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Willie Nelson — Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
Album: The Essential Willie Nelson
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1888









Released: 1980
Length: 4:24
Plays (last 30 days): 3
If you had not've fallen
Then I would not've found you
Angel flying too close to the ground

And I patched up your broken wing
And hung around awhile
Trying to keep your spirits up
And your fever down

I knew someday you would fly away
For love's the greatest healer to be found
So leave me if you need to
I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
I'd rather see you up than see you down
So leave me if you need to
I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

Leave me if you need to
I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Comments (128)add comment
Thanks William...you are killing it this afternoon!!
 LaurieinTucson wrote:
Try to help her learn to fly….again 


 jelgator wrote:

This song is why I love Radio Paradise.


This song is one of the reasons I love Willie Nelson
 moonridge2001 wrote:

Make this noise stop please...



You first...
It's 8 AM, I'm three songs into listening to Radio Paradise and I'm already on the verge of tears.
Sometimes a song hits you really hard. Even though I've heard this song for so many years. Tonight it grabbed my heart and broke it open.
Thanks Bill....
 zepher wrote:

Willie is a National Treasure.  Angel flying too close to the ground.... Seven Spanish Angels.... Poncho and Lefty - are some of the finest songs ever.



Don't forget Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain, and the whole Red-Headed Stranger Album!
Love his 'somewhat worn' Martin guitar.  Killer tone and great luthier to maintain it. 


Trigger is the Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar used by country music singer-songwriter Willie Nelson.



 freemusic wrote:
PUZZLE of the DAY:   
What is the secret X factor, that allows someone with as little raw talent as a singer at least, for all of us to really enjoy listening to him, and others lacking skills as well.  
There are many other singers that are "untalented" in some way, such as  Leonard Cohen, (later in life), Frank Sinatra , John Waite, Louis Armstrong.  (Some like Sinatra took many decades for me to like, evidently as BillG did as well. )

There's really is a passion that comes through from most all the greats, that makes up for their lack of raw talent.  Conversely, many great singers can't cut it, and are too boring for anyone to care to listen to.  
Thoughts?


Willie's phrasing, in this case. All you mentioned are so unique that they stand out.
Micky Rafeal is one of the finest harmonica player full stop
Willie has only used him for harmonica.
i just saw Willie last night in Asheville NC, and he played this song. Simply amazing ❤️
 nelsonha wrote:

Willie Nelson is a treasure! 



You bet your ass he is..
Willie Nelson is a treasure! 
Make this noise stop please...
PUZZLE of the DAY:   
What is the secret X factor, that allows someone with as little raw talent as a singer at least, for all of us to really enjoy listening to him, and others lacking skills as well.  
There are many other singers that are "untalented" in some way, such as  Leonard Cohen, (later in life), Frank Sinatra , John Waite, Louis Armstrong.  (Some like Sinatra took many decades for me to like, evidently as BillG did as well. )

There's really is a passion that comes through from most all the greats, that makes up for their lack of raw talent.  Conversely, many great singers can't cut it, and are too boring for anyone to care to listen to.  
Thoughts?
He began to sing long ago
Give's his heart to many,
his soul to all we know
He'll sing through
Infinity, those two,
Willie and Tigger
a perfect show
only bigger

cantdowoU 
This one....
You lost me at Beto.
Classic country at its finest. Originally released in 1980. The song craft was pretty special. I can't believe I hadn't rated this previously, easy 10 for the tune itself, influence on music, and longevity, IMHO!
always makes me cry
 LizK wrote:
Willie at his best.  I wanna go home to Texas.{#Cowboy}


Liz...    agreed.    Linda Thomson once said that Willie didn't have the best set of pipes..  but man can he sing a song  !  
Willie at his best.  I wanna go home to Texas.{#Cowboy}
I'd enjoy a ride in Willie's tour bus...
 justin4kick wrote:


That would be for Bo Diddley, he's down the hall and to the left.
 DigitalJer wrote:

Some artists just keep on surprising me.

This song reminds my of my daughter...lost in a bitter divorce, we haven't spoken in many, many years.


