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Introduction
Kris Kristofferson’s “Best of All Possible Worlds” is the kind of song that feels like a wild night out with an old friend—the type of friend who has lived a life full of adventures, scars, and stories that carry weight. In just a few short verses, Kristofferson captures the raw unpredictability of life, the flawed nature of humanity, and a strange sense of humor that somehow makes it all seem bearable. It’s a classic in its own right, blending elements of storytelling and country music with a touch of wit that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a bar, listening to someone who’s seen it all.
The song’s narrative voice is undeniably Kristofferson: a man who is both in on the joke and painfully aware of the harsh realities beneath it. “Best of All Possible Worlds” was released in 1970 as part of his debut album, Kristofferson, a project that introduced him as a lyricist who wasn’t afraid to dig deep into human experiences, flaws, and contradictions. This particular song stands out because it’s a masterclass in delivering hard truths wrapped in humor and sharp observation.
Lyrically, the song’s story revolves around a protagonist who seems to have a knack for finding trouble. From drunken brawls in honky-tonk bars to face-offs with the law, the character’s escapades are both amusing and sobering. Kristofferson’s delivery is perfect: there’s a nonchalance in his voice that suggests he’s been there before, a kind of resigned acceptance of the chaotic world he inhabits. But what really sets this song apart is the line that serves as a sort of ironic punchline: “If this is the best of all possible worlds, what’s the next one gonna be like?”
That lyric encapsulates the brilliance of Kristofferson’s songwriting. It’s both humorous and haunting, highlighting the absurdity of the human condition while simultaneously making you think. There’s a wisdom in it, but it’s not preachy. It’s the kind of wisdom you pick up after you’ve made a lot of mistakes, laughed them off, and somehow managed to survive. It’s not about fixing the world or even understanding it; it’s about learning to live in it, chaos and all.
Musically, “Best of All Possible Worlds” carries a traditional country feel—simple instrumentation that lets the lyrics take center stage. It’s driven by a steady rhythm that mirrors the barroom feel of the story, making you feel like you’re walking alongside the narrator as he stumbles from one mess to another. There’s a carefree quality to the melody that contrasts beautifully with the darker themes in the lyrics, creating a balance that Kristofferson has always been so good at maintaining.
At its core, the song is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt a little lost, a little flawed, and maybe just a little too stubborn to change. It’s not about redemption or regret; it’s about survival. It’s about finding a way to keep going, even when the world around you doesn’t make sense. And in that way, it’s strangely uplifting. It makes you feel like you’re not alone in your confusion, that someone else out there gets it—even if he’s a hard-drinking, trouble-making troubadour with a penchant for mischief.
In the end, “Best of All Possible Worlds” is more than just a song—it’s a slice of life captured in a few perfect verses. It’s a reminder that the world is messy and unpredictable, but sometimes the best we can do is just roll with it, laugh when we can, and keep on moving. Because if this is the best of all possible worlds, well, who knows what’s coming next?
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Lyrics
I was runnin’ through the summer rain, try’n’ to catch that evenin’ train
And kill the old familiar pain weavin’ through my tangled brain
When I tipped my bottle back and smacked into a cop I didn’t see
That police man said, “Mister Cool, if you ain’t drunk, then you’re a
fool.”
I said, “If that’s against the law, then tell me why I never saw
A man locked in that jail of yours who wasn’t neither black or poor as
me?”
Well, that was when someone turned out the lights
And I wound up in jail to spend the night
And dream of all the wine and lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds.
Well, I woke up next mornin’ feelin’ like my head was gone
And like my thick old tongue was lickin’ something sick and wrong
And I told that man I’d sell my soul for something wet and cold as that
old cell.
That kindly jailer grinned at me, all eaten up with sympathy
Then poured himself another beer and came and whispered in my ear,
“If booze was just a dime a bottle boy, you couldn’t even buy the smell”
I said, “I knew there was something I liked about this town.”
But it takes more than that to bring me down, down, down.
‘Cause there’s still a lot of wine and lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds
Well, they finally came and told me they was a gonna set me free
And I’d be leavin’ town if I knew what was good for me
I said, “It’s nice to learn that ev’rybody’s so concerned about my
health.”
(They were obsessed with it)
I said, “I won’t be leavin’ no more quicker than I can
‘Cause I’ve enjoyed about as much of this as I can stand
And I don’t need this town of yours more than I never needed nothin’
else.”
‘Cause there’s still a lot of drinks that I ain’t drunk
And lots of pretty thoughts that I ain’t thunk
And lord there’s still so many lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds.