About the song
“Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” is a timeless country music classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Released in April 1977, this iconic song was the first single from Waylon Jennings’ album Ol’ Waylon, and it has since become one of his most beloved and enduring hits. Written by the talented songwriting duo Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons, “Luckenbach, Texas” is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a couple struggling to maintain their relationship amidst the pressures of high society.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple whose luxurious lifestyle has taken a toll on their marriage. With references to the infamous Hatfields and McCoys, Hank Williams, Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker, and the classic song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” Jennings’ narrative is both nostalgic and relatable. The song’s chorus, which features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson, is a heartfelt plea for the couple to return to the simplicity and authenticity of their early days together, and to leave behind the trappings of their successful but troubled life.
Despite his initial reservations about the song, Jennings’ distinctive vocals bring “Luckenbach, Texas” to life, and the song’s chart-topping success is a testament to its enduring appeal. The song debuted on April 16, 1977, and reached #1 on the country charts just a month later, staying at the top for six weeks. Today, “Luckenbach, Texas” remains a country music staple, and its themes of love, simplicity, and the importance of relationships continue to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
The only two things in life that make it worth livin’
Is guitars that tune good and firm feelin’ women
I don’t need my name in the marquee lights
I got my song and I got you with me tonight
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 livin’
Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys
Between Hank Williams’ pain songs and
Newbury’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”
Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain
So baby, let’s sell your diamond ring
Buy some boots and faded jeans and go away
This coat and tie is choking me
In your high society, you cry all day
We’ve been so busy keepin’ up with the Jones
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 livin’ got us feudin’
Like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams’ pain songs and
Newbury’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”
Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
Willie and Waylon and the boys
This successful life we’re livin’s got us feudin’
Like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams’ pain songs
And Jerry Jeff’s train songs and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain”
Out in Luckenbach, Texas, there ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain