Sad Songs And Waltzes
W. Nelson Lyrics
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A true song as real as my tears
But you've no need to fear it
'Cause 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 to the whole world to hear
'Cause you're leavin'
And songs and waltzes
Aren't selling 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
Well 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
In Sad Songs and Waltzes, Willie Nelson sings about writing a song about someone who cheated on him, but he's not going to release it because sad songs and waltzes aren't popular at the moment. He laments that even if he was a star, no one would want to hear his song because it's not the kind of thing people want to listen to right now. The bitter and sad lyrics reveal the pain Nelson feels from the betrayal he's experienced. He wants to expose the person who wronged him, but he knows he won't be able to get revenge through music this time.
The lyrics touch upon the transient nature of fame in the music industry. Even great artists have periods where their work may not be popular or appreciated. Nelson is showing a level of self-awareness in acknowledging this, but he's also expressing his frustration with the fickle nature of the industry. In some ways, the song is a reflection on the compromises artists have to make to remain commercially successful. The lines "It's a good thing that I'm not a star / You don't know how lucky you are" are an acknowledgment that success in the industry comes with a price, and that price is often creative freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm writing a song all about you
I am composing a sincere melody solely regarding you
A true song as real as my tears
An honest adeptly-tuned melody akin to the authenticity of my tears
But you've no need to fear it
You need not worry at all
'Cause no one will hear it
Because not a single soul will hear it
'Cause sad songs and waltzes
Simply because melancholic melodies and waltzes
Aren't selling this year
Are not considered marketable this year
I'll tell all about how you cheated
I intend to divulge the details of how you betrayed me
I'd like to the whole world to hear
I have a desire for the world to be informed
I'd like to get even with you
I wish to retaliate against you
'Cause you're leavin'
Due to the fact that you are departing
And songs and waltzes
And songs and waltzes
Aren't selling this year
Are not selling this year
It's a good thing that I'm not a star
It truly is fortunate that I am not a notable celebrity
You don't know how lucky you are
You are not aware of how fortunate you are
Though my record may say it
Despite what my album may indicate
No one will play it
Nobody will play it
'Cause sad songs and waltzes
Because despondent melodies and waltzes
Aren't selling this year
Are not profitable this year
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pondy Hsu
I'm writing a song all about you
A true song as real as my tears
But you've no need to fear it,
'Cause 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 leaving
'Cause sad songs and waltzes aren't selling 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
****************
But 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.....
Orioles Whiz Craig
It's a very funny song lyrically and I think Cake really brings that out. Country wise Willie's version leaves you searching for the humor a little more and rest assured, he is the master! Great tune and portrait of a desparate little angry man who's been burned. I truly enjoy both versions.
Jeremy Renals
Yes! It's such a funny song! I thought it was just me. I can't sing it without breaking into laughter. Genius!
Fred Payette
Wow 20 years later I find out it's a cover song and not Cake. Respect to Mr. Wilson
ShadowChimp1
CAKE version = Superior version
Cris R
That’s what got me here dude! I like Cake.
Then I saw a lot of ppl (Texas) doing this cover but different then what I heard
Brian Smetzer
Just found out today lol
Annelise Fjeld Knutsen
So did I! Today!
Waylon Nicholson
Wilson?
beaugiov
If this is country music, I can certainly 100% say I love country music. Great album!
Lowell Thomas, Jr.
This album had a profound effect on my musical perceptions and it DID help me through more than a couple of "sinking spells." lol