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Willie Nelson’s Simply Incredible Cover of a Kris Kristofferson Song

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson are great friends. That’s why it isn’t a surprise if one covers a song of the other. With this, we present a Kristofferson song that Nelson recorded for his album Sings Kristofferson.

Willie Nelson Please Don't Tell Me how the story ends Kris Kristofferson
Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Photo by Dan Schram

“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” from Ronnie Milsap to Willie Nelson

In 1979, Nelson paid tribute to his friend by recording nine of his songs. Among them that stood out was the song “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” The song was penned by Kristofferson and Bobby Bare. Kristofferson was the first country artist to cover it. However, it wasn’t commercially successful. When Ronnie Milsap decided to record the song in 1974, everything changed. It was pushed to the spotlight, giving Kristofferson another time to shine. In addition, this single gave Milsap his very first Grammy award, and it also reached the top of both the Canadian and US country chart.

Since the song was released, a lot of artists attempted to make their version. Some of which were Joan Osborne, Sammy Davis Jr., and more.

Like other artists, Nelson couldn’t help it too that he covered his friend’s song. Even though it never entered the chart, we most certainly enjoy his version.

What about you, what do you think of Nelson’s cover?

The Story of the Song

By looking at the song’s title, “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends,” we are all 100% sure that it’s a sad song. The narrator is talking to his lover and reminding her not to mention whatever will happen next. He is most certain of what is to come, but all he wanted is cherish the moment together while they can because tomorrow is going to be different. We can all feel how the narrator felt as he begs the person he loves, to not remind him that it is the end.

Kristofferson is such a good songwriter, especially when writing songs about love, breakups, and the loss of someone. Therefore, his songs are always what a lot of singers like to cover. It has a lot of raw emotions that easily captures its listeners.

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