The Redheaded Stanger as a Songwriter
Even though Willie Nelson became a recording artist fifteen years after moving to Nashville, he was better known as a songwriter. During his earlier years, he became a part of a group of writers which includes Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran, and Roger Miller. The group frequented in Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a watering hole of choice among key players of Nashville’s music industry. The lounge was owned and operated by Tootsie Bess. Tootsie became as well-known around town as the song of the stars and future stars because of the time they spent on the establishment.
While hanging out with his buddies at Tootsie’s back in the ‘60s, Willie Nelson had composed several songs that are most-acclaimed in country music like “Crazy,” Hello Walls,” and Funny How Time Slips Away.” Even before arriving in Nashville, he already wrote a couple of highly-regarded tunes such as “Family Bible” and Night Life.” Both were great pieces, however, because he needed cash badly, he only sold both for a few dollars each. Unfortunately, for selling those songs for a very cheap price, he forfeits all the forthcoming royalties on those songs.
Willie Nelson’s Trilogy of Favorites
Willie Nelson stated that of all of his compositions he has three favorites. The first one on the list is “Healing Hands Of Time.” It was a lyrical water mark for Willie Nelson. Unfortunately, it never became a hit for anyone. The Redheaded Stranger actually recorded it many times over the years for several different labels.
His two other favorites are both No. 1 hits. “On The Road Again,” a song that became from the soundtrack movie, “Honeysuckle Rose.” The last on Willie Nelson’s trilogy of favorites is “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground.”
“Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground”
Willie Nelson wrote “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” during the time when he and his third wife Connie were having marital problems. In an interview, the Country Outlaw explained that the theme for the song was pretty general. The song could be taken and applied to a handful of situations like in relation to someone who has died or maybe broken love affairs. “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” has many different meanings to a wide range of people.
“Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” was written back in 1976. However, it took four years before the song was recorded. Willie Nelson intentionally withheld issuing the song and he waited for the right time for its release. Willie said that he had seen many good songs get lost in the shuffle when released at the wrong time. After the determination was made, he picked the right time to release the song. “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” reached the summit of Billboard’s Country Singles Chart on March 21, 1981.
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