Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Feeling Mortal” is the title track of Kris Kristofferson’s 2013 album, released when he was well into his seventies. It is a deeply personal meditation on aging, mortality, and gratitude, delivered with stark honesty and stripped-down simplicity. Unlike his rebellious early songs such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” or his politically fiery tracks like those on Third World Warrior, “Feeling Mortal” captures the voice of an elder reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. The song is both a confession and a benediction, acknowledging the inevitability of death while finding solace in love, memory, and the beauty of existence.
Origins of the Song
By the early 2010s, Kristofferson had already lived a life of remarkable breadth: soldier, poet, songwriter, actor, activist, husband, and father. His career had spanned decades, marked by towering achievements and profound struggles. As age began to weigh heavily on him, both physically and emotionally, he turned inward to capture those reflections in song.
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“Feeling Mortal” was born from this stage of life. Following the raw honesty of This Old Road (2006) and Closer to the Bone (2009), the song represents the third step in Kristofferson’s late-career trilogy of introspection. Produced by Don Was, the album and its title track embody the songwriter’s stripped-down, confessional style, where every word is sharpened by experience.
Why Kris Kristofferson Released “Feeling Mortal”
Kristofferson released “Feeling Mortal” as both a personal reckoning and a gift to his listeners. He was fully aware of his age and mortality and wanted to face these realities head-on rather than hide them. By naming the album after the song, he emphasized its central theme: that acknowledging death is not about despair but about embracing life more fully.
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Releasing the song was Kristofferson’s way of leaving behind a testament of humility and gratitude, ensuring that his fans heard his reflections directly from him before the final curtain fell.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “Feeling Mortal” is one of acceptance, humility, and appreciation.
Key themes include:
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Mortality: A frank recognition that life is short and death inevitable.
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Gratitude: A focus on love, memories, and blessings that give life meaning.
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Humility: The lyrics are free from bravado, reflecting a man at peace with his imperfections.
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Spiritual Undertones: While not overtly religious, the song carries the calm of a prayer, an acknowledgment of something greater than the self.
The song resonates universally because it speaks to a truth everyone must eventually confront. Kristofferson offers not fear but serenity, inviting listeners to accept their own mortality with grace.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
“Feeling Mortal” exemplifies the minimalist approach of Kristofferson’s late recordings.
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Vocals: His weathered, gravelly voice is central, its fragility perfectly suited to the theme. Instead of hiding age, he embraces it as part of the song’s truth.
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Instrumentation: Sparse acoustic guitar dominates, with subtle bass and light backing. The arrangement is intimate, creating the sense that Kristofferson is speaking directly to the listener.
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Mood: Gentle, contemplative, and reverent.
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Style: Rooted in folk-country traditions, stripped of polish, and infused with personal authenticity.
The raw simplicity amplifies the sincerity, making it one of the most personal recordings in his catalog.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, Feeling Mortal was modest, as expected from a late-career release. It did not chart significantly, nor was it intended for mainstream success. Instead, it was embraced by critics and fans as another masterpiece of late-life honesty. Reviewers praised the album for its stripped-down production and Kristofferson’s refusal to shy away from aging.
Culturally, the song and album contribute to the tradition of elder artists reflecting on mortality—similar to Johnny Cash’s American Recordings. Kristofferson’s work in this era has been lauded for its bravery and humility, proving that authenticity resonates more deeply than commercial polish. “Feeling Mortal” in particular stands as one of the most candid statements by any major songwriter confronting the end of life.
Legacy of “Feeling Mortal”
Today, “Feeling Mortal” is seen as one of Kris Kristofferson’s defining late-career works. It may not have the commercial recognition of his early hits, but it holds immense weight in terms of artistic and human significance.
For Kristofferson’s legacy, the track reinforces his identity as a songwriter who never shied away from truth—whether about society, politics, love, or himself. In “Feeling Mortal,” he offered his final reflections with honesty, gratitude, and peace, ensuring that his catalog ended with dignity.
More broadly, the song serves as a universal meditation on aging. It resonates with anyone grappling with the realities of mortality, reminding listeners that death is part of the circle of life and that acceptance can bring serenity.
Decades from now, “Feeling Mortal” will remain a quiet but powerful testament to Kristofferson’s artistry. It is a song that strips life down to its essence, offering wisdom in its humility and beauty in its honesty.