About the song
“Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” by the legendary Waylon Jennings. Released as the title track of his pivotal 1973 album, this song, penned by the great Steve Young, wasn’t just a hit; it was a defiant declaration of independence and a mission statement for Jennings’s entire artistic philosophy. It’s more than just a song; it’s the very embodiment of the “Outlaw” spirit – a raw, unvarnished look at a life lived outside the lines, characterized by freedom, solitude, and a refusal to conform.
The lyrics of “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” paint a vivid self-portrait of a man who is unapologetically true to his own nature. The repeated phrases “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” aren’t a lament, but rather a proud and almost defiant acceptance of his identity. The narrator describes a restless spirit, a wanderer who doesn’t fit into conventional society’s molds. He embraces his individualism, acknowledging that his chosen path often leads to solitude but also to an unparalleled freedom. The verses highlight a life lived on his own terms, making his own rules, and bearing the consequences without complaint. It’s a powerful statement against Nashville’s more polished, mainstream sound of the era, a declaration that authenticity and raw emotion would be his guiding principles.
Waylon Jennings’s vocal performance on “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” is nothing short of iconic. His deep, resonant baritone, with its inherent growl and a touch of world-weariness, perfectly embodies the character he’s singing about. He delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of conviction and a raw, untamed energy. There’s a swagger in his voice that is both intimidating and undeniably charismatic, making the listener believe every word of his defiant credo. He doesn’t just sing the song; he is the song, pouring a lifetime of experience and rebellion into every note.
The musical arrangement of “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” is a quintessential example of the Outlaw Country sound. It features a driving, rhythmic foundation with a prominent, almost gritty electric guitar riff that became synonymous with Jennings’s music. The bass line is strong and assertive, and the drums lay down a solid, no-nonsense beat. There’s a sparse yet powerful quality to the production, stripping away unnecessary embellishments to deliver the raw essence of the message. This raw, direct approach was a deliberate counterpoint to the overproduced sounds that were prevalent in mainstream country music at the time, and it helped define a whole new subgenre.
“Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” was a pivotal moment in Waylon Jennings’s career and in the history of country music. It solidified his image as the archetypal “Outlaw,” a renegade who refused to play by the rules, demanding artistic control and delivering music that was true to his vision. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its timeless message of individuality, its powerful vocal performance, and its status as a defining anthem for anyone who feels a little “lonesome, on’ry and mean” in a world that often demands conformity. It remains a powerful reminder of Waylon’s uncompromising spirit.
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Lyrics
On a Greyhound bus
Lord, I’m traveling this morning
I’m goin’ to Shreveport and down to New Orleans
Been travelin’ these highways
Been doin’ things my way
It’s been making me lonesome, on’ry and mean
Now her hair was jet black
And her name was Codene
She thought she was the queen of the Basin Street Queens
She got tired of that smokey-wine dream
Began to feel lonesome, on’ry and mean
We got together, and we cashed in our sweeps
Gave ’em to a beggar who was mumbling through the streets
There’s no escaping from his snowy white dreams
Born lookin’ lonesome, on’ry and mean
Now I’m down in this valley
Where the wheels turn so low
At dawn I pray to the Lord of my soul
I say do Lord, do right by me
You know I’m tired of being lonesome, on’ry and mean
