The Best of All Possible Worlds (American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990)

About to song

Kris Kristofferson’s “Best of All Possible Worlds”: A Countrypolitan Classic

Kris Kristofferson is a country music legend, known for his outlaw image and his honest, hard-hitting songwriting. One of his most beloved songs is “Best of All Possible Worlds,” a countrypolitan classic that perfectly captures the bittersweetness of life.

The song was released in 1974 as the title track of Kristofferson’s third album. It tells the story of a man who has achieved everything he thought he wanted, only to realize that he is still not happy. The song’s lyrics are full of Kristofferson’s trademark wit and wisdom, and the melody is both haunting and beautiful.

“Best of All Possible Worlds” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message. It is a reminder that happiness is not always found in the things we think we want, and that the best of all possible worlds is the one we make for ourselves.

The Song’s Meaning

“Best of All Possible Worlds” is a song about the search for happiness. The song’s protagonist has achieved everything he thought he wanted, but he is still not happy. He realizes that happiness is not found in material possessions or fame, but in the simple things in life, such as love, family, and friends.

The song’s message is one of hope. It reminds us that it is never too late to find happiness, and that the best of all possible worlds is the one we make for ourselves.

The Song’s Impact

“Best of All Possible Worlds” has had a lasting impact on country music. It is considered one of Kristofferson’s best songs, and it has been covered by many artists. The song’s message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners for generations.

Conclusion

“Best of All Possible Worlds” is a beautiful and moving song that speaks to the human condition. It is a reminder that happiness is not always found in the things we think we want, and that the best of all possible worlds is the one we make for ourselves.

Video

Lyrics

“Best Of All Possible Worlds”

 

I was runnin’ through the summer rain tryin’ to catch the evenin’ train
And kill that old familiar pain weavin’ through my tangled brain
When I tipped my bottle back I smacked into a cop I didn’t see
That policeman said Mr Cool if you’re ain’t drunk then you’re a fool
I said if that’s against the law tell me why I never saw
A man locked in that jail of yours who wasn’t just as lowdown poor as me
Well that was when someone turned out the lights
And I wound up in jail to spend the night
And dream of all the wine and lonely girls in this best of all possible worldsWell I woke up next morning feelin’ like my head was gone
And like my thick old tongue was lickin’ somethin’ sick and wrong
And I told that man I’d sell my soul for somethin’ wet and cold as that old cell
That kindly jailer grinned at me all eaten up with sympathy
Then poured himself another beer and came and whispered in my ear
‘If booze was just a dime a bottle, boy, you couldn’t even buy the smell’
I said I knew there was somethin’ I liked about this town
But it takes more than that to bring me down down down
Cause there’s still a lot of wine and lonely girls in this best of all possible worlds

Well they finally came and told me they was a gonna set me free
And I’d be leavin’ town if I knew what was good for me
I said it’s nice to learn that everybody’s so concerned about my health
I said I won’t be leavin’ no more quicker than I can
Cause I’ve enjoyed about as much of this as I can stand
And I don’t need this town of yours more than I’ve never needed nothing else
Cause there’s still a lotta drinks that I ain’t drunk
Lots of pretty thoughts that I ain’t thunk, oh yeah
Lord there’s still so many lonely girls in this best of all possible worlds

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