About the Song
Waylon Jennings was a force of nature, a man who epitomized the “outlaw country” movement. He wasn’t afraid to buck the system, to do things his own way. And that spirit is captured perfectly in Lonesome, On’ry and Mean, an album that solidified his status as a country music legend.
Released in 1973, Lonesome, On’ry and Mean wasn’t just an album; it was a statement. It represented Waylon‘s fight for artistic freedom, his refusal to conform to the Nashville establishment. The title track itself is a perfect example of his rebellious attitude. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of the outsider, the individual who refuses to be tamed.
The music on Lonesome, On’ry and Mean is raw and honest, just like Waylon himself. His voice, deep and resonant, conveys a sense of hard-earned wisdom and a touch of defiance. The arrangements are stripped-down and straightforward, focusing on the power of the song itself.
It’s important to understand the context of this album. In the early 1970s, country music was undergoing a transformation. Artists like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson were pushing back against the polished, commercial sound that had become dominant. They were bringing a grittier, more authentic sound to the genre, and Lonesome, On’ry and Mean was a key part of that movement.
This album and its title track are more than just songs; they’re a reflection of a time and a place, a moment when country music was finding its voice. And Waylon Jennings was leading the charge.
When you listen to Lonesome, On’ry and Mean today, you’re not just hearing a country song; you’re experiencing a piece of musical history. You’re hearing the sound of a man who refused to compromise his artistic vision. And that’s something that resonates as much today as it did in 1973.