They called him an outlaw
When he broke that Nashville sound
But thank the Lord for the music
He was hanging in there and around
Listening to him singing
Has brought me so much pleasure
So here's to Willie Nelson boys
An American National Treasure
He tells it as he sees it
In his own special way
Battered old guitar that's
Seen many a better day
Only the truth here boys
None of those sweet lies
With that voice of an angel
But with that devil in his eyes
He formed the Highwaymen
With Johnny and Waylon and Kris
I've got a video of their concert
A live occasion I sadly had to miss
But I watch them over and over
Legends on my TV screen
The greatest country super group
This sad worlds has ever seen
He tells it as he sees it
In his own special way
Battered old guitar that's
Seen many a better day
Only the truth here boys
None of those sweet lies
With that voice of an angel
But with that devil in his eyes
Waylon went on before them
Johnny followed before too long
Two pioneering spirits
Who'd filled their world with song
But Old Willie is still with us
Still there raising the cheers
Oh let him sing and prosper
For many more creative years
He tells it as he sees it
In his own special way
Battered old guitar that's
Seen many a better day
Only the truth here boys
None of those sweet lies
With that voice of an angel
But with that devil in his eyes