The Waylon Jennings Luckenbach Texas song is truly a country music classic. Country icon Waylon Jennings recorded “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” and released it as the first single from the album Ol’ Waylon in April 1977. This song reached #1 on the Billboard Country Music chart starting May 21, 1977 and held that position for six weeks.
Watch both Willie Nelson and Waylon’s versions of this song below.
Willie Nelson Live Version
Check out Waylon performing the song live below!
Waylon Jennings Luckenbach Texas with the Highwaymen Live Version
“Luckenbach, Texas” serves as a powerful reminder of the human longing for authenticity and escape from the trappings of modernity. The song presents Luckenbach as an idealized refuge—a place where “ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain,” and where the pressures of material success are cast aside. It invites listeners to imagine a world untethered from the stresses and expectations of contemporary society, and to yearn for a return to the basics of love and genuine human connection.
This classic song was written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons.
Waylon Jennings Luckenbach Texas
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
Newberry’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
Newberry’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
With 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
‘ “Luckenbach, Texas” remains an iconic country music anthem that has transcended time and continues to resonate with audiences today. Through its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody, the song encapsulates the desire to return to the simple rural life. Share this with other fans of traditional country music!