I'm going+1 to 9 in hopes that extra positivity helps your daughter situation; good vibes or something like that.

Long Live RP and remembering it's never too late until it is!!
Watched that documentary about ACL, and Willie features in that significantly. He is an American legend. I love his work.
 pinto wrote:

Wow!  Love hearing Willie on RP.  Bill, I notice you've got 14 Willie songs in your library, another 22 by Johnny Cash, and 2 from Merle Haggard.   I'm guessing they don't get much play here (other than Johnny Cash), but I encourage you to bring 'em out of the shadows.  Let's hear a few more classics from these great artists from time to time.    LLRP.

obligatory "me too" post. Anything off of Stardust is worthy of air time.


 nelsonha wrote:

I get goosebumps when I hear Willie Nelson sing!


Loving his son Lukas' stuff too.  
I get goosebumps when I hear Willie Nelson sing!
Ahhh .... listening to Willie on a relaxing Saturday afternoon, north of Houston ... perfect
Funny thing is, I never really 'heard' Willie Nelson before hearing him here, on RP. 
I think RP's eclecticism broadens your appreciation of whatever follows any piece.
Thanks, Bill & Rebecca, for opening my ears to new-old treasures.


 penn07 wrote:
Cant sing dont see what people see in this.
 
I think your ears are plugged, have you a good doctor to get them checked?
I have fond memories of a Willie Nelson concert in the Salt Palace, SLC in February 1980.
Must be gettin' old.
Cant sing dont see what people see in this.
Really a great voice to hear on RP at this time; so comforting and familiar.
Some STRONG lyrics on this one... 
Moving.  10.

Another quantum job for me - both a 1 and a 10 at the same time.
Wow!  Love hearing Willie on RP.  Bill, I notice you've got 14 Willie songs in your library, another 22 by Johnny Cash, and 2 from Merle Haggard.   I'm guessing they don't get much play here (other than Johnny Cash), but I encourage you to bring 'em out of the shadows.  Let's hear a few more classics from these great artists from time to time.    LLRP.
Read his Wiki page; specifically on 'Activism' and you will realize what an exceptional human being he truly is.

Thanks Willie,
Love Louie
This song is why I love Radio Paradise.
 SpencerAR wrote:
I never knew what he looked like when he was younger, or when he didn't have a ponytail
 
Pigtails not a ponytail.
 LaurieinTucson wrote:

you should tell her this
 
truest words!
I never knew what he looked like when he was younger, or when he didn't have a ponytail
 Hannio wrote:


I x-rayed Willie's mother at Brackenridge Hospital, sometime around 1976.  Willie was waiting out in the hall.  If I'd known he was going to get so famous, I would have asked for an autograph. 


 
Well that right there tells you what a class act he is....taking his mom to the hospital and all....good for him....sorry you didn't get the autograph though I bet you enjoy the story more than a signature....this one's an 8 to me....Long Live RP!!

And if I were to edit his Wiki article, it'd be something like this:


Occupation: Singer, songwriter, musician, actor, producer, author, poet, activist, Pot Smoker!
Gotta love Willie!
Must be something wrong with my tastes.... 

but I like Willie.   This song is just fine.  
stunning guitar sound
Gave it a one brave willie just sucks
This really sucks!
Willie is indeed a national treasure & a fabulous musician still, now into his 80's, still touring.  Check out his sons' band The Promise of the Real. They've been Neil Young's touring band for awhile now.
 (Banned) wrote:


I love Dylan too, but he had nothing to do with this song, you idiot!  
 
Dylan did cover this.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2exDYfESFAM

 RabbitEars wrote:
This is OK but Dylan's version feels more emotionally authentic.
 

