Kris Kristofferson was one of country music’s greatest songwriters, and he’ll be missed for that talent among others. To celebrate Kristofferson’s legacy, let’s take a look at just a few of his lyrics that still resonate today.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Maybe You Heard”
“Don’t turn away there / Hey, goddamn you, you used to love her / Turn on your father, sister, mother, mister / She was your friend / Don’t you condemn her, leave it to strangers / You ought to know her, give her a hand, if you can.”
This super underrated 1981 song from Kris Kristofferson features some of the most arresting and emotional song lyrics of his career. According to actor and unabashed Kristofferson fan Ethan Hawke, for anyone “who has gone through a divorce, this song is not mysterious in the slightest.”
2. “For The Good Times”
“Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over / But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning / Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together / There’s no need to watch the bridges that we’re burning.”
This gorgeous and heartbreaking 1970 track from Kris Kristofferson has all the best elements of his songwriting and lyrics. It’s philosophical, comforting, and honest. In fact, we’d be bold enough to say that “For The Good Times” is one of the most empathetic yet simple songs in country music history.
3. “Help Me Make It Through The Night”
“I don’t care who’s right or wrong / I don’t try to understand / Let the devil take tomorrow / Lord, tonight I need a friend / Yesterday is dead and gone / And tomorrow’s out of sight.”
Kris Kristofferson lyrics don’t always settle on simple, positive storytelling. Kristofferson was an honest man, and he decided to get really vulnerable on this song about a one-night stand. Though, this is far from a stereotypical, raunchy song about a fling. Kristofferson virtually begs the woman in question to not leave him alone in his depressed psychological state for the night. It’s heartbreaking, really.
Since its release in 1970, “Help Me Make It Through The Night” has been covered by everyone from Johnny Cash to Tammy Wynette to even Elvis Presley.
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
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