The Lyrics Kris Kristofferson Requested To Be Engraved on His Tombstone

An epitaph provides the deceased one last opportunity to send a message out to the mortal world that describes who they are and what they stood for, so it’s unsurprising that prolific songwriter Kris Kristofferson would have requested that his gravestone engraving be from one of his favorite songs by Leonard Cohen.

Cohen shared the conversation he had with Kristofferson in the liner notes of his 2009 release The Best of Leonard Cohen. Ever the songsmith, Kristofferson apparently gave Cohen a bit of constructive criticism during the interaction, too.

Kris Kristofferson Requested These Lyrics On His Tombstone

Leonard Cohen released “Bird on the Wire” in April 1969 as part of his album Songs from a Room. The track has become an undeniable mainstay in the collection of Cohen’s most iconic songs. Famously covered by other musical giants like Judy Collins and Joe Cocker, Kris Kristofferson was also a huge fan of the song—even if he had some comments about its similarities to others.

“It was begun in Greece and finished in a motel in Hollywood around 1969,” Cohen said of the song in the liner notes of his 2009 greatest hits compilation. “Some lines were changed in Oregon. I can’t seem to get it perfect. Kris Kristofferson informed me that I had stolen part of the melody from another Nashville writer.”

“He also said that he’s putting the first couple of lines on his tombstone. I’ll be hurt if he doesn’t,” Cohen continued.

The opening lines Kristofferson requested serve as his epitaph are as follows. Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free.

Freedom Was A Recurring Theme In The Musician’s Life

From his iconic line Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose from “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kris Kristofferson spent most of his life pondering and personifying the concept of freedom. His dedication to these endeavors makes his love of Leonard Cohen’s opening lines to “Bird on the Wire” all the more fitting.

In a 2012 interview with STAAGES, Kristofferson discussed the importance of freedom of expression. He defined the term as “the ability to express the truth, whether it’s in speech or in song or visually. I think musicians from around the world realize the value of freedom of expression. I believe music is particularly effective in moving the emotions of the heart. After that, the head will follow.”

“I’ve always believed in freedom of expression,” he continued. “And I’ve committed my life to telling the truth as I see it. So far, it hasn’t gotten me in too much trouble. I’ll surely not change my commitment to expressing the truth as long as I’m able to.”

At the time of this writing, funeral and burial arrangements for Kris Kristofferson are still unknown following his death on September 29, 2024. But we would certainly find Cohen’s lyrics to be a beautifully appropriate final message for a man who lived his life freely, artistically, and authentically.

Photo by Per Ole Hagen/Redferns