Willie Nelson's 'Energy Follows Thought' heartfully chronicles stories behind his lyrics

Willie Nelson reveals the inspiration for lyrics of 160 his songs in his new book, "Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs."

The book, released the same week that Nelson was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, helps to set his legacy in stone and explain some of the most well-known lyrics of his career. Nelson wrote the book alongside David Ritz and Mickey Raphael.

Willie Nelson, a country music icon with a seven-decade career, is recognizable for hits "Crazy," "Highwayman," and "On the Road Again," among many others.

Nelson, now 90 years old, is an established author alongside his music career. Other books penned by Nelson include "It's a Long Story: My Life" and "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die."

In his newest book, Nelson writes tales about his guitar Trigger, his family and friends, as well as other artists like Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Ray Price and Dolly Parton, all interlaced with the lyrics of his songs.

Nelson's reflective book shows pages from his first lyric books when he was a kid at its start and introduces the book with a foreword.

"When it comes to songs, I'm a patient man. I don't try to push or prod them. I just let them happen, just like this book is happening. I never thought about separating my words from my music. They go together like ham and eggs. Although unlike ham and eggs, I don't cook them at the same time," Wilson writes.

Nelson then delves into a reflective and thoughtful chronicle of some of his catalogue, though he has astoundingly written over 300 songs. His commentary is clear, introspective, patient and wise—showing how his 90 years have funneled into a new perspective on his lyricism and canon. The stories read like Willie himself is sitting across the dinner table from you, regaling you of his best stories from years past.

Of his song "On the Road Again," Nelson writes, "Without knowing or trying, in a few little lines I'd written the story of my life."

Discussing the meaning behind song "It Gets Easier," Nelson's book reads, "Success means many different things. I thought it had something to do with hit records. I was wrong. It has everything to do with accepting yourself."

About "Summer of Roses," Nelson says, "Because I'm into my ninetieth year, a lot of people want to know my strategy for survival. I don't have an easy answer... But sticking with love—romantic love, spiritual love, every sort of genuine love—even when it didn't seem like love was sticking by me, may be the key."

Fans can find more information about Willie Nelson's new book "Energy Follows Thought" at willienelson.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Willie Nelson: Book reveals stories behind "Crazy", "Highwayman", more