Billy Bob Thornton clearly has a soft spot for classic country music — and he believes a couple of iconic songs capture the inner world of his Landman character, Tommy Norris, better than anything else.

Season 2 of Landman debuted on November 16, nearly a year after its first season premiered, and it immediately shattered records. With more than 9 million viewers in its first few days, the premiere became the biggest season or series debut in Paramount+ history, tripling the numbers from Season 1.
Taylor Sheridan, once again, has another major hit.

Billy Bob Thornton Gets Gritty, Witty, and Candid about Season 2 of ‘Landman’

Much of the show’s success is tied to Thornton’s gripping performance as Tommy Norris, the complicated West Texas oilman navigating high-stakes business pressures and an equally turbulent family life. Sheridan wrote the role with Thornton in mind — and it shows.

During an interview with Awards Buzz, Thornton was asked a fascinating question:
If Tommy Norris had a soundtrack for his internal world in Season 2, what songs would be on it?

Thornton didn’t hesitate with his first two picks — both staples of classic country storytelling:

“‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ by Kris Kristofferson, for sure. And then probably ‘If We Make It Through December’ by Merle Haggard.”

When pressed for a third pick, Thornton joked that Tommy could probably use an instrumental track, something quiet for his moments alone in the truck — just him and his thoughts, with nobody talking at him.

But in describing that idea, Thornton realized another song fit perfectly:

“There’s a song by Harry Nilsson called ‘Everybody’s Talkin’,’ from Midnight Cowboy. Maybe that could be the third one.”

It’s a surprisingly fitting trio:

Kristofferson’s weary reflection

Haggard’s cold-season resilience

Nilsson’s longing for escape

Together, they paint a pretty accurate picture of Tommy Norris’ world in Season 2.

If you want to step into the headspace of Landman’s lead character, here’s the mini–soundtrack Billy Bob Thornton himself recommends:

“Sunday Morning Coming Down” — Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson - Sunday morning coming down (1970)

“If We Make It Through December” — Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December (1974)

“Everybody’s Talkin’” — Harry Nilsson

Pretty perfect choices, all things considered.