He is the first Dutch artist to be signed to Motown Records in 2009.
His debut album titled "Wicked Ways" was released on August 28 2009. It became platinum (it sold more than 50.000 copies) in The Netherlands. His debut single "Wicked Way" has been picked up by MTV and was the Radio 538 'Alarmschijf'. His second album, titled "After All" was released on November 4th, 2011.
In 2014 he and singer Ilse Delange took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen as the Dutch entry. They formed the duo The Common Linnets and sang the country/bluegrass song "Calm After the Storm". They came second with a total of 238 points behind Conchita Wurst from Austria. The song features on their debut album "The Common Linnets", which was released in may 2014.
Waylon last performed with Delange at a concert on June 21, 2014 in Enschede, following which he left The Common Linnets in order to focus on his solo career. He released his third studio album "Heaven After Midnight" in september of the same year.
www.waylon.nl
Jailbird
Waylon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no chance of taking me down
I′m leaving cryin' town, babe
Gone like the wind, babe
I finally see
All the scars from fallin' down on my knees
You think helpless me, but all that I can really feel
I guess all the songs
We sang so loud never really meant a thing
Not a thing
And I guess all along the only common thing we had is wings
So babe, I′m flyin′ out that door
Ain't your jailbird no more
This bird has flown
I guess you′ll try to replace me with a con
So incredible to think you stoop so low
Yes like a new face
So there's no flying blind, no
No world of hurt or miracles to find
It′s a great escape I cannot waste no more precious time
Storm came and went, babe
I guess all the songs
We sang so loud never really meant a thing
Not a thing
And I guess all along the only common thing we had is wings
So babe, I'm flyin′ out that door
Ain't your jailbird no more
I'm fooling around
Ain′t no chance of taking me down
I′m leaving cryin' town, babe
Gone like the wind now
The lyrics to Waylon's song "Jailbird" signify a sense of freedom and liberation from a toxic relationship. The singer begins by stating that they are "fooling around" and that there is "no chance of taking me down," indicating a sense of empowerment and confidence. They express a desire to leave the town and person causing them pain and to be "gone like the wind." The singer reflects on their past, recognizing the scars from falling down on their knees, but acknowledging that they are not helpless and able to move on without heartbreak.
The singer comes to the realization that the songs they shared with their partner did not hold any true meaning and that the only commonality they shared was their "wings," indicating a need for independence and autonomy. The singer breaks free from their partner, declaring that they are "flying out that door" and no longer their "jailbird." The singer notes that their former partner may try to replace them with a "con," or someone who will deceive them, but they are already on to the truth and should not waste any more precious time.
Line by Line Meaning
I′m fooling around
I am having fun and doing what I want without any regard for the consequences.
Ain't no chance of taking me down
Nothing can stop me from doing what I want, even if others try to intervene.
I′m leaving cryin' town, babe
I am leaving a place full of sadness and heartbreak behind.
Gone like the wind, babe
I am leaving quickly and without any hesitation, just like the wind.
I finally see
I have gained a new perspective and understanding of my situation.
All the scars from fallin' down on my knees
I have experienced a lot of pain and hardship in my life.
You think helpless me, but all that I can really feel
Although others may see me as weak, I am actually feeling something much different.
Is anything but heartbreak
I am not feeling the sadness and pain that others expect me to feel.
I guess all the songs
I realize now that all the things we did together were not as meaningful as they seemed at the time.
We sang so loud never really meant a thing
Although we may have had fun together, we were not truly connected or deeply invested in each other's lives.
And I guess all along the only common thing we had is wings
The only thing that truly connected us was our desire to be free and independent.
So babe, I′m flyin′ out that door
I am leaving and will not be coming back.
Ain't your jailbird no more
I am no longer bound by the restrictions and expectations that were placed on me before.
This bird has flown
I have left and will not be returning to the place where I felt trapped.
I guess you′ll try to replace me with a con
You will try to find someone else to take my place, even if they are not really what you need or want.
So incredible to think you stoop so low
It is surprising and disappointing to see you act so despicably.
Yes like a new face
You will try to find someone new to take my place, as if they are just another replaceable object.
So there's no flying blind, no
I am now making decisions with a clear and focused mind.
No world of hurt or miracles to find
I am not looking for anything miraculous or expecting to find any more pain.
It′s a great escape I cannot waste no more precious time
I have found a way to escape the negativity and will not waste any more time on it.
Storm came and went, babe
There was a difficult period in my life, but it has passed now.
Writer(s): Ashley Hicklin, Arno Krabman, Gordon Groothedde, Willem Bijkerk, Stefan Siwabesi
Contributed by Madelyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.