"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.
Lyrics
The 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 move 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", and The Highwaymen.[1] The final refrain of the song features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson.
History
The 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
The song debuted on April 16, 1977, reaching #1 on the country charts on May 21, 1977 and stayed there until June 25, 1977.
Weekly charts
| 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
| Chart (1977) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 1 |
Cover versions
- In 1981, Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for their country album Urban Chipmunk.
References
- ^ [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
