Willie Nelson gets deeply personal in his new autobiography, Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship. Fans of the country legend—and anyone who appreciates music history—have been eagerly anticipating the book, which serves as a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong friend and drummer, Paul English.

Spanning seven decades, the memoir takes readers inside the world of Nelson and English, sharing stories that are both intimate and musical—many of which the public has never heard before. True to form, Nelson doesn’t shy away from the hard times, and he’s always been open about life’s ups and downs, both on stage and off.

One of the most powerful moments in the book is Nelson’s candid account of a night when he hit rock bottom. During a period of intense personal stress, he told someone at a bar that he was planning to lie down on train tracks and end his life.

Thankfully, about 15 minutes later, he walked back through the bar—still alive, visibly shaken, but taking the first step toward healing. The story is a stark reminder of the pain he’s endured, and the inner strength it took to survive in a career as demanding as the music industry.

Despite the heavy topics he covers, Nelson doesn’t dwell in darkness. At 91, he remains energetic, optimistic, and fully committed to music and life. In both the book and recent interviews, he comes across as grounded and grateful.

He says he’s not afraid of slowing down or walking away—but he’s not ready to, either. Staying active and healthy is key to his lifestyle. Nelson still runs daily and sings to keep his lungs strong and his spirits high.

And he has no plans to retire. Performing live still brings him joy, and he continues to draw energy from his fans just like he always has. Every concert, he says, is a chance to connect, to heal, and to celebrate the music that has been his lifelong companion.

Me and Paul is more than a memoir—it’s a testament to enduring friendship, the trials of life, and the power of perseverance. Through his story, Willie Nelson reminds us that no one is immune to hardship—but with resilience, humor, and love, we can make it through. He remains, even now, a genuine and generous soul, full of grace.