Today marks country music icon Willie Nelson's 93rd birthday, and his son Lukas Nelson, 37, a country singer in his own right, didn't let the day go by without a public tribute. In a special birthday dedication, Lukas took to Instagram and sang a moving rendition of his dad's classic 1975 song "Hands on the Wheel."
On the short Instagram video, Lukas writes a short message, "Thought I’d do part of this song as a happy birthday to dad! Happy Birthday dad! Love you." When the first line of "Hands on the Wheel" begins, we hear Willie's voice and then immediately it switches to Lukas who, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, jumps in with his own rendition of the song.
Willie Nelson released "Hands on the Wheel" on April 30, 1975, as part of his concept album Red Headed Stranger. The country song, written by Billy Callery, is widely discussed as a song about finding peace and redemption after some life on life's terms chaos, whatever that might be for the listener. The song falls at the end of Red Headed Stranger, an album that is largely about the life of an outlaw, so it serves as the perfect, reflective finale.
Related: Legendary Country Outlaw, a 8-Decade Music Pioneer, Turns 93
The "Hands on the Wheel" lyrics capture that special kind of serenity that comes with surrender: "Now my hands on the wheel / Of something that's real / And I feel like I'm goin' home."
In a fantastic interview with Texas Monthly, singer-songwriter Steve Gunn talks about what Willie Nelson's song "Hands on the Wheel" means to him (worth reading in full if you love the song and Willie's music). "To me, it’s this just incredibly beautiful love song," says Gunn. "And it’s such this deep well of emotion. I mean, it’s a real tearjerker for me. It’s hard to hold back, it’s hard to not cry when I hear this song."
Indeed! Definitely choked up a tad hearing his son Lukas sing several of the lines, including "I looked in your eyes / And I found myself in you," followed by "I feel like I'm goin' home."
Fans in the comments appreciated the shared song. Here are some highlights:
"Your dad is my all time favorite artist! Thank you for sharing him with us, and for sharing your talent with us too!""Awe man! Perfect song for today as it was when it was written. ????❤️?""Love these lyrics""At a time when the world seems to be spinnin...indeed..and yet here you are giving us your best and honoring your dad .""What a beautiful way to honor your dad, an American treasure! ♥️""So sooo good Lukas, sounding so much like your dad??My heart bursts for this 1 by him?Happiest birthdays to the ???""A favorite of mine♥️Happy Birthday Willie?❣️""Wow 93! Happy Birthday!""Happy birthday to your Dad- he’s given us so much, thanks for sharing him with us for all of the music and all of the years. ❤️""Oh Willie made a good man!"The younger Nelson makes no secret about the love and deep respect he holds for his dad online and in interviews. Sounds like a beautiful father-son relationship. Their shared love for songwriting and country music, no doubt, only draws them closer. Today, however, Lukas stayed mum about his dad and what the song "Hands on the Wheel" means to him—he just wished his dad a happy birthday and let the music say the rest. Beautiful.
Watch Lukas Nelson sing and play "Hands on the Wheel" for his dad Willie's 93rd birthday:
View this post on InstagramWatch Willie Nelson's 1976 performance of "Hands on the Wheel":
Watch Willie and Lukas Nelson sing "Hands on the Wheel" in a 2020 father-son duet:
Lukas Nelson is currently touring in support of his debut solo album, American Romance. Lukas and his dad Willie Nelson have some upcoming concert dates together, too. For dates, cities, and ticket information, visit his website: lukasnelson.com.
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