Covers I Hope Willie Nelson Will Make: Songs That Would Be Incredible with His Touch

 As one of the most iconic figures in country music, Willie Nelson has shown time and time again that he’s capable of reinterpreting a song and making it his own in ways that transcend the original. His covers of "The Scientist" by Coldplay and "My Way" by Frank Sinatra prove that no genre is out of reach for him. At 90 years old, Willie is still making music, and it’s hard not to imagine the incredible covers he could take on if he chose to tackle songs from other genres that have become modern classics. There’s something magical about hearing Willie’s weathered, soulful voice bring new life to songs that have already become iconic in their own right.

Here are a few covers that I would absolutely love to hear from Willie Nelson, and I’m sure many others would, too. While it’s uncertain whether Willie will ever record these, just imagining his voice on these tracks is enough to send chills down the spine.

1. "Everybody's Changing" by Keane
   Keane’s "Everybody’s Changing" has such a haunting, emotional quality to it. Willie Nelson’s ability to turn even the most modern-sounding tracks into heartfelt, introspective ballads would give this song a new sense of weight. Imagine his voice carrying the themes of time passing, uncertainty, and change—something that feels so timeless and relevant to Willie’s own life journey.

2. "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane
   This song is full of longing and nostalgia, a perfect fit for Willie’s deep, reflective voice. The acoustic-driven melody of "Somewhere Only We Know" would suit Willie’s style beautifully. He could bring a country-folk flavor to the track while still capturing the emotional vulnerability of the original.

3. "Hate Me" by Blue October
   "Hate Me" by Blue October is a heartbreaking song about regret and the end of a relationship. Willie Nelson’s voice, weathered with experience, could lend the song a new level of poignancy and intimacy. His subtle phrasing and emotional delivery would make this song feel like a deeply personal confession.

4. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
   The Killers’ "Mr. Brightside" is an upbeat, infectious track, but beneath its lively surface, it’s a song about jealousy, insecurity, and heartbreak. I can’t help but imagine Willie’s country twist on this track—turning it into a melancholic reflection on emotional turmoil. With his unique spin, Willie could bring out a different kind of raw vulnerability in "Mr. Brightside."

5. "Into the Ocean" by Blue October
   Another song by Blue October, "Into the Ocean" is emotionally intense, dealing with themes of despair and emotional numbness. Willie Nelson could give this song a more reflective, meditative quality. His ability to bring warmth to even the darkest material could transform this track into a poignant exploration of both personal struggle and hope.

6. "Happier" by Guster
   "Happier" by Guster is a song that blends melancholy with a sense of resignation and moving forward. Willie Nelson’s voice could bring an incredible sense of wisdom to this track, making it feel like a reflection on the inevitable ups and downs of life. His delivery would perfectly match the bittersweet tone of the song, infusing it with the right amount of emotional depth.

7. "Demons" by Guster
   "Demons" by Guster is a song about facing personal demons, and it carries a sense of vulnerability that I think Willie Nelson could elevate. He could bring a country-folk rhythm and style to it, transforming the track into a slow, soulful ballad. Willie’s seasoned voice would lend an authenticity to this song, making it feel like a personal anthem for anyone who has wrestled with their inner struggles.

8. "Californication" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
   "Californication" is a song that touches on themes of longing, loss, and the dark side of fame and culture. Willie Nelson’s stripped-back, acoustic style would add an entirely different dimension to the song. With his voice, the track could become an introspective meditation on the pursuit of happiness, fame, and the price we pay for it.

9. "Not Alone" by RED
   "Not Alone" by RED is a powerful, emotional song about fighting through pain and not giving up. Willie Nelson could take this hard rock anthem and reimagine it as a soulful, country ballad. His ability to convey both vulnerability and strength would make this an incredibly moving cover.

10. "Numb" by Linkin Park
    "Numb" is an iconic song about frustration, self-doubt, and the feeling of being misunderstood. Willie Nelson could turn this song into a slow, heart-wrenching ballad, allowing his voice to bring out the emotional undercurrents that make this song so relatable. He could capture the sense of alienation and yearning, transforming it into something timeless and deeply moving.

11. "So Far Away" by Staind
    "So Far Away" by Staind is a poignant ballad about distance, loneliness, and longing. Willie Nelson’s voice, filled with experience and emotion, could add a new layer to this song. His interpretation could give it a sense of hope, as if reflecting on a life that has seen its fair share of heartache but has found peace in its own way.

12. "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed
    This song is about the hope and joy of becoming a parent, but Willie Nelson could turn it into something more reflective, perhaps about the passage of time and the cycle of life. His version would feel less like a grand, sweeping anthem and more like a quiet, intimate meditation on life’s most precious moments.

13. "Wavin' Flag" by K’naan
    "Wavin' Flag" is a song that inspires hope and unity. Willie Nelson could bring a heartfelt, country-folk energy to it, giving the song an authenticity that connects with listeners on a deeper level. His take on the song could transform it into an anthem of personal resilience and hope that transcends borders and challenges.

And there are so many more songs I would love to hear Willie Nelson take on. His ability to reinterpret songs across genres, giving them his signature warmth and authenticity, makes him the ideal artist to tackle a diverse range of material. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an anthemic pop song, Willie has the talent to make it his own. I truly hope he sees this post and maybe, just maybe, considers taking on one of these tracks in the future. If he does, it would be nothing short of magical.