About the Song
Long before country music became polished and packaged for the mainstream, artists like Waylon Jennings carried the genre’s soul — singing for working folks, broken dreamers, and everyday heroes. In his moving rendition of “Love of the Common People,” Jennings reminds us that dignity doesn’t come from wealth or fame, but from perseverance, family, and the kind of love that endures through hardship.
Though the song itself was originally penned in the 1960s by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, and recorded by several artists over the years, it found new emotional depth in the hands of Waylon Jennings. His version, released in 1967 on the album Love of the Common People, doesn’t just interpret the lyrics — it embodies them. With his deep, resonant voice and plainspoken delivery, Jennings doesn’t sound like he’s singing about someone else’s life. He sounds like he’s lived it.
The song tells the story of a man and his family facing poverty, hunger, and hardship — yet never losing hope. It’s about finding strength in community, in faith, and in the “love of the common people.” Where others might hear despair, Jennings brings out the quiet resilience that defines so many rural American families — holding on, not because it’s easy, but because love demands it.
Musically, the arrangement is stripped down, letting the lyrics shine. A soft rhythm section, warm guitar tones, and Jennings’ earthy vocals give the song an almost gospel-like tone — not preachy, but spiritual in its reverence for working-class life. You can hear the dust, the sweat, and the quiet prayers between every line.
In an era when country music was still defining itself, Waylon Jennings stood out as an artist who believed in telling the truth. “Love of the Common People” is one of those truths — a reminder that even in lean times, love and loyalty are the richest possessions a family can have.
For listeners looking to reconnect with the roots of country music — not the glitz, but the grit — this song remains a powerful, humbling, and beautiful tribute to the strength of the ordinary.