About The Song
Outlaw Singers Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson have long been performing on one stage together considering that they’re a part of the iconic outlaw group, “The Highwaymen.” Together with the late Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, they have produced tunes that truly go back to what pure and authentic country sound is. Without a doubt, they’re just among the best in their craft.
In 1977, Waylon Jennings released what would become one of his signature songs. “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basic of Love)” was the first single from his album, Ol’Waylon. Penned by Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman, the tune was written specially for Jennings because his name was in it.
The song was such a hit that it managed to clinch the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country chart. In addition, it was also one of Jennings’ biggest crossover hits, after it charted at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Furthermore, “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basic of Love)” refers to a couple whose position in “high society” has placed strains on their marriage and finances. Hence, Jennings then suggests the couple to go back to “the basics of love” and relocate to the small town of Luckenbach, Texas.
The song was already great on its own but it became extra appealing to th fans when another major country star joined Jennings in singing it. It was Willie Nelson, one of The Highwaymen and a close friend of Jennings.
As a matter of fact, both Jennings and Nelson’s names were mentioned in the song. A part of the song goes:
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
th Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we’re livin’
Got us feuding like Hatfields and McCoys.
Video
Lyrics
The only two things in life that make it worth livin’Is guitars that tune good and firm feelin’ womenI don’t need my name in the marquee lightsI got my song and I got you with me tonightMaybe it’s time we got back to the basics of loveLet’s go to Luckenbach, TexasWith Waylon and Willie and the boysThis successful life we’re livin’Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoysBetween Hank Williams’ pain songs andNewbury’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no painSo baby, let’s sell your diamond ringBuy some boots and faded jeans and go awayThis coat and tie is choking meIn your high society, you cry all dayWe’ve been so busy keepin’ up with the JonesFour car garage and we’re still building onMaybe it’s time we got back to the basics of loveLet’s go to Luckenbach, TexasWith Waylon and Willie and the boysThis successful life we’re livin’ got us feudin’Like the Hatfield and McCoysBetween Hank Williams’ pain songs andNewbury’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no painLet’s go to Luckenbach, TexasWillie and Waylon and the boysThis successful life we’re livin’s got us feudin’Like the Hatfield and McCoysBetween Hank Williams’ pain songsAnd Jerry Jeff’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”Out in Luckenbach, Texas, there ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain