Lukas Nelson Releases “You Were It,” the First Song He Ever Wrote at Age 11 — A Song That Moved Willie Nelson to Tears

Lukas Nelson, the son of country music legend Willie Nelson, has just released a deeply personal track with an extraordinary backstory. The song, “You Were It,” was written when Lukas was only 11 years old. Today, over two decades later, he’s shared his own recording of it on his debut solo album, American Romance, released on June 20, 2025.

While Lukas Nelson has spent years on stage with his former band, Promise of the Real, and even collaborated with legends like Neil Young, this moment marks a personal milestone — returning to the very song that sparked his journey as a songwriter.

A Song Written by an 11-Year-Old Boy Who Missed His Dad

During a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Lukas opened up about the emotional roots of “You Were It.”

“My dad would leave all the time, and I’d be naturally upset as a little kid. I knew that if I learned how to be a great musician, we’d be bonded forever,” Lukas explained. “It wasn’t about being as great as him. It was about speaking the same language.”

The song deeply moved Willie Nelson, who later recorded it himself for his 2004 album, It Always Will Be. Lukas says he’s proud of that moment — not just because of the praise, but because of what the song meant to both of them at the time.

 

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Kris Kristofferson’s Encouragement: “You Don’t Have a Choice”

When another country icon, Kris Kristofferson, heard “You Were It,” he gave Lukas a powerful piece of advice:

“Man, you don’t have a choice but to be a songwriter.”

That sentiment stayed with Lukas, driving his decision to pursue music with integrity and independence.

A Career Built from the Ground Up

Though he could’ve easily relied on his famous last name, Lukas Nelson was determined to earn his place in the music world.

“I wanted to make my dad proud by not needing him. I put 70,000 miles on a ’91 Econoline Ford van with my first band,” Lukas said. “We went out for 15 years and played 250 shows a year. We built something real.”

This relentless work ethic is what shaped Lukas into the artist he is today — a fact not lost on his father or fans who value authenticity.

American Romance: A New Chapter in Lukas Nelson’s Musical Journey

With the release of American Romance, Lukas finally steps into the spotlight on his own terms. The album blends rock, country, and soul, but “You Were It” stands apart as the emotional centerpiece — a childhood song given new life with adult perspective.

Honoring a Legacy, Creating His Own

Lukas is quick to acknowledge the unique privilege of having a father like Willie Nelson — not just as a musical influence, but as a human being.

“I got lucky that my dad is an inspiring human — not just a musician, but someone like Muhammad Ali. One of the greats of all time.”

By revisiting the song that started everything, Lukas Nelson is both honoring his roots and showing how far he’s come — and it’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, our very first steps shape our entire path.