I love Dylan too, but he had nothing to do with this song, you idiot!  
Truly no way to rate this gem...
God, I love Willie Nelson.  Thank you!
This is OK but Dylan's version feels more emotionally authentic.
Not my usual type of song and not listened to Willie much but after this track will need to dig some more out. Certainly did move me.
just yesterday played this song on guitar)
p.s. performance by Willie's son Lukas in Netflix movie Paradox (2018) is amazing!   
I regret that I just don't get the love of Willie Nelson's music at all. I have to chock it up to personal taste. This song is only interesting to me as a set up for the song that follows in the set by Death Cab.
Willie is a National Treasure.  Angel flying too close to the ground.... Seven Spanish Angels.... Poncho and Lefty - are some of the finest songs ever.
 saellig668552 wrote:
Not a big willie afficionado myself, - but this (otherwise too sweet for me)  song was and will always be a rememberance to the greatest man ever walked this planet, my dad! Many years before getting sick and before loosing his once absolute kind and  bright mind to dementia - he was already wishing, that this tune will be played on his funeral (along with kristoffersons sunday morning coming down).

which we did to the tears and pleasure for everybody there who could salute him durig theese minutes

dad i think of right now!
so thanks to put this on the
playlist! 

 

 

Such a lovely remembrance!


Please play more Willie Nelson!  {#Hearteyes}
 saellig668552 wrote:
Not a big willie afficionado myself, - but this (otherwise too sweet for me)  song was and will always be a rememberance to the greatest man ever walked this planet, my dad! Many years before getting sick and before loosing his once absolute kind and  bright mind to dementia - he was already wishing, that this tune will be played on his funeral (along with kristoffersons sunday morning coming down).

which we did to the tears and pleasure for everybody there who could salute him durig theese minutes

dad i think of right now!
so thanks to put this on the
playlist! 

 

 
Music is amazing this way. 
 dano995775324 wrote:
Funny how we can see things so differently, I on the other hand think the guitar and his chilling voice that adds such emotion to this song. Haven't we all known of an Angel out there, a good soul out there on the edge of uncertainty?  

 
I agree, I enjoy his voice and the unique sound of his nylon string guitar.
Not a big willie afficionado myself, - but this (otherwise too sweet for me)  song was and will always be a rememberance to the greatest man ever walked this planet, my dad! Many years before getting sick and before loosing his once absolute kind and  bright mind to dementia - he was already wishing, that this tune will be played on his funeral (along with kristoffersons sunday morning coming down).

which we did to the tears and pleasure for everybody there who could salute him durig theese minutes

dad i think of right now!
so thanks to put this on the
playlist! 

 
 Tombanjo wrote:
Hmmm...mediocre guitar playing, singing...but oh boy, what a great song and performance!

It’s not about the technique, but the emotion behind it. 

  Funny how we can see things so differently, I on the other hand think the guitar and his chilling voice that adds such emotion to this song. Haven't we all known of an Angel out there, a good soul out there on the edge of uncertainty?  


 Tombanjo wrote:
Hmmm...mediocre guitar playing, singing...but oh boy, what a great song and performance!

It’s not about the technique, but the emotion behind it. 

 
I would disagree. The guitar playing is proper for a ballad such as this. His voice works here (it often doesn't). This is a classic and deserves much more than a 6.6 rating.
And this from a critic who dislikes the vast majority of country music.
 
 DigitalJer wrote:
Some artists just keep on surprising me.

This song reminds my of my daughter...lost in a bitter divorce, we haven't spoken in many, many years.

 
you should tell her this
not really known for his looks,
but man is he hot in this picture 
Some artists just keep on surprising me.

This song reminds my of my daughter...lost in a bitter divorce, we haven't spoken in many, many years.
 Tombanjo wrote:
Hmmm...mediocre guitar playing, singing...but oh boy, what a great song and performance!

It’s not about the technique, but the emotion behind it. 

 
Hear, hear!
Hmmm...mediocre guitar playing, singing...but oh boy, what a great song and performance!

It’s not about the technique, but the emotion behind it. 
Spent many, many nights at the Austin Opry House back in the day, and saw Willie perform there countless times.  Never a bad show from this music icon and only the best memories from those magical years I spent in my favorite city.
 UhlainOKC wrote:
I attended (one of) Willie's daughter's wedding(s), she married a man in Eureka Springs, AR. I was 8 in 1988. It was the first time I saw my mom smoke pot...

