About the song
“It’s All Going to Pot” by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard is a delightful, tongue-in-cheek track that showcases the legendary partnership between two of country music’s most iconic figures. Released in 2015, the song is part of the album “Django and Jimmie,” a collaborative effort that pays tribute to their musical heroes Django Reinhardt and Jimmie Rodgers. The album was a significant release as it marked the reunion of Nelson and Haggard, who had previously worked together on classics like “Pancho and Lefty” in the 1980s.
The song “It’s All Going to Pot” was written by Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson, and Larry Shell. The lyrics cleverly play on the double meaning of the word “pot,” referring both to the chaos of the modern world and the legalization of marijuana. The humor in the song is underscored by the effortless chemistry between Nelson and Haggard, both of whom were in their 80s at the time of recording, yet still in top form musically.
“It’s All Going to Pot” received positive reviews for its wit, charm, and the sheer joy of hearing two country legends having fun together. While it wasn’t a major chart hit, the song became a fan favorite and a standout track on “Django and Jimmie,” which itself reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
This collaboration, which turned out to be one of Haggard’s last recordings before his passing in 2016, is a reminder of the enduring spirit and creativity of these two legends. “It’s All Going to Pot” is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of friendship, rebellion, and the timeless appeal of classic country music.