About the Song
Released in 1980 as part of his album Music Man, “Do It Again” marks one of Waylon Jennings’ more adventurous musical turns—bridging his outlaw‐country roots with a daring cover of the classic rock tune originally by Steely Dan.
In this track, Jennings takes on the refrain, “You go back, Jack, do it again…”, and makes it his own. While the original carried a jazzy, layered irony, Jennings strips it down and injects a raw edge, his baritone voice riding a steady country groove. The instrumentation finds a balance between rock tension and country storytelling—electric guitar licks, steady rhythm, and that unmistakable Waylon presence guiding the listener through regret and resolution.
For longtime fans and listeners who’ve walked many miles through life, “Do It Again” resonates because it reflects the familiar sensation of revisiting a path—knowing you’ve been there before, recognizing the traps, yet still finding yourself drawn back. Jennings delivers it with authenticity; there’s no attempt to imitate the original’s swagger—his version accepts the rock roots but keeps one foot firmly in country soil.
This track stands out in the Music Man album as a reminder that Jennings was more than a rebel; he was a musical voyager willing to traverse boundaries. The decision to cover a Steely Dan tune shows his willingness to challenge expectations and broaden his palette, even at a time when his career had already entered its established phase.
If you’re in the mood to hear Waylon explore a different side of himself—less road-hard honky-tonker, more reflective rocker with country heart—then give “Do It Again” a listen. It’s that rare moment where the familiar becomes fresh, and the rebel stakes a claim to something unexpectedly bold.
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