Waylon Jennings – Clyde

About the song

Waylon Jennings and the outlaw country movement

Waylon Jennings was one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music history. Throughout his career, he was known for his rebellious spirit, his outlaw persona, and his distinctive baritone voice. Jennings was a pioneer of the outlaw country movement, which emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the slick, mainstream country music of the time. Outlaw country artists like Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson embraced a more traditional sound and style, and they often sang about themes of rebellion, freedom, and the working class.

“Clyde”

One of Jennings’s most famous songs is “Clyde,” which was released in 1979. The song is a slow, bluesy ballad about a man named Clyde who is down on his luck. Clyde has lost his job, his wife has left him, and he’s about to lose his home. But even though Clyde is facing hard times, he refuses to give up. He keeps his head held high and he keeps on going.

The song’s message

The message of “Clyde” is one of hope and resilience. It’s a song about the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. No matter how tough things get, Clyde never gives up. He knows that things will eventually get better, and he’s determined to keep going until they do.

Jennings’s performance

Jennings’s performance on “Clyde” is simply stunning. He sings the song with a deep, soulful voice that perfectly captures the character of Clyde. Jennings’s vocals are raw and emotional, and they convey the pain and suffering that Clyde is experiencing. But at the same time, Jennings’s voice also conveys Clyde’s strength and determination.

The song’s impact

“Clyde” was a major hit for Jennings, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song also helped to popularize the outlaw country movement and introduce it to a wider audience. “Clyde” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It’s a song about hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Other facts about the song

• The song was written by J.J. Cale.
• It was originally released on Cale’s 1972 album, “Naturally.”
• Jennings’s version of the song was released on his 1979 album, “Music Man.”
• The song has been covered by many other artists, including Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Jerry Garcia, and John Prine.
• “Clyde” was used in the opening credits of the 1980 film, “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Conclusion

“Clyde” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It’s a song about hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Jennings’s performance on the song is simply stunning, and it perfectly captures the character of Clyde. “Clyde” is a must-listen for any fan of country music.

Video

Lyrics

“Clyde”
(originally by J.J. Cale)

Whoop, Whoop

Clyde plays electric bass,
Plays it with finese and grace
Set on a porch, ain’t got no shoes
Pickin’ the bass and singin’ the blues

Misery loves company,
This ole dog sings harmony,
Tamborine tied to his tail,
You can hear him moan, you can hear him wail,
Yeah

Whew
Jody baby, she got a dollar,
Down the road, you can hear her holler,
Git up Clyde, we got things to do,
That ole dog can sing the blues,

He don’t move, he don’t flinch
Clyde, he don’t move an inch,
Set on a porch, ain’t got no shoes,
Pickin’ the bass and singin’ the blues
Whoop Whoop

Clyde plays electric bass,
Played it with finese and grace
Set on a porch, ain’t got no shoes
Pickin’ the bass and singin’ the blues