By the time Willie Nelson recorded the song in 1981, it had already been a hit for others, but Nelson brought a "raw emotion and simple honesty" that redefined it.
: Co-writer Wayne Carson conceived the title during a phone call with his wife, who was frustrated by his long hours in the studio. His quick-thinking response, "But honey, you were always on my mind," became the anchor for the lyrics. Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind
Willie Nelson's “Always on My Mind” topped country chart By the time Willie Nelson recorded the song