About the song
If there’s one name synonymous with the rich tapestry of American country music, it’s Willie Nelson. His distinctive voice, often described as a weathered and worn instrument, has been captivating audiences for decades. Nelson’s songs often paint vivid pictures of life on the road, heartbreaks, and simple pleasures. One such gem in his extensive discography is the heartfelt ballad, **”Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning.”**
Released in 1982, this song is a quintessential example of Nelson’s ability to convey raw emotion through his music. The title itself is a simple yet poignant phrase that immediately draws the listener in. It’s a universal sentiment: the unexpected turn of events that can completely derail one’s day. Nelson’s lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and relatable situations, paint a picture of a morning gone awry.
The song begins with a simple, almost mundane scenario: the postman delivering a bill. This everyday occurrence is quickly escalated by a series of unfortunate events. The alarm clock is late, the garbage man has missed his pickup, and a hinge is broken. Each verse adds another layer of frustration to the narrator’s day. However, it’s the chorus that truly encapsulates the song’s emotional core:
*”But the last thing I needed, the first thing this morning,
Was to have you walk out on me.”*
Here, Nelson introduces a significant personal loss into the mix. The day’s minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the heartbreak of being abandoned. The contrast between the mundane and the profound is a hallmark of great songwriting, and Nelson handles it with masterful ease.
The beauty of “Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” lies in its simplicity. There are no complex musical arrangements or overly poetic lyrics. Instead, Nelson relies on his raw emotion and a melody that is both catchy and memorable. The song is a testament to the power of storytelling in music. It invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find comfort in the shared human experience of disappointment and loss.
**Willie Nelson’s** ability to connect with audiences on a deep level is one of the reasons why he remains a beloved figure in country music. “Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” is a prime example of his talent as a songwriter and performer. It’s a song that has resonated with countless listeners over the years and continues to do so today.
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 gate
And 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 me
Last 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
Because it’s the holiday season”
And you fill such a big empty space
But then I laid down beside you
And I wanted your loving
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 me
So excuse me for looking
Like my world just ended
And excuse me for looking
Like I just lost my best friend
And excuse me for living
And being forgiving
So just go on if you want to be free
But the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
