About the Song
Released in 1977 on Waylon Jennings’ album Waylon & Willie, “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get Over You)” is one of the most tender and understated tracks in the outlaw country movement. Written by Chip Moman and Bobby Emmons, the song is a gentle confession of a love that lingers long after it’s gone — a love so powerful that moving on feels neither possible nor desirable.
Musically, the track is soft, melodic, and unhurried. Unlike Jennings’ harder-edged outlaw hits, “The Wurlitzer Prize” embraces a smooth, almost lounge-like country style, with a laid-back rhythm and subtle instrumentation. The title refers to the Wurlitzer jukebox, a nostalgic symbol of country bars and honky-tonks, where heartbreak finds its soundtrack in the songs that spin late into the night.
Lyrically, the song’s message is simple yet profound: the narrator admits that he doesn’t want to heal from the heartbreak — because forgetting the love would mean losing it entirely. There’s a bittersweet beauty in that sentiment, one that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever held onto a memory they weren’t ready to let go of. Jennings’ delivery is warm and intimate, almost conversational, making the listener feel like they’re sitting across from him at a dimly lit bar, hearing a story straight from the heart.
This ballad also showcases Jennings’ versatility. While he was known for gritty, rebellious tracks that defined the outlaw image, “The Wurlitzer Prize” proved he could be just as compelling when leaning into vulnerability and quiet reflection. His rich baritone carries the weight of longing without tipping into melodrama, making the song timeless in its emotional impact.
Over the years, “The Wurlitzer Prize” has remained a fan favorite and a staple on classic country playlists. It’s a song that reminds us that sometimes the greatest comfort in heartbreak comes not from letting go, but from holding on — even if it means never truly getting over someone.