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"Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" is a song recorded by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. It was released in April 1977 as the first single from the album Ol' Waylon. It was written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons.
| "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
_-_Waylon_Jennings.jpeg) | ||||
| Single by Waylon Jennings | ||||
| from the album Ol' Waylon | ||||
| B-side | "Belle of the Ball" | |||
| Released | April 11, 1977 | |||
| Recorded | January 1977 | |||
| Genre | Country, outlaw country | |||
| Length | 3:22 | |||
| Label | RCA | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Bobby Emmons, Chips Moman | |||
| Producer(s) | Chips Moman | |||
| Waylon Jennings singles chronology | ||||
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Content
editThe song refers to a couple whose position in "high society" has placed strains on their marriage ("this successful life we're livin' got us feudin' like the Hatfields and McCoys") and finances ("four-car garage, and we're still buildin' on"). Jennings suggests that the couple return to "the basics of love" and relocate to the small town of Luckenbach, Texas.
References in the song include the Hatfields and McCoys, Hank Williams, Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker, and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain."[1]
The final refrain of the song features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson.
History
editThe song was co-written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons who proposed the song to Jennings because his "name's in it." At the time of recording the song, neither the writers nor Jennings had ever been to Luckenbach. In his autobiography, Jennings wrote: "I knew it was a hit song, even though I didn't like it, and still don't."[2]
Chart performance
editThe song debuted on April 16, 1977, reaching #1 on the country charts on May 21, 1977, and staying there until June 25, 1977.
Weekly charts
edit| Chart (1977) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[3] | 25 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[4] | 16 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5] | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 46 |
| Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks | 40 |
Year-end charts
edit| Chart (1977) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 1 |
Cover versions
edit- In 1981, Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for their country album Urban Chipmunk.
References
edit- ^ [1] : www.lyrics.com
- ^ Waylon, Jennings (1996), Waylon: An Autobiography, Kaye, Lenny., Media Books, ISBN 1578152062, OCLC 48983943
- ^ "Waylon Jennings Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Waylon Jennings Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "Waylon Jennings Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 1977". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- Ultimate Waylon Jennings CD liner notes, Lenny Kaye, c.2004