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Waylon Jennings, a towering figure in country music history, wasn’t just a singer; he was a revolutionary force. His raw vocals, electrifying stage presence, and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom helped define the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. This subgenre challenged the polished sound and conservative themes that dominated Nashville at the time, instead embracing honesty, real-life struggles, and a healthy dose of rebellious spirit. However, the outlaw persona wasn’t always fully formed. One song, shrouded in a bit of mystery, offers a glimpse into Jennings’ evolution as an artist and the simmering frustrations that fueled the outlaw movement: “Outlaw Sh*T”.
The exact origins of “Outlaw Sh*T” are a subject of some debate. While it wasn’t officially released until 2008 on the posthumous album Waylon Forever, the song is believed to be a reimagining of an earlier Jennings composition titled “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand” released in 1978 on the album I’ve Always Been Crazy. This earlier version possessed a more upbeat tempo and a slightly more lighthearted tone towards the outlaw lifestyle. “Outlaw Sh*T”, on the other hand, is a stark departure.
The producer for “Outlaw Sh*T” remains unknown, but the stylistic shift is undeniable. The song’s tempo is slower and more deliberate, the instrumentation stripped down and filled with a sense of regret. Jennings’ vocals are the focal point. Delivered with a world-weary rasp, they convey a sense of introspection and a hint of disillusionment with the outlaw lifestyle he once embraced. The lyrics, while maintaining the outlaw themes, are laced with a newfound self-awareness, acknowledging the consequences of a life lived on the fringes. “Outlaw Sh*T” transcends the typical outlaw anthem, becoming a complex reflection on the allure and pitfalls of rebellion, a cautionary tale delivered by a seasoned outlaw looking back.
“Outlaw