It includes songs written by Paul Simon, Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, and Nelson himself.

Featured performers include David Crosby, Kris Kristofferson, Sinéad O'Connor, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon.

The title track, "Across the Borderline", was written by Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, and Jim Dickinson.

It is a remake of a song by Freddy Fender, which was featured on the motion picture soundtrack for The Border starring Jack Nicholson.

"Don't Give Up" was performed by Nelson with Sinéad O'Connor singing the part sung by Kate Bush on the original Peter Gabriel recording.