Background
“Something You Get Through” is a song performed by Willie Nelson, appearing on his 2008 album Moment of Forever. While not as widely recognized as some of his signature hits like “Crazy” or “On the Road Again,” the song holds a significant place within Nelson’s extensive discography, particularly for its poignant exploration of grief, resilience, and the passage of time. The song’s background is intertwined with themes of loss and the human capacity to endure hardship, reflecting a common thread in country music that resonates deeply with many listeners.
The album Moment of Forever, on which “Something You Get Through” appears, was produced by Buddy Cannon, a frequent collaborator with Nelson. Cannon’s production style often emphasizes the emotional core of the songs, allowing Nelson’s distinctive vocals and phrasing to take center stage. This approach is particularly evident in “Something You Get Through,” where the instrumentation is relatively sparse, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The album itself explores various themes related to life, love, and loss, providing a fitting context for a song that deals with the complexities of grief.
While specific details about the song’s writing process are not widely documented, it is understood that the song was written by Skip Ewing and Don Sampson. Both Ewing and Sampson are established songwriters in the country music industry, with extensive catalogs of songs recorded by various artists. Their combined experience in crafting emotionally resonant narratives likely contributed to the song’s powerful message. The song’s creation likely stemmed from a desire to capture the universal experience of dealing with loss and finding the strength to move forward.
The background of Willie Nelson himself also plays a role in understanding the context of “Something You Get Through.” Nelson’s long and storied career has been marked by both triumphs and personal tragedies. He has experienced the loss of close friends and family members, giving him a personal connection to the themes explored in the song. This personal experience likely informs his performance, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to his delivery. Nelson’s ability to convey raw emotion through his singing is one of his defining characteristics, and it is particularly evident in this song. The background of both the songwriters and Willie Nelson himself contributes to the song’s emotional weight and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Musical Style
“Something You Get Through” is characterized by a traditional country music style, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and heartfelt vocals. The song’s arrangement is relatively simple, featuring acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and a subtle rhythm section. This minimalist approach allows the lyrics and Nelson’s vocals to take center stage, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The instrumentation serves to support the emotional content of the song without overpowering it.
The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, creating a sense of reflection and contemplation. This pacing allows the listener to fully absorb the lyrics and connect with the emotional weight of the song’s message. The melody is gentle and melancholic, reflecting the themes of grief and loss. However, there is also an underlying sense of hope and resilience in the melody, suggesting that even in the face of hardship, there is a possibility for healing and moving forward.
Willie Nelson’s vocal delivery is a key element of the song’s musical style. His distinctive phrasing, marked by its gentle vibrato and emotional sincerity, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the song. Nelson’s voice carries a sense of weariness and wisdom, reflecting the experiences of a life well-lived. This quality is particularly effective in conveying the song’s message of enduring hardship and finding the strength to carry on.
The use of steel guitar in the song’s arrangement is a characteristic element of traditional country music. The steel guitar’s mournful tone adds to the song’s melancholic atmosphere, further emphasizing the themes of loss and grief. However, the steel guitar also provides moments of gentle beauty, suggesting the possibility of finding solace and comfort in the midst of sorrow. The musical style of “Something You Get Through” effectively combines traditional country elements with Nelson’s unique vocal style to create a deeply moving and emotionally resonant listening experience. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the song’s core message to shine through, making it a powerful and impactful piece.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Something You Get Through” are central to its emotional impact and its ability to connect with listeners who have experienced loss. The song’s central theme revolves around the idea that grief and hardship are experiences that, while painful, can be endured and ultimately overcome. The opening lines immediately establish this theme, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics don’t shy away from acknowledging the pain of loss, but they also offer a message of hope and resilience.
The lyrics use simple and direct language to convey complex emotions. This simplicity allows the song to connect with a wide range of listeners, regardless of their background or experiences. The lyrics avoid overly poetic or abstract language, instead focusing on expressing universal emotions in a clear and accessible way. This directness contributes to the song’s emotional power, making it a deeply moving and relatable piece.
The chorus of the song provides a message of comfort and reassurance. The lines “It’s something you get through / It’s a heartache, it’s a truth / It’s a lesson learned, it’s something you get through” offer a sense of hope and the promise of healing. These lines suggest that while grief is a painful experience, it is not an insurmountable one. The repetition of the phrase “something you get through” reinforces this message of resilience and the possibility of moving forward.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of time and its role in healing. The passage of time is presented as a crucial element in the process of grieving, suggesting that with time, the pain will lessen and the healing process will begin. This theme offers a sense of comfort and reassurance to those who are currently experiencing loss, reminding them that the pain will not last forever. The lyrics of “Something You Get Through” offer a powerful and poignant exploration of grief, resilience, and the healing power of time. Their simplicity and directness contribute to the song’s emotional impact and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Cultural Impact
While “Something You Get Through” may not be one of Willie Nelson’s most commercially successful or widely known songs, it has had a significant impact on those who have connected with its message. The song’s themes of grief, resilience, and the passage of time resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced loss, providing a sense of comfort and understanding during difficult times. Its cultural impact is more personal and intimate than that of a chart-topping hit, but it is nonetheless significant.
The song’s appearance on the album Moment of Forever contributed to its reach, exposing it to Nelson’s dedicated fanbase. The album itself explored similar themes of life, love, and loss, providing a fitting context for “Something You Get Through.” The song’s placement within the album’s tracklist further enhanced its emotional impact, creating a cohesive and moving listening experience.
“Something You Get Through” has likely found its way into the personal soundtracks of many individuals who have experienced grief. Its message of hope and resilience offers a source of comfort and strength during times of sorrow. The song’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level is a testament to its emotional power and its enduring message.
The song’s cultural impact is also reflected in its ability to spark conversations about grief and loss. By openly addressing these difficult topics, the song encourages dialogue and provides a sense of shared experience. This can be particularly valuable for those who are struggling with grief, as it can help them feel less alone in their experiences. While not a massive cultural phenomenon, the song has carved a niche for itself as a source of comfort and solace for those navigating loss, solidifying its quiet yet potent cultural impact.
Conclusion
“Something You Get Through” is a powerful and poignant song that explores the universal themes of grief, resilience, and the passage of time. Its background, rooted in the experiences of both the songwriters and Willie Nelson himself, contributes to its emotional depth and authenticity. The musical style, characterized by traditional country instrumentation and Nelson’s heartfelt vocals, creates a deeply moving listening experience. The lyrics, simple yet profound, offer a message of hope and comfort to those who are experiencing loss.
While not a mainstream hit, “Something You Get Through” has had a significant impact on those who have connected with its message. Its ability to provide comfort and understanding during times of sorrow is a testament to its emotional power and enduring message. The song stands as a reminder of the human capacity to endure hardship and find the strength to move forward, making it a valuable and meaningful piece within Willie Nelson’s extensive discography. Its quiet impact on individual listeners solidifies its place as a song of solace and resilience, a testament to the power of music to heal and comfort.