5 Kris Kristofferson Songs That Redefined Country Songwriting

The late great Kris Kristofferson redefined country songwriting numerous times throughout his career. His influence and legacy are still inspiring today’s generation of artists, too. Let’s take a look at just a few times Kris Kristofferson dazzled the country music world with his songwriting!

1. “This Old Road”

A later-career work, “This Old Road” proved that Kristofferson still had it in him. Back in 2006, Kristofferson was nearing his 70s and grappling with his own mortality. He used that anxiety to pen a tune meant to soothe those who were struggling with the inevitable ticking of the clock.

This song is pure poetry. Kristofferson managed to both acknowledge the struggle of getting older and be a balm for those who were afraid to face it. A fine song from a fine album.

2. “They Killed Him”

Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting evolved and changed throughout the decades, but he always maintained that country-leaning spark. And he was always an activist through and through, too. 

“They Killed Him” is a standout track from the 1986 record Repossessed. It is a tribute of sorts to a number of noteworthy figures, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Jesus Christ himself. The song was also recorded by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, but you just can’t beat the original.

3. “Stranger”

“Stranger” is one of Kristofferson’s best songs from the mid-1970s. It’s a great example of how Kristofferson set the standard for not just lyricism but also melody. This is an incredibly catchy tune from the 1975 album Who’s To Bless And Who’s To Blame.

4. “Who’s To Bless And Who’s To Blame”

The title track of the above-mentioned record, “Who’s To Bless And Who’s To Blame” is a classic country ballad that boasts some of Kristofferson’s very best storytelling. The addition of a women’s choir was perfect for this song, too. We still don’t understand how this album (and this song) was such a commercial flop when it was first released.

5. “Jesus Was A Capricorn (Owed To John Prine)”

Kris Kristofferson redefined country songwriting on more than one occasion, but he still held the original greats in high esteem. The whole of the album of the same name is a more polished and less rugged work compared to his earlier records pre-1972. 

Still, “Jesus Was A Capricorn (Owed To John Prine)” has that grit that Kristofferson was known for. He took a few jabs at the ignorant and the hypocrites, and he did it all to honor singer/songwriter John Prine. Prine helped Kristofferson out early in his career, and the song emulates Prine’s use of irony and humor.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 

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