About the song
“Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” is a classic country song recorded by the iconic Waylon Jennings, released in April 1977 as the lead single from his album Ol’ Waylon. Penned by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons, the song quickly became a hallmark of Jennings’ repertoire and a chart-topping hit.
The song paints a vivid picture of a couple caught up in the trappings of high society, facing marital discord and financial pressures despite their outward success (“this successful life we’re livin’ got us feudin’ like the Hatfields and McCoys”). In response, Jennings proposes a return to simpler values and a more genuine way of life, epitomized by the small town of Luckenbach, Texas. The lyrics wistfully reflect on the virtues of slowing down and reconnecting with what truly matters, away from the complexities of modern life (“Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas with Willie and Waylon and the boys”).
Throughout the song, Jennings references country music legends like Hank Williams and Mickey Newbury, along with fellow musicians Jerry Jeff Walker and the classic song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the roots of country music.
An interesting note about the song is its final refrain, featuring a guest vocal appearance by Willie Nelson, which further enhances its authenticity and appeal to country music enthusiasts.
Despite Jennings’ initial reservations about the song, as he mentioned in his autobiography, “Luckenbach, Texas” became an instant hit. It debuted on April 16, 1977, and swiftly climbed to the top of the country charts, holding the #1 spot from May 21 to June 25, 1977. Its success not only solidified Jennings’ status as a leading figure in outlaw country but also immortalized Luckenbach, Texas as a symbol of simpler times and authentic love in popular culture.
“Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” remains a beloved anthem of country music, celebrated for its honest portrayal of life’s priorities and its enduring appeal to generations of music lovers who cherish its timeless message.
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Lyrics
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
With Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we’re living
Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys
Between the Hank Williams’ pain songs
An’ Newberry’s train songs
An’ Blue Eyes Cryin’ In The Rain
Out in Luckenbach, Texas
There ain’t nobody feeling no pain
So baby, let’s sell your diamond ring
And buy some boots and faded jeans and go away
This coat and tie is choking me
In your high society, you cry all night
We’ve been so busy keeping up with the Jones
A four-car garage and we’re still building on
Maybe it’s time we got back to the basics of love
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
With Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we’re living
Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys
Between the Hank Williams’ pain songs
An’ Newberry’s train songs
An’ Blue Eyes Cryin’ In The Rain
Out in Luckenbach, Texas
There ain’t nobody feeling no pain
Out in Luckenbach, Texas
There ain’t nobody feeling no pain