Sad Songs And Waltzes
Jesse Dayton Lyrics


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Writing a song all about you
A true song as real as my tears
But you've no need to fear it
For no one will hear it
Cause sad songs and waltzes
Aren't selling this year

I'll tell all about how you cheated
I'd like for the whole world to hear
I'd like to get even
With you cause you're leavin'
But sad songs and waltzes
Aren't sellin' this year

It's a good thing that I'm not a star
You don't know how lucky you are
Though my record may say it
No one will play it




Cause sad songs and waltzes
Aren't selling this year

Overall Meaning

Jesse Dayton's Sad Songs and Waltzes is a poignant ballad about heartbreak and the hopelessness that can accompany it. The song is essentially about the singer's desire to write a song about their ex-lover, to tell the world about their cheating ways, but ultimately realizing that sad songs and waltzes aren't selling right now. Daylon sings about writing a song that is as true as his tears, but the target of the song, the cheating lover, has nothing to fear because no one will hear it. The singer wishes to get even with the lover for leaving him but understands that there isn't a receptive audience for sad songs and waltzes currently.


The song discusses the fickle nature of the music industry and how they don't always align with the artist's desired message or style. The singer acknowledges that they are not a star, and it's a good thing because even though they may write a record talking about their heartbreak and their ex's infidelity, nobody will play it or buy it. The song speaks to the idea of commercial success versus artistic integrity, where the music industry, in many instances, prioritizes the former over the latter.


Line by Line Meaning

Writing a song all about you
I am composing a song specifically about you


A true song as real as my tears
This song is an authentic representation of my emotions, just like my tears are


But you've no need to fear it
There is no reason for you to be afraid of this song


For no one will hear it
This song most likely won't be released or played, so no one will actually listen to it


Cause sad songs and waltzes
Songs that are slow and sorrowful like this one


Aren't selling this year
This type of music is not popular or profitable at the moment


I'll tell all about how you cheated
I plan to reveal that you were unfaithful


I'd like for the whole world to hear
I desire for everyone to know about your infidelity


I'd like to get even
I want to get revenge on you


With you cause you're leavin'
Because you are leaving me, I want to hurt you back in some way


But sad songs and waltzes
Unfortunately, this type of music


Aren't sellin' this year
Is not a popular or profitable genre of music right now


It's a good thing that I'm not a star
I'm glad that I am not a famous musician


You don't know how lucky you are
You should be grateful that the song I wrote about you won't become a hit


Though my record may say it
Even if my album seems to suggest otherwise


No one will play it
This song is unlikely to be played or broadcasted


Cause sad songs and waltzes
Because this song is part of a genre that is not popular


Aren't selling this year
It is not profitable to create or distribute sad and slow music at the moment




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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