Many movies, television shows, commercials, and other media have included the classic Willie Nelson song, “On the Road Again,” in their content. But has the song ever been involved in an Artificial Intelligence experiment? Well, it has now.
Videos by American Songwriter
We took it upon ourselves to ask the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT to write a country song in the style of Nelson’s classic hit. You can see below what it spit out, along with some analysis. Take a look at the lyrics below. Is it a song that would catch your attention?
“Wanderin’ Soul”
The new country tune, “Wanderin’ Soul,” created by ChatGPT begins,
(Verse 1)
I’m a wanderin’ soul, out on the go
Through fields and valleys, where the wild winds blow
With my old guitar, strummin’ out a tune
I’m free as the wind, underneath the moon
(Chorus)
On this endless journey, I can’t pretend
I’m on my way again, my heart on the mend
Through the open spaces, under the big blue sky
Livin’ life so freely, don’t ask me why
We’ll stop the song here. It’s to think about: perhaps one consequence of A.I. is that it will raise the bar for what’s deemed a good song. Perhaps it will put a lot of banal pop songwriters, country or otherwise, out of business. Or it may push them to do better. Because the above refrain isn’t half bad and it was written in 12 seconds.
(Verse 2)
Crossin’ rivers wide, and mountains tall
In this great big world, I stand so small
Through the heartland, I roam, like a tumbleweed
Chasin’ dreams and memories, that’s all I need
(Chorus)
On this endless journey, I can’t pretend
I’m on my way again, my heart on the mend
Through the open spaces, under the big blue sky
Livin’ life so freely, don’t ask me why
(Bridge)
Guitar strings strummin’, like whispers in the breeze
Serenadin’ the stars, and the tall oak trees
No destination set, I’m driftin’ with the wind
Leavin’ all my troubles, way back where I’ve been
(Chorus)
On this endless journey, I can’t pretend
I’m on my way again, my heart on the mend
Through the open spaces, under the big blue sky
Livin’ life so freely, don’t ask me why
(Outro)
So if you see me passin’, just a smilin’ face
Know I’m on my journey, nothin’ can erase
The joy of travelin’, the freedom deep within
Singin’ my country song, wherever I have been
Final Thoughts
Sure, the song resembles Nelson’s classic. But lots of songs resemble other songs. It’s all about the performance, the touch, and the tempo. In the right hands, the wandering tune above could be the perfect heartland song to raise some eyebrows.
Who will be the first to score a hit song with ChatGPT? Comment your thoughts below.
Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images
Totally horrifying.