About the song
“Storms Never Last” by Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. This beautiful duet, penned by Jessi Colter herself, was released in 1975 on her breakthrough album I’m Jessi Colter, and later appeared on Waylon’s album Wanted! The Outlaws in 1976. It became a beloved hit, perfectly encapsulating the strength, resilience, and deep affection that defined their personal and musical partnership. It’s far more than just a song; it’s a tender assurance, a quiet promise that even the toughest times will eventually pass, leaving only the enduring bond of love.
The lyrics of “Storms Never Last” offer a profound message of hope and perseverance through life’s inevitable difficulties. Using the metaphor of a storm, Colter, through the voices of both herself and Jennings, reassures the listener that just as adverse weather conditions eventually clear, so too will personal struggles and periods of unhappiness. Phrases like “Storms Never Last, do they, baby? / Bad times all pass by” speak directly to the shared experience of facing hardship, but with the comforting knowledge that brighter days are ahead, especially when faced together. It’s a testament to the quiet strength found in unwavering partnership and the belief that love can weather any trial. The song avoids saccharine sentimentality, instead delivering its message with a grounded, honest warmth that resonates deeply.
Jessi Colter’s vocal performance on “Storms Never Last” is imbued with a tender vulnerability and a clear, heartfelt sincerity. Her voice, with its unique, slightly smoky timbre, delivers the comforting lines with a profound sense of understanding. Waylon Jennings’ response is perfectly complementary; his iconic baritone, often known for its rebellious edge, here softens to convey a loving reassurance and a shared weariness, making the duet truly feel like an intimate conversation between two people who deeply understand each other. Their voices intertwine with an effortless chemistry that only a long-married couple could achieve, each vocal line feeling like a genuine exchange of comfort and support.
The musical arrangement of “Storms Never Last” is a quintessential example of the “Outlaw” sound’s softer, more reflective side. It maintains a grounded, acoustic-driven core, often featuring Waylon’s signature guitar work. The instrumentation is warm and inviting, typically including gentle piano, a subtle steel guitar that adds melancholic flourishes, and a steady, understated rhythm section. The production is clean and natural, allowing the raw emotion of their voices and the poignant lyrics to shine through without any unnecessary embellishment. It feels organic and authentic, perfectly matching the song’s message of quiet strength.
“Storms Never Last” resonated deeply with audiences because its message is universal: everyone faces challenges, and the promise that these difficulties will pass, especially with the support of a loved one, is incredibly comforting. It became a beloved classic, symbolizing the enduring power of love and resilience within the country music world and beyond. For fans, it’s a beautiful snapshot of the genuine affection and steadfast partnership that defined Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, a timeless reminder that no matter how dark the clouds, “Storms Never Last”.
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Lyrics
Storms never last, do they, baby?
Bad times all pass with the winds
Your hand in mine stills the thunder
And you make the sun want to shine
I followed you down so many roads, baby
I picked wild flowers and sung you soft sad songs
And every road you took, I know your search was for the truth
And the clouds brewin’ now won’t be your last
Storms never last, do they, babe?
Bad times all pass with the winds
Your hand in mine stills the thunder
And your love makes the sun want to shine
Storms never last, do they, baby?
Bad times all pass with the winds
Your hand in mine stills the thunder
And you make the sun want to shine