I also spent the majority of my day riding skateboards down the rocky driveway with her son... haha 

 

I x-rayed Willie's mother at Brackenridge Hospital, sometime around 1976.  Willie was waiting out in the hall.  If I'd known he was going to get so famous, I would have asked for an autograph. 


Amazing songwriter, Country Dylan....

Read the lyrics, listen to the Music....

... This song will be played and covered long after we all are dust in the wind  - "here tomorrow gone today" - segway to Bruce Cockburn?


love love love willie  {#Biggrin}
What WAS I thinking last time I rated this a 2 ?!?!  Just changed it to a 1 (sucko barfo).  Ugh.
Man, sometimes these comments are dangerous. Now I can hear a dog howling in time with Willie Nelson IN MY MIND.
I attended (one of) Willie's daughter's wedding(s), she married a man in Eureka Springs, AR. I was 8 in 1988. It was the first time I saw my mom smoke pot...

I also spent the majority of my day riding skateboards down the rocky driveway with her son... haha 
damn this is that smoky-bar kinda song alright, A1 cool that makes me long to be in a dark dive, smoking allowed (hell it's encouraged), one old tube tv up in the corner with a hanger wire antenna, playing a bad-picture black and white show of some kind, old angels sipping' their drinks, tears roll down your cheeks with the remembrances of those lost ones...
 sfearll wrote:

so true, Michael... we saw him at the Greek Theatre a few weeks ago, and while I was expecting that they just kinda propped him up and he picked a little and sang a little, it was just the opposite.  He sang for about 90 minutes, was the ONLY guitar on stage, and commanded the performance through an astounding repertoire of music.  To hear him interpret other modern songs, such as The Muppets' "Rainbow Connection" or Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe," is a revelation. 

 
I saw him a couple years ago at The Backyard. From the first notes of Whiskey River, his performance was like 'the rest of you on stage, try to keep up with me'. At the rate he's going he'll outlive all of us.

One of his daughters, Amy Nelson, is in a very fun little band called 'Folk Uke'. They were on before Willie and Paula. Very funny and talented. A particularly memorable ditty of theirs is '$hit Makes the Flowers Grow'. 
 Troutnskibum wrote:
This song needs a dog howling in the background. That would make it complete.

 
I feel like I should be in some smoky bar in some dusty cow town in order to listen to this. 

It would also help to be really trashed.

{#Drunk} 
 michaelkh wrote:

It always strikes me as interesting that so much effort is spent talking about his politics or his pot-smoking, when what is really significant about Willie Nelson is that nobody sings, plays guitar, or interprets songs like him. Not even close. His guitar playing, in particular, is totally distinctive, and only a small part of that is his distinctive choice of equipment. It is utterly non-conformist and completely matches his personality and his delivery.

 
so true, Michael... we saw him at the Greek Theatre a few weeks ago, and while I was expecting that they just kinda propped him up and he picked a little and sang a little, it was just the opposite.  He sang for about 90 minutes, was the ONLY guitar on stage, and commanded the performance through an astounding repertoire of music.  To hear him interpret other modern songs, such as The Muppets' "Rainbow Connection" or Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe," is a revelation. 
This is such sweet music to my ears.  Willie never gets old!{#Angel}
I was going to post something, then I remembered the Thumper rule:
https://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqsg5bCEAG1qetpbso1_500.png
 unclehud wrote:
No one plays guitar like Willie.

 
It always strikes me as interesting that so much effort is spent talking about his politics or his pot-smoking, when what is really significant about Willie Nelson is that nobody sings, plays guitar, or interprets songs like him. Not even close. His guitar playing, in particular, is totally distinctive, and only a small part of that is his distinctive choice of equipment. It is utterly non-conformist and completely matches his personality and his delivery.
Meeeehhhh. Great achievement here in Philly: managed to get through the song without taking the headphones off...  The howling dog comment further down nailed it!

But no worries Radio Paradise still rocks !!!
 Troutnskibum wrote:
This song needs a dog howling in the background. That would make it complete.

