Introduction
“Funny How Time Slips Away” might sound like a signature Willie Nelson song, but the Red Headed Stranger wasn’t actually the first to record this country gem.
The song’s journey began in the early 1960s, penned by Willie Nelson himself. However, it was another Texas singer, Billy Walker, who took “Funny How Time Slips Away” into the recording studio first. Released in 1961, Walker’s version charted modestly on the country music charts, but it laid the groundwork for the song’s enduring legacy.
While Walker’s rendition introduced the tune, Willie Nelson never strayed far from it. He likely performed the song live throughout the 60s, and in 1979, he finally brought “Funny How Time Slips Away” into the studio himself. This live recording, captured for the iconic PBS program “Austin City Limits,” became Willie’s definitive version of the song.
“Funny How Time Slips Away” is a simple ballad, built on a gentle guitar melody and Nelson’s signature raspy vocals. The lyrics explore the melancholic passage of time, reflecting on lost youth, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet beauty of growing older. The song’s poignant message and Nelson’s heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying “Funny How Time Slips Away” as a country classic.
Whether you listen to Willie Nelson’s timeless rendition or discover Billy Walker’s original version, “Funny How Time Slips Away” offers a poignant reminder to cherish the moments we have.