Waylon Jennings – Lonesome, On’ry and Mean

About the Song

Waylon Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He was one of the most popular and influential country music artists of all time. Jennings was known for his rebellious outlaw image and his distinctive voice. He was a member of the Outlaw movement in country music, which was a reaction to the slick, over-produced country music that was popular in the 1970s.

One of Jennings’s most famous songs is “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean”. The song was written by Jennings and was released in 1973. It is a classic country music song that tells the story of a man who is down on his luck and feeling sorry for himself. The song is full of self-pity and regret, but it is also honest and relatable.

The song begins with the narrator describing his current state of mind. He is feeling lonesome, on’ry, and mean. He is drinking too much and not taking care of himself. He is also feeling sorry for himself and blaming others for his problems.

The narrator then goes on to tell the story of how he got to where he is now. He lost his job, his wife left him, and he is now living alone in a run-down shack. He is feeling hopeless and lost.

The song ends with the narrator still feeling lonesome, on’ry, and mean. But he is also starting to realize that he needs to take responsibility for his own life. He needs to stop blaming others for his problems and start taking care of himself.

“Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” is a powerful song about the human condition. It is a song about loneliness, despair, and regret. But it is also a song about hope and redemption. It is a reminder that we all make mistakes, but we can always learn from them and start over.

The song is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that everyone can relate to, regardless of their age or background. The song is a message of hope and inspiration, and it is a reminder that we should never give up on ourselves.

Here are some additional details about the song:

• The song was released in 1973 as the title track of Jennings’s fourth studio album.
• The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
• The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Jennings’s vocals and the song’s raw, emotional lyrics.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.
• The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

“Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that everyone can relate to, regardless of their age or background. The song is a message of hope and inspiration, and it is a reminder that we should never give up on ourselves.

Video

Lyrics

On a Greyhound bus
Lord, I’m traveling this morning
I’m goin’ to Shreveport and down to New Orleans
Been travelin’ these highways
Been doin’ things my way
It’s been making me lonesome, on’ry and mean

Now her hair was jet black
And her name was Codene
She thought she was the queen of the Basin Street Queens
She got tired of that smokey-wine dream
Began to feel lonesome, on’ry and mean

We got together, and we cashed in our sweeps
Gave ’em to a beggar who was mumbling through the streets
There’s no escaping from his snowy white dreams
Born lookin’ lonesome, on’ry and mean

Now I’m down in this valley
Where the wheels turn so low
At dawn I pray to the Lord of my soul
I say do Lord, do right by me
You know I’m tired of being lonesome, on’ry and mean