 
I love this song, but that comment really cracks me up.
Songwriter. Singer. Protestor. American. Willie.

 
Awful!
This song needs a dog howling in the background. That would make it complete.
I used a version of this in a retrospective wedding video once. 
Willie is an amazing songwriter.




Saw him last weekend at Floore's Country Store in Helotes. Better yet, Billy Joe Shaver opened!

Some young guy behind us wondered aloud what song he would play first. Noob. 
Love me some Willie Nelson.  play on!!
{#Cool}
o i have loved this song for such a long time
 toterola wrote:
This man has never stooped or bowed, never used a "formula", never kissed up to anybody. He's an unapologetic pot smoker, a Liberal, and he does more to mentor his fellow musicians than just about anyone.

And he loves and cares for his family and manufactures his own private brand of biodiesel.

Hats off, folks. You're in the presence of greatness. {#Cheers}

 
Right On toterola!  (I'm gonna guzzle down some Lone Star and cheer this fab comment, Cheers!)

Willie is an American musical treasure!

and I am Canadian :-)

my new fav song of his book...


 Zocket wrote:
Only Bill would match this to The Wailin' Jennys.  Good show.

 
This is the kind of inspired programming that keeps me right here with RP. Thanks, Bill.
 Zocket wrote:
Only Bill would match this to The Wailin' Jennys.  Good show.

 
yes, perfect...
Only Bill would match this to The Wailin' Jennys.  Good show.
 melzabutch wrote:


 no bogart , he
Sooooo great! Luv Willies style! Thanks Bill
 katzendogs wrote:

it was 81 or 82 New Years in the dome. my first year in Texas and my friend recorded it.
 

 
I was there!  somewhere in the nosebleed section. I was NOT the desperate girl who walked into the men's & got arrested when she exited.   There is no one like Willie.

{#Guitarist}{#Sunny} living proof the I.R.S. is the enemy of the people......
Lovely!
 
No one plays guitar like Willie.
Gorgeous song for a gorgeous morning here....aahhh.
Also, he clearly looks like young(er) Russel Crowe.  


Way to go Bill.  You've hit the nail on the head again.  :-)
Beautiful song.  There's a live version of it on one of his Greatest Hits discs.  So good.  
 LizK wrote:
Willie appeared on my horizon on 1974, when I arrived in Houston. Did a concert at a dirt racetrack in Denton. Cold, smokey from the tire fires, the event gave Willie & Waylon a good time partaking of a bit of Wild Turkey. And then there was a 4th of July birthday party, when the temp went over 100. And....  Texans love Willie.

 
it was 81 or 82 New Years in the dome. my first year in Texas and my friend recorded it.
 
 agd3 wrote:
I see the Kevin Spacey but you have to shave Willie's head.

 
"Ah couldn't possibly comment."

Kevin Spacey as Congressman Frank Underwood in  

"House of Cards", y'all, on Netflix. Dark but gripping and compelling. Not Willie's kind of place. 
 
I see the Kevin Spacey but you have to shave Willie's head.
 Tana wrote:
Is it a coincidence that this young picture of Willie Nelson bears a strong resemblance to Eddie Vedder?

 
Eddie spent a lot of hard earned cash perfecting that look. True dat.
I'm not a country fan (mainly cuz pop-country is no better than any pop music) but I would have to classify Willie as true American folk, and I find myself liking it.  And I absolutely LOVE the Countryman reggae album.  Regarding the album cover, not sure about the Eddie Vedder resemblance, but, as Bill suggested, I *do* see some Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges, too.  
Bill, sitting in a sunny London (England) garden just heard Willie Nelson, real old school, I think you and I are of a similar vintage, me 1946, you a bit younger sorry!!, so I think i am just about old enough to enjoy his music.
Willie appeared on my horizon on 1974, when I arrived in Texas. Did a concert at a dirt racetrack in Denton. Cold, smokey from the tire fires, the event gave Willie & Waylon a good time partaking of a bit of Wild Turkey. And then there was a 4th of July birthday party, when the temp went over 100. And....  Texans love Willie.
too kitschy
More Willie, please!