You Don't Tell Me What To Do

Album: Feeling Mortal (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This resolutely uncompromising track tells its own story. Kristofferson told UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph: "The message in that song has been a real part of my life, because I've certainly gone my own way and spoken my own words. Looking back on my career now, I'm really kind of amazed by it all. Standing up on stage with Johnny Cash, Waylon [Jennings] and Willie [Nelson] as [1980s supergroup] The Highwaymen, all singing together and acting like equals, was pretty heady stuff. So it feels like I did something right. It's really been a fantastic journey."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Keith Reid of Procol Harum

Keith Reid of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

As Procol Harum's lyricist, Keith wrote the words to "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." We delve into that song and find out how you can form a band when you don't sing or play an instrument.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.