Introduction
Willie Nelson’s “Something You Get Through”
In the vast and storied catalog of Willie Nelson, certain songs stand out not for their commercial success but for their profound wisdom and quiet strength. “Something You Get Through,” a track from his 2017 album God’s Problem Child, is a powerful example. Penned by Nelson himself and his longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon, the song is a direct and unflinching meditation on grief and resilience. It’s not a song about overcoming loss with a sudden burst of happiness; instead, it’s a gentle, realistic acknowledgment that some sorrows don’t disappear—they simply become a part of you, something you learn to live with.
The song’s lyrics are deceptively simple, but they carry the weight of a life well-lived and the wisdom that comes with it. Nelson’s weathered voice, full of character and a knowing weariness, delivers lines like “There’s no such thing as getting over it / Something you get through” with a quiet certainty. He doesn’t offer false hope or an easy solution. Instead, he offers a deep sense of shared humanity, letting the listener know that their pain is valid and that it’s okay for it to linger. This perspective is a radical departure from the often-upbeat narratives of moving on found in pop culture.
Musically, the song is classic Willie: sparse, intimate, and centered on his signature guitar, Trigger. The aural landscape is stripped down, allowing the raw, emotional truth of the lyrics to shine through without distraction. The unhurried pace and gentle melody feel like a conversation with a wise old friend, someone who has seen it all and understands the silent battles we face. “Something You Get Through” is more than a song about grief; it’s a quiet testament to the enduring human spirit, a beautiful and honest piece of art that offers solace not through easy answers, but through profound understanding. It’s a song that reminds us that healing isn’t always about moving on, but about finding a way to carry the memories with grace.