About the song
“Waymore Blues.” This isn’t just a track; it’s a foundational statement, a deep cut from his pivotal 1970 album Waylon that, while not a major single hit itself, showcased the direction his music was heading. It’s far more than just a song; it’s a timeless testament to a restless soul, the inherent melancholy in a life lived on the edge, and the raw, unvarnished truth of a man whose very being is intertwined with the music he creates. It’s a definitive piece in understanding the early evolution of Waylon Jennings into the legend we know.
The lyrics of “Waymore Blues,” penned by Waylon Jennings and Hank Mills, serve as a candid, almost autobiographical reflection on the life of a touring musician, a restless spirit, and a man perpetually battling internal demons. The title itself is a clever play on his own name, suggesting that the “blues” are not just a genre of music, but an inherent part of his identity. The song delves into the weariness of constant travel, the transient nature of relationships on the road, and the pervasive sense of loneliness that can accompany a life of apparent freedom and excitement. Yet, there’s no self-pity, only a matter-of-fact acceptance of his fate and his nature. Phrases like “Lord, I’m a road runner, a lonely wayfaring stranger” and “Guess the Lord made a few mistakes / When he gave me all this Waymore Blues” perfectly capture this blend of weary resignation, defiant self-acceptance, and a deep-seated connection to the mournful heart of the blues. The song speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with one’s destiny, the sacrifices demanded by a demanding life, and the profound, often melancholic, introspection that comes with the territory. It’s about the raw, visceral truth of a life lived authentically, with all its inherent struggles, and the understanding that some burdens are simply part of who you are. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the open road or the weight of their own temperament.
Waylon Jennings’s vocal performance on “Waymore Blues” is nothing short of masterful and perfectly embodies the song’s raw, confessional spirit. His voice, with its distinctive outlaw growl, its effortless phrasing, and its remarkable ability to convey both defiant swagger and profound vulnerability, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine authenticity and gritty conviction. He doesn’t just sing the words; he is the embodiment of the “Waymore Blues,” the man living the very tale he’s recounting, making the listener feel every nuance of his restless spirit, his inner turmoil, and the quiet acceptance of his chosen path. There’s a perfect blend of his signature conversational delivery in the verses, almost like he’s sharing a deeply personal secret with you, building to a powerful, resonant, and utterly memorable affirmation in the chorus. Jennings’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply personal narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking control of his voice. It is a masterclass in conveying a life lived on the edge with rugged confidence and undeniable charisma.
The musical arrangement of “Waymore Blues” is a pristine example of Waylon Jennings’s early, experimental Outlaw Country sound, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and his definitive vocal. It typically features a prominent, often twangy electric guitar riff that establishes a bluesy, driving foundation, complemented by a raw, punchy bassline and a hard-hitting, unfussy drum beat that gives the song its undeniable swagger. The instrumentation is robust and direct, incorporating classic country elements but with a noticeable blues and rock influence that set him apart from mainstream Nashville. The arrangement feels less polished and more spontaneous, perfectly reflecting the song’s raw emotional core. The production is clean but raw, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Waylon Jennings’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable authenticity. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimately confessional and universally defiant, perfectly suited for a heartfelt admission of a life lived on the wild side, haunted by its own peculiar blues.
“Waymore Blues” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of confronting one’s inner struggles, the allure and cost of independence, and the inherent melancholy in life are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became a cherished track in Waylon Jennings’s discography, a true signature song that further cemented his legacy as a pioneer of the Outlaw movement and a timeless interpreter of the human condition. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the most profound truth about a man is found in his own particular brand of Waymore Blues.
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Lyrics
Well, I woke up this mornin’ it was drizzlin’ rain
Around the curve come a passenger train
Heard somebody yodel and a hobo moan
Jimmy he’s dead, he’s been a long time gone
Been a long time gone, a long time gone
If you want to get to heaven, gotta D-I-E
You gotta put on your coat and T-I-E
Want to get the rabbit out of the L-O-G
You gotta make a commotion like D-O-G
Like D-O-G, like D-O-G, yeah
Well, I got a good woman, what’s the matter with me?
What makes me want to love every woman I see?
I was trifling when I met her now I’m trifling again
And every woman she sees looks like the place I came in
Looks like the place I came in, yeah, woo place I came in
I got my name painted on my shirt
I ain’t no ordinary dude
I don’t have to work
I don’t have to work
