Country Meets Cosmic: Hear Willie Nelson’s Tender Cover Of The Flaming Lips’ ‘Do You Realize??’

Willie Nelson released his take on The Flaming Lips‘ 2002 song “Do You Realize??” The cover is featured on the outlaw country icon’s forthcoming album, Last Leaf On The Tree.

Produced and curated by Willie’s son Micah Nelson, Last Leaf On The Tree arrives on November 1 via Sony Legacy. The 14-track collection marks Nelson’s second album of 2024 and 152nd of his legendary career. At age 91, Willie focused on songs about “facing death with grace,” Micah explained.

“Do You Realize??” is one of several covers Willie recorded for his new album. Others include Neil Young’s “Are You Ready For The Country?,” Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart,” Robbie Robertson’s “Broken Arrow” and Beck’s “Lost Cause.” Willie Nelson previously previewed the set with his take on Tom Waits' “Last Leaf.”

The Flaming Lips’ frontman Wayne Coyne and guitarist Steven Drozd discussed Nelson’s version of their song in a video accompanying the cover. “It’s one of those dreams come true that you didn’t have a dream for,” Coyne said. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“Willie’s version of our song is just an utter joy. There’s no other meaning that he brings to it. He probably brings more meaning to it than we do,” Coyne continued. “It’s Wilie Nelson, so there’s a heaviness to it … but in a good way,” added Drozd.

Stream Willie’s cover and watch The Flaming Lips’ reaction below:

Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2024 ends on Friday night in Gilford, New Hampshire. Follow JamBase’s Instagram account (@JamBase) for updates from the Outlaw Music Festival by Southern Avenue during their stint on the tour.

This year’s Farm Aid will be held at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, New York this Saturday, September 21. Willie Nelson and his fellow board members Margo Price, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds) are among those set to perform. There are multiple ways to watch and listen to the benefit concert.