Willie Nelson has released a new cover of The Flaming Lips’ fan favorite “Do You Realize??” It will appear on his upcoming album, Last Leaf on the Tree. Stream it below.
Nelson’s interpretation of “Do You Realize??” stays more grounded than the original, layering a piano and harmonica with acoustic guitar and stark vocals. Knowing that his son, Micah Nelson, produced the project with the theme of “facing death with grace” adds deeper meaning to lyrics like, “Instead of saying all of your goodbyes, let them know/ You realize that life goes fast.”
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The Flaming Lips released “Do You Realize??” in 2002 as the first single from their beloved album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band is currently touring with Weezer (get tickets here).
Meanwhile, Last Leaf on the Tree is out on November 1st and also features Nelson’s cover of “Last Leaf” by Tom Waits. Vinyl and CD pre-orders are ongoing.
Nelson has a handful of remaining shows for 2024. His schedule includes the final date of his traveling Outlaw Music Festival on September 20th and this year’s Farm Aid benefit concert, which will also feature performances from Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Mavis Staples, and more. Grab your seats here.