About the song
A Country Music Conversation: Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Conversation”
In the realm of country music, few pairings could rival the legendary duo of Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr.. Both icons in their own right, they brought together a blend of traditional and outlaw country styles that resonated deeply with audiences. Their 1979 collaboration, “The Conversation,” stands as a testament to their enduring legacy, offering a poignant reflection on life, loss, and the power of music.
A Song of Shared Experiences
“The Conversation” opens with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, setting the stage for a heartfelt exchange between two old friends. Jennings and Williams Jr.’s voices intertwine effortlessly, their weathered tones conveying a depth of emotion that only comes from years of life’s experiences.
“We’ve talked about our lives, our loves, our losses We’ve talked about the music, the good times, the crosses We’ve talked about the road, the dust, the rain And the way we’ve always felt this music in our veins”
A Tribute to the Music that Connects Us
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the profound connection between music and the human spirit. Jennings and Williams Jr. acknowledge the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to offer solace in times of hardship.
“We’ve seen the way this music can touch a man’s soul And lift him up when he’s feeling low and all alone It’s carried us through thick and thin And it’s still the one thing that we’ve always got within”
A Legacy that Endures
“The Conversation” concludes with a sense of peace and acceptance, as the two singers recognize that their shared love of music will forever bind them together. The final lines echo with a poignant reminder of the music’s enduring power:
“And so we’ll keep on talking, Lord, and we’ll keep on singing ‘Cause this music’s in our hearts and it’s gonna keep on ringing”
A Timeless Classic
“The Conversation” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and the human spirit. Jennings and Williams Jr.’s heartfelt duet has touched the lives of countless listeners, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the annals of country music.
Video
Lyrics
“The Conversation”
(performed with Hank Williams, Jr.)[Waylon:]
Hank let’s talk about your daddy
Tell me how your momma loved that man
[Hank:]
Well, just break a bottle hoss
I’ll tell ya’ about the drifting cowboy band
[Waylon:]
We wont talk about the habits
[Waylon & Hank]
Just the music and the man thats all
[Waylon:]
Now Hank, you just gotta tell me
Did your daddy really write all them songs, did he
[Hank:]
That don’t deserve no answer hoss
Let’s light up and just move along
[Waylon:]
Do you think he wrote ’em about your momma
Or about the man who done her wrong
You know that
[Waylon & Hank:]
Yeah, back then they called him crazy
Nowadays they call him a saint
Now the ones that call him crazy
Are still riding on his name
[Waylon:]
Well, if he was here right now Bocephus
Would he think that we were right?
Do you think he might?
[Hank:]
Don’t you know he would Watasha
Be right here by our side
[Waylon:]
If we left for a show in Provo
[Waylon & Hank:]
Be the first one on the bus and ready to ride
Last one to go hoss
[Waylon:]
Wherever he is I hope he’s happy
You know, I hope he’s doing well
Yes, I do
[Hank:]
He is
‘Cause he’s got one arm around my momma now
And her sure did love Miss Audrey and raising hell
[Waylon:]
I wont ask you no more questions
[Waylon & Hank:]
To the stories only Hank could tell
And he could tell’em
Back then they called him crazy
Now days they call him a saint
[Hank:]
Most folks don’t know that
They fired him from the Opry
And that ’caused his greatest pain
I’d love to tell you about lovesick
How Miss Audrey loved that man
[Waylon:]
You know, I’ve always loved to listen to
The stories about that drifting cowboy band
That man
[Hank:]
You know when we get right down to it
[Waylon & Hank:]
Still the most wanted outlaw in the land…