Jennings then worked as a DJ in Coolidge, Arizona, and Phoenix. He formed a rockabilly club band, The Waylors. He recorded for independent label Trend Records and A&M Records before succeeding with RCA Victor after achieving creative control.
During the 1970s, Jennings was instrumental in the inception of Outlaw country movement. He released critically acclaimed albums Lonesome, On'ry and Mean and Honky Tonk Heroes followed by hit albums Dreaming My Dreams as well as Are You Ready for the Country. In 1976, he released the album Wanted! The Outlaws with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Colter, the first platinum country music album. That success was followed by Ol' Waylon and the hit song "Luckenbach, Texas". Jennings was featured in the 1978 album White Mansions performed by various artists documenting the lives of people in the Confederacy during the Civil War. The songs on the album were written by Paul Kennerley. By the early 1980s, Jennings was struggling with a cocaine addiction, which he quit in 1984. Later, he joined the country supergroup The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash, which released three albums between 1985 and 1995. During that period, Jennings released the successful album Will the Wolf Survive. He toured less after 1997 to spend more time with his family. Between 1999 and 2001, his appearances were limited by health problems. On February 13, 2002, Jennings died from complications of diabetes.
Jennings also appeared in films and television series. He was the balladeer for The Dukes of Hazzard, composing and singing the show's theme song and providing narration for the show. In 2001, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he chose not to attend. In 2007, he was posthumously awarded the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music.
Jennings's music was characterized by his "powerful" singing voice, noted by his "rough-edged quality", as well as his phrasing and texture. He was also recognized for his "spanky-twang" guitar style. To create his sound, he used a pronounced 'phaser' effect' plus a mixture of thumb and fingers during the rhythmic parts, while using picks for the lead runs. He combined hammer-on and pull-off riffs, with eventual upper-fret double stops and modulation effects. Jennings played a 1953 Fender Telecaster, a used guitar that was a gift from The Waylors. Jennings's bandmates adorned his guitar with a distinctive leather cover that featured a black background with a white floral work. Jennings further customized it by filing down the frets to lower the strings on the neck to obtain the slapping sound. Among his other guitars, Jennings used a 1950 Fender Broadcaster from the mid-1970s, until he gave it to guitarist Reggie Young in 1993. The leather covers of his guitars were carved by leather artist Terry Lankford.
His signature image was characterized by his long hair and beard, as well as his black hat and the black leather vest he wore during his appearances.
Jennings's music had a major influence on several neotraditionalist and alternative country artists, including Hank Williams Jr., The Marshall Tucker Band,[124] Travis Tritt, Steve Earle, Jamey Johnson, John Anderson, his son, Shooter Jennings, Sturgill Simpson, and Hank Williams III.
In 2008, his first posthumous album, Waylon Forever, was released. The album consisted of songs recorded with his son Shooter when he was 16. In 2012, Waylon: The Music Inside a three-volume project, consisting of covers of Jennings's songs by different artists, was released. The same year, it was announced for September the release of Goin' Down Rockin': The Last Recordings, a set of 12 songs recorded by Jennings and bassist Robby Turner before his death in 2002. Jennings's family was reluctant to release any new material because they did not feel comfortable at the time. The songs only featured Jennings and Turner on the bass, while further accompaniment would be added later. Ten years after, Turner completed the recordings with the help of former Waylors. The Jennings family approved the release despite the launch of a new business focused on his estate. Shooter Jennings arranged deals for a clothing line, while also launching a renewed website, and started talks with different producers about the making of a biographical film.
I've Always Been Crazy
Waylon Jennings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Been busted for things that I did and I didn't do
I can't say I'm proud of all of the things that I've done
But I can say I've never intentionally hurt anyone
I've always been different with one foot over the line
Winding up somewhere one step ahead or behind
It ain't been so easy but I guess I shouldn't complain
Beautiful lady, are you sure that you understand
The chances your taking loving a free living man
Are you really sure, you really want what you see
Be careful of something that's just what you want it to be
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
Nobody knows if it's something to bless or to blame
So far I ain't found a rhyme or a reason to change
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
The lyrics to "I've Always Been Crazy" by Waylon Jennings touch upon the theme of being true to oneself, even if it means living a life that some might perceive as unconventional or "crazy." The opening line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as Jennings sings, "I've always been crazy and the trouble that it's put me through." He acknowledges that his behavior has caused him problems in the past, including getting arrested for things he didn't do. However, despite this, he's never deliberately hurt anyone.
Jennings then goes on to describe himself as being different with one foot always over the line, and never quite fitting in with the crowd. He acknowledges that his choices haven't always been easy, but he doesn't regret them. In fact, being "crazy" has kept him from going insane. The final verse of the song is directed towards a woman who may be interested in him. He warns her of the risks of loving a free-spirited man and advises her to be cautious of something that's just what she wants it to be. Throughout the song, Jennings is unapologetically himself, embracing his "crazy" nature and living life on his own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I've always been crazy and the trouble that it's put me through
I have always had a wild nature, which has caused me problems in my life.
I've been busted for things that I did, and I didn't do
I have been arrested and jailed for things I have done, as well as things I did not commit.
I can't say I'm proud of all of the things that I've done
I am not proud of every action I have taken throughout my life.
But I can say I've never intentionally hurt anyone
Despite my wild nature, I have never purposely caused harm to another person.
I've always been different with one foot over the line
I have always stood out due to my unconventional behavior.
Winding up somewhere one step ahead or behind
I often navigate through life, sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing.
It ain't been so easy but I guess I shouldn't complain
My journey has not been simple, but I shouldn't grumble about it.
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
My craziness has prevented me from becoming mentally unstable.
Beautiful lady, are you sure that you understand
Hey gorgeous woman, are you certain that you comprehend the risks involved with loving a man like me?
The chances your taking loving a free living man
You are taking a risk loving a man who lives an independent and unrestricted lifestyle.
Are you really sure, you really want what you see
Are you truly certain you know everything that you are getting into and want to pursue me fully?
Be careful of something that's just what you want it to be
Be cautious of pursuing something that may seem perfect but could have hidden consequences.
Nobody knows if it's something to bless or to blame
It is unclear whether my craziness is a positive or negative thing.
So far I ain't found a rhyme or a reason to change
As of yet, I have not discovered an explanation or motivation to alter my ways.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Waylon Jennings
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Fritz
A true Country Music Legend. Waylon Jennings is the epitome of Country music. One of my favorite artists. RIP MR . JENNINGS.
jmr39
Outlaw country never dies. Long live Waylon.
txp7m8
This bass line in this song once it gets going has a serious groove like very few others in country. Waylon’s gritty baritone voice was also something very special, so very unique and sorely missed today. I shared the stage with this legend once when our band opened for him back in the 90s. He was still having fun on stage that day I remember. My favorite country artist by far.
Kent Hermanson
Agreed. The baseline is crucial and rare in an outlaw. I love that you pointed that out. The song is almost funk.
Sharon Fraize
Queen 👑 somebody to love
Cory Cole
@txp7m8 I had a pretty solid 8 track collection by 1979. I'll never forget how I felt hearing that distinct sound of his music and vocals for the 1st time. I'm almost 50 now and still listen to it on the reg...Cause I came here to party💯
grass hopper
Kind of like a Jerry Reid song In some ways. But there's a good reason why nobody recuts a Waylon song. Without Waylon it just wouldn't sound right.
dj M.
He's arguably the greatest. Seriously.
This is real country.
Nunyah
I agree
D Wade
I cant argue...is there other legends on his level?...Given what he brought to Country music i dont think there are.