“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Kris Kristofferson has a unique way of wrapping his gritty wisdom and philosophical musings into a song that feels both raw and authentic. “Best of All Possible Worlds” is one of those rare gems that makes you feel like you’re sitting across from Kristofferson himself, listening as he weaves a story with his raspy voice and unvarnished truths. This song, nestled in his Me and Bobby McGee album, perfectly captures the complex intersection of humor, introspection, and rebellion.
The song tells the story of a man who seems to be drifting through life’s chaos, doing what he pleases without much care for consequences, yet constantly stumbling into trouble. The protagonist’s run-ins with the law, his unapologetic love for whiskey, and his disarming honesty paint a vivid picture of someone who isn’t necessarily good, but definitely isn’t all bad either. He’s the classic antihero—a flawed character who, deep down, has more layers than a casual listener might first notice.
The lyrics play out like a conversation in a smoky bar, where Kristofferson’s character talks about his misadventures, including being thrown in jail for his “friendly little drink.” There’s a rebellious charm in his voice as he admits his faults but shrugs them off with a grin and a sense of irony. Lines like, “I’d smashed my share of hopes down to the ground” show a man who’s done his share of damage, but he isn’t wallowing in regret. Instead, he offers a resigned acceptance of who he is, flaws and all.
But the true magic of the song lies in the humor and wit Kristofferson uses to sugarcoat the harsh realities. It’s not just a song about a man who’s gone astray—it’s a wry commentary on life, justice, and society’s expectations. When he sings about meeting the judge who “couldn’t judge his way out of a paper sack,” you can’t help but smile at the way he flips the script on authority figures, showing them to be just as flawed as the man they’re trying to lock up.
Musically, the song has a rambling, loose feel that matches its lyrical theme. The melody isn’t rushed; it takes its time, like a man slowly nursing his drink at the end of the bar, contemplating where he went wrong but not quite motivated enough to change his ways. This blend of bluesy guitar riffs and country rhythm perfectly complements the lyrical storytelling, making you feel like you’re part of the scene.
“Best of All Possible Worlds” may not have been one of Kristofferson’s biggest hits, but it’s a standout track for its cleverness and depth. It’s the kind of song that gets under your skin, making you think long after it’s over. You might chuckle at the wit, feel a pang of empathy for the protagonist’s plight, or just appreciate Kristofferson’s skill in painting a complete picture in just a few verses.
Video
Lyrics
I was runnin’ through the summer rain, try’n’ to catch that evenin’ train
And kill the old familiar pain weavin’ through my tangled brain
When I tipped my bottle back and smacked into a cop I didn’t see
That police man said, “Mister Cool, if you ain’t drunk, then you’re a
fool.”
I said, “If that’s against the law, then tell me why I never saw
A man locked in that jail of yours who wasn’t neither black or poor as
me?”
Well, that was when someone turned out the lights
And I wound up in jail to spend the night
And dream of all the wine and lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds.
Well, I woke up next mornin’ feelin’ like my head was gone
And like my thick old tongue was lickin’ something sick and wrong
And I told that man I’d sell my soul for something wet and cold as that
old cell.
That kindly jailer grinned at me, all eaten up with sympathy
Then poured himself another beer and came and whispered in my ear,
“If booze was just a dime a bottle boy, you couldn’t even buy the smell”
I said, “I knew there was something I liked about this town.”
But it takes more than that to bring me down, down, down.
‘Cause there’s still a lot of wine and lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds
Well, they finally came and told me they was a gonna set me free
And I’d be leavin’ town if I knew what was good for me
I said, “It’s nice to learn that ev’rybody’s so concerned about my
health.”
(They were obsessed with it)
I said, “I won’t be leavin’ no more quicker than I can
‘Cause I’ve enjoyed about as much of this as I can stand
And I don’t need this town of yours more than I never needed nothin’
else.”
‘Cause there’s still a lot of drinks that I ain’t drunk
And lots of pretty thoughts that I ain’t thunk
And lord there’s still so many lonely girls
In this best of all possible worlds.