About the song
Waylon Jennings and “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Waylon Jennings was a country music outlaw. He was known for his rebellious spirit and his hard-living lifestyle. His music was often raw and emotional, and it spoke to the working class and the underdogs.
One of Jennings’ most famous songs is “I Ain’t Living Long Like This.” The song was written by Rodney Crowell, and it was released on Jennings’ 1979 album What Goes Around Comes Around.
The song is a classic country ballad. It tells the story of a man who is living a fast and reckless life. He knows that his lifestyle is going to catch up to him eventually, but he doesn’t care. He’s just going to keep on living until he can’t live anymore.
The song is full of vivid imagery. The narrator sings about drinking, smoking, and gambling. He sings about running from the law and getting into fights. He sings about women and fast cars.
The song’s message is clear: living a fast life will eventually lead to your downfall. But the narrator doesn’t care. He’s going to enjoy himself while he can.
“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” is a powerful song. It’s a cautionary tale, but it’s also a celebration of life. It’s a reminder that we should live each day to the fullest, because we never know when our time will come.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr. But Jennings’ version is the definitive one. His voice is full of emotion, and he delivers the song with conviction.
“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” is a classic country song. It’s a song about life, love, and death. It’s a song that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was released as the second single from the albumĀ What Goes Around Comes Around.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
- The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr.
Here are some of the song’s lyrics:
-
“I ain’t living long like this I’m burning both ends of the candle And the flame’s getting low”
-
“I’m drinking too much whiskey Smoking too many cigarettes And I’m running out of luck”
-
“I’m gambling with my life And I’m playing with fire But I don’t care, I’m gonna have some fun ‘Cause I ain’t living long like this”
The song’s themes:
- The song is about living a fast and reckless life.
- The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living life on the edge.
- The song is also a celebration of life and a reminder to live each day to the fullest.
The song’s impact:
- 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’ performance.
- The song has been covered by many artists, and it is considered a classic country song.
Video
Lyrics
“I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
(originally by Rodney Crowell)I look for trouble and I found it son
Straight down the barrel of a lawman’s gun
I tried to run but I don’t think I can
You make one move and you’re a dead man friend
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?He slipped the handcuffs on behind my back
And left me reeling on a steel reel rack
They got’em all in the jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?Grew up in Houston off the wayside drives
Son of a carhop and some all night dives
Dad drove a stock car to an early death
All I remember was a drunk man’s breath
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?You know the story how the wheel goes ’round
Don’t let them take you to the man down town
Can’t sleep at all in a jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?I live with Angel she’s a roadhouse queen
Makes Texas Ruby look like Sandra Dee
I want to love her but I don’t know how
I’m at the bottom in the jailhouse now
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?You know the story about the jailhouse rock
Don’t want to do it but just don’t get caught
They got’em all in the jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this,can I baby?