The Unique Story of “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”
In the world of music, Waylon Jennings was known for his unique taste and style. To capture his attention, songwriters often resorted to a little trickery, employing psychology to pique his interest. They would approach him, saying, “Here’s a song that you can’t do justice to, but I’d appreciate your opinion on it.” This tactic worked like a charm, and more often than not, Waylon would take the bait, deciding on the spot to make the song his own.
One such occasion was when Waylon’s producer, Chips Moman, introduced him to “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).” Chips had reservations about the song because it mentioned Waylon, along with other notable performers like Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, as well as songwriters Mickey Newberry and Jerry Jeff Walker. It wasn’t uncommon for artists to reference themselves in their songs, like Loretta Lynn did in “Hey Loretta” or David Allan Coe did in “You Never Even Called Me by My Name.”
To Chips’ surprise, Waylon had no qualms about the song’s references. In fact, he was immediately captivated by “Luckenbach, Texas” and chose it to launch his new album, “Ol Waylon.” This album went on to achieve remarkable success—it was the first country album to “ship gold,” meaning it had sold 500,000 units in advance, and it debuted at number one on Billboard’s country album chart, where it remained for an impressive 13 weeks. On October 7th, 1977, “Ol Waylon” attained platinum status.
During the recording of “Luckenbach, Texas” at Moman’s American Studios in Nashville, a serendipitous moment occurred when Willie Nelson happened to drop by without any particular reason. Waylon, spotting his friend, called him over and invited him to sing along. Willie gladly obliged, adding his voice to the final verse and making a few lyrical alterations along the way.
The significance of “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” didn’t stop there. On April 16, 1977, the song made history by becoming the first single to debut in the top half of the 100-position country chart. While a few songs had previously debuted in the 50s, “Luckenbach, Texas” burst onto the scene at an impressive number 48 in its first week. Just five weeks later, on May 21st, it claimed the number one spot, reigning supreme for six weeks. Only two other country singles achieved this feat during the 1970s: Freddie Hart’s “My Hang Up Is You” in 1972 and C. W. McCall’s “Convoy” in late 1975 and early 1976.
As the song gained popularity, the small town of Luckenbach, which actually exists as a mere wide spot in the road, located 50 miles north of San Antonio, became the center of attention. Network reporters and camera crews descended upon the town, and over the years, more than a hundred city limit signs were stolen as souvenirs of Waylon’s famous record. It wasn’t until twenty years later, near the end of his career, that Jennings finally made an appearance in Luckenbach, performing a concert there on July 4, 1997. Surprisingly, neither of the song’s writers, Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons, ever set foot in the tiny community that inspired their memorable composition.
Artist: Waylon Jennings
Released: April 11, 1977
Genre: Country, outlaw country
B-side: “Belle of the Ball”
Label: RCA
Composers: Bobby Emmons, Chips Moman
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
