmosphere, while Young’s gravelly tone adds a layer of depth to the lyrics.
Their collaboration is a celebration of both the song’s rich history and their own legendary careers, bringing a sense of reverence to the folk and country traditions. The arrangement is stripped-down, allowing their voices to shine while remaining true to the simplicity of the original. The result is a performance that feels intimate, as if both artists are singing directly to the listener, inviting them into a space of reflection.
Whether you are familiar with **Ian Tyson’s** original or hearing the song for the first time, the rendition by **Neil Young with Willie Nelson** is sure to evoke a deep sense of connection and emotion. It reminds us of the universal experiences of love, loss, and the winds that shape our lives.
Video
Lyrics
Think I’ll go out to Alberta
Weather’s good there in the fall
I got some friends that I could go to working for
Still I wish you’d change your mind
If I ask you one more time
But we’ve been through this a hundred times or moreFour strong winds that blow lonely
Seven seas that run high
All those things that don’t change, come what may
If the good times are all gone
Then I’m bound for movin’ on
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this wayIf I get there before the snow flies
And if things are lookin’ good
You could meet me if I send you down the fare
But by then it would be winter
Not too much for you to do
And those winds sure can blow cold way out thereFour strong winds that blow lonely
Seven seas that run high
All those things that don’t change, come what may
The good times are all gone
So I’m bound for movin’ on
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way
