Book
Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road
📖 Overview
Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die captures Willie Nelson's memories, observations, and stories from his decades-long career in music. The memoir combines diary entries, family recollections, and personal philosophies from the country music legend.
The book features rare family photographs and original artwork by Willie's son Micah Nelson, along with a foreword by Kinky Friedman. Family members and close collaborators contribute their perspectives throughout the narrative, adding depth to Willie's personal history.
This 2012 release follows Nelson's previous books The Tao of Willie and The Facts of Life: And Other Dirty Jokes. The memoir reached the New York Times Best Sellers List shortly after publication, demonstrating Nelson's enduring appeal as both musician and storyteller.
The narrative touches on universal themes of family, creativity, and personal freedom while offering an intimate look at one of American music's most distinctive voices.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a scattered collection of memories, jokes, and thoughts from Willie Nelson, reading like casual conversations rather than a structured memoir.
Readers appreciated:
- Personal anecdotes about fellow musicians
- Nelson's humor and laid-back storytelling style
- Family photos and illustrations
- Short chapters that make for easy reading
Common criticisms:
- Lack of organization and focus
- Repetitive stories that appear in his other books
- Too brief treatment of interesting topics
- Feels rushed and superficial
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,400+ ratings)
Several readers noted the book reads like "sitting on Willie's bus listening to him talk." Others found it "rambling and disjointed." One reviewer said: "If you're looking for a deep dive into Willie's life, this isn't it. But if you want to spend a few hours with a friendly storyteller, you'll enjoy this."
📚 Similar books
Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash
A firsthand account of life on the road, musical legacy, and personal struggles from another country music icon who shaped American culture.
Broken Horses: A Memoir by Brandi Carlile The story of a musician's path from rural poverty to stardom, filled with tales of touring, songwriting, and finding purpose through music.
Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan A non-linear journey through pivotal moments in the life of a legendary songwriter who changed the face of American music.
Life by Keith Richards, James Fox The Rolling Stones guitarist shares stories of music-making, touring life, and rock and roll experiences across five decades.
Just Kids by Patti Smith A memoir of artistic development, friendship, and survival in New York City during the birth of punk rock and poetry movements.
Broken Horses: A Memoir by Brandi Carlile The story of a musician's path from rural poverty to stardom, filled with tales of touring, songwriting, and finding purpose through music.
Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan A non-linear journey through pivotal moments in the life of a legendary songwriter who changed the face of American music.
Life by Keith Richards, James Fox The Rolling Stones guitarist shares stories of music-making, touring life, and rock and roll experiences across five decades.
Just Kids by Patti Smith A memoir of artistic development, friendship, and survival in New York City during the birth of punk rock and poetry movements.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎸 Willie Nelson wrote much of the book while touring on his bus "Honeysuckle Rose," which has logged over 8 million miles since he first acquired it.
🌿 The book's title comes from Nelson's own instructions for his desired funeral arrangements, reflecting his well-known advocacy for marijuana legalization.
📝 Each chapter opens with a joke or humorous saying, many collected by Nelson during his decades on the road performing at small venues across America.
👨👦 The artwork featured in the book was created by Micah Nelson under his artist name "Particle Kid," showcasing a unique father-son collaboration.
🎵 The memoir includes Nelson's reflections on writing "On the Road Again" in 1979, which he originally scribbled on an airline barf bag while flying with director Jerry Schatzberg.