Introduction
Willie Nelson’s “He Won’t Ever Be Gone” is a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and fellow country music legend, Merle Haggard. Released on April 6, 2017, the song coincided with the one-year anniversary of Haggard’s passing and was featured as the closing track on Nelson’s album God’s Problem Child, which came out on April 28, 2017.
The song was written by Gary Nicholson and captures the deep bond between Nelson and Haggard. It reflects on their shared history, including their musical collaborations and personal friendship. The lyrics express the sentiment that while Haggard may have passed away, his influence and legacy in country music remain enduring.
The accompanying music video for “He Won’t Ever Be Gone” features footage of Nelson recording the song, interspersed with clips of Haggard and Nelson’s past collaborations, highlighting the profound connection between the two artists.
“He Won’t Ever Be Gone” serves as a poignant reminder of Haggard’s lasting impact on country music and the enduring friendship between two of its most iconic figures.