ON THE RECORD

ROLL ME UP AND SMOKE ME

An outlaw on horseback rides across a patchwork plain, through trees made from cannabis buds; the red sunset framed by a bandana pattern and a rodeo buckle edge.

The rider is a seamless collage pulled together from various images—a horse, a jacket, a hat. The 1969 Martin N-20 guitar named “Trigger,” red, white, and blue strap and signature braids define the departing figure as Willie Nelson.

The title comes from “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” a song that was a staple of Willie’s live shows before it appeared on the 2012 album Heroes, featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, and Jamey Johnson.

His outlook on life and death—and his long-standing, open relationship with weed—are plain and direct, no drama. Just: “take me out and twist me up and point me towards the sky.”