About The Song
“The Troublemaker” is a song performed by Willie Nelson, released in 1976 as the title track on his album The Troublemaker on Columbia Records. Written by Bruce Belland and David Somerville in 1960, the song was originally recorded by The Limeliters as a folk tune. Nelson’s version, a gospel-infused country track, was not released as a single but became a key piece on the album, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The 1:52 song compares a rebellious figure to Jesus, with lyrics like: “He was a troublemaker / And he walked this land with a mission in his hand.”
Nelson recorded the song in 1973 at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, produced by Arif Mardin, though the album’s release was delayed until 1976 by Columbia Records after Atlantic shelved it. The session featured The Family band, with Bee Spears on bass, Paul English on drums, and Bobbie Nelson on piano, alongside The Staple Singers on backing vocals, adding a gospel depth. The arrangement is minimal, with a focus on Nelson’s vocals, piano, and a subtle harmonica line by Charlie McCoy. The album sold over 500,000 copies by 1977, earning gold certification from the RIAA, and marked Nelson’s early foray into gospel music.
The song’s selection aligned with the album’s gospel theme, reflecting Nelson’s interest in spiritual music during a period of creative transition. Nelson adapted the folk original into a country-gospel style, emphasizing its message of defiance and faith. In a 1976 interview with Country Music magazine, Nelson said: “I saw the troublemaker as someone who stirred things up for the right reasons.” The track gained exposure through its inclusion in the 1976 television special Willie Nelson: Gospel Road, aired on PBS, featuring a live performance with a choir.
Covers of the song include The Limeliters’ 1960 original and a 1979 version by The Statler Brothers on The Originals, per SecondHandSongs. A live performance from a 1976 Austin City Limits episode was released on the 2006 album Live at Austin City Limits. The song appeared in the 1980 film Honeysuckle Rose, used in a scene where Nelson’s character reflects on his life, and in a 2018 episode of Heartland, featured during a moment of spiritual contemplation. Nelson recorded a duet version with Emmylou Harris in 1987 for the album Old Friends, released in 1988.
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Lyric
He was a troublemaker
And he walked this land with a mission in his hand
He was a troublemaker
And he turned the world around with his planHe spoke of love and kindness
In a world that had none to share
He spoke of peace and freedom
In a world that didn’t careHe was a troublemaker
And he walked this land with a mission in his hand
He was a troublemaker
And he turned the world around with his planThey tried to stop his message
With a crown of thorns and a cross
But his words still echo
Through the ages, bearing lossHe was a troublemaker
And he walked this land with a mission in his hand
He was a troublemaker
And he turned the world around with his plan