About the song
An Outlaw’s Plea: Waylon Jennings’ “Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)”
In the pantheon of country music legends, Waylon Jennings stands as a towering figure, a man whose voice and persona embodied the spirit of rebellion and authenticity. His music, a potent blend of traditional country and rock and roll influences, resonated deeply with audiences, making him one of the genre’s most influential figures. Among his many iconic songs, “Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)” stands out as a particularly poignant and powerful ballad, showcasing Jennings’ masterful storytelling and heartfelt delivery.
Released in 1983, “Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)” is a cover of a song originally written by Albert Collins and Richard Penniman (Little Richard). Jennings’ rendition, however, transformed the song into something entirely his own, imbuing it with a depth of emotion and gravitas that set it apart from the original. The song tells the story of a man desperately trying to convince his daughter, Lucille, to defy her father’s wishes and follow her own heart. Jennings’ voice, weathered and worn yet still brimming with passion, conveys the weight of the narrator’s plea, while the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the strained relationship between father and daughter.
A Tale of Rebellion and Self-Determination
At its core, “Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)” is a song about rebellion and self-determination. The narrator, a man who has clearly lived a hard life and knows the value of independence, implores his daughter to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and forge her own path. He warns her of the dangers of conformity, reminding her that “life ain’t always easy” and that true happiness comes from following one’s own dreams.
Jennings’ delivery of the song is particularly noteworthy. He imbues each word with a sense of urgency and conviction, as if he is pleading with Lucille on a personal level. His voice cracks with emotion as he sings the lines, “Lucille, Lucille, you won’t do your daddy’s will,” making the song’s message all the more powerful.
A Country Music Classic
“Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)” quickly became a country music classic, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1983. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Hank Williams Jr., George Strait, and Miranda Lambert, but Jennings’ version remains the definitive one. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
A Song for the Ages
“Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will)” is more than just a country song; it is a universal story about the struggle for self-determination. Jennings’ heartfelt performance and the song’s timeless message have made it an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. It is a song that speaks to the power of the human spirit and the importance of following one’s own dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Video
Lyrics
“Lucille (Won’t You Do Your Daddy’s Will)”
Lucille won’t you do your daddy’s will
Oh Lucille, just won’t you do your daddy’s will
Well, it ain’t nothin’ to you, I love you still.Oh Lucille, please come back where you belong
Oh Lucille, please come back where you belong
I’ve been good to you baby, please don’t leave me alone.Well, I woke up this morning, Lucille was not in sight
I asked her friends about her but all their lips were tight.Lucille, won’t you do your daddy’s will
Oh Lucille, just won’t you do your daddy’s will
Well, it ain’t nothin’ to you, I love you still.Oh Lucille, please come back where you belong
Oh Lucille, please come back where you belong
I’ve been good to you baby, please don’t leave me alone.Well, I woke up this morning, Lucille was not in sight
I asked her friends about her but all their lips were tight.Lucille, please come back where you belong
I been good to you baby, please don’t leave me alone.Lucille baby satisfy my heart, oh Lucille, baby satisfy my heart
I can’t come around baby, but you gave me such a wonderful start Lucille.