About the song
“Lonesome, On’ry And Mean.” Released in 1973 as the title track from his pivotal album, this song wasn’t just a hit; it became the definitive anthem of the Outlaw Country movement, a visceral statement of defiance against Nashville’s polished machine. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a profound self-portrait of a man who lives by his own rules, accepting the solitude and the hard edges that come with absolute freedom.
The lyrics of “Lonesome, On’ry And Mean,” penned by the legendary Steve Young, perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the nomadic, fiercely individualistic soul. It’s a narrative that pulls no punches, describing a life lived on the fringes, constantly moving, and unwilling to conform to societal expectations. Phrases like “I’ve been lonesome, on’ry and mean / And I guess I’m gonna be till I die” and “I’ve done things that I ain’t proud of / But I ain’t done nothing that I ain’t gonna do again” powerfully capture this blend of weary acceptance and rebellious conviction. The song speaks to the universal experience of feeling like an outsider, of choosing a path less traveled, even if it means enduring loneliness and earning a reputation for being difficult. It’s about the inherent tension between a desire for freedom and the consequences that freedom can bring – a life that might be tough, but is undeniably authentic. It’s a testament to owning who you are, flaws and all, without apology.
Waylon Jennings’s vocal performance on “Lonesome, On’ry And Mean” is, quite simply, legendary. His voice, with its deep, resonant baritone, its raw, almost growling edge, and that unmistakable confident swagger, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of defiance and conviction that truly defines the Outlaw persona. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the character, making every line feel like a personal manifesto. There’s a palpable sense of authenticity and a knowing intensity in his phrasing, perfectly capturing the song’s untamed spirit. Jennings’s brilliance lies in his ability to articulate widely felt feelings of rebellion and independence with such raw power and charisma, connecting with audiences on a visceral, almost primal level. It’s a performance that solidified his image as the quintessential outlaw of country music.
The musical arrangement of “Lonesome, On’ry And Mean” is classic Outlaw Country at its zenith – stripped-down, gritty, and driven by a relentless, mid-tempo rock groove. It features Waylon Jennings’s iconic Telecaster guitar delivering punchy, no-nonsense riffs, a prominent, driving bass line, and a tight, authoritative drum beat that provides the perfect rhythmic backbone. The instrumentation is sparse yet incredibly effective, allowing Jennings’s commanding vocals and the song’s potent lyrical message to remain front and center. The production is raw and unpolished, a deliberate rejection of mainstream Nashville’s slickness, favoring an organic, live-in-the-studio feel. It’s an arrangement that feels both rebellious and undeniably timeless, perfectly complementing a song about a man who always played by his own rules.
“Lonesome, On’ry And Mean” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of individuality, defiance, and fierce independence are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Waylon Jennings’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that defined an entire movement and cemented his status as a country music legend. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the most authentic path is the one you forge for yourself, even if it means being lonesome, on’ry and mean.
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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
