Willie Nelson Performs Toby Keith's Clint Eastwood-Inspired Song 'Don't Let the Old Man In'

Jul 11, 2020

Even if you're already a country music star, we are sure that having your song covered by the great Willie Nelson takes you to a whole new level. The 87-year-old legend recently covered Toby Keith's song Don't Let The Old Man for his 70th solo studio album, which came out summer 2020. Keith says he was inspired to write the hit track after speaking to filmmaker Clint Eastwood.

As Billboard reported, Toby Keith became good friends with Clint Eastwood upon meeting him at a golf course in California a few years back. Now, as a friend of this 90-year-old legend, Keith found inspiration in a simple conversation that the two had, and the rest is history.

Writing a song inspired by a great American icon such as Eastwood was a daunting task for the country music artist. However, it was also one of the greatest forms of flattery. After Eastwood told Keith that he keeps going every day by refusing to 'let the old man in," Keith felt he should share some of Eastwood's best advice with fans via a song.

The song's original version is haunting enough, but when we heard Willie Nelson's cover version of a song inspired by Clint Eastwood, we were in awe of the experience. It is a standout track from the legend's 2020 album release, First Rose of Summer.

Earlier this year, Nelson and Keith discussed the track on SiriusXM's Town Hall, with Nelson giving Keith high praise for his songwriting chops.

"[T]here is a line in there, one of the best lines I‘ve ever heard: many moons I have lived… but don‘t ask me how old I would be if I didn‘t know the day I was born. That‘s a heavy line, thank you for that Toby."

Look and let us know what you think about this inspired cover version. How does it compare to Keith and Nelson's earlier work? Your friends might enjoy it, too, so be sure to send it to anyone with good taste in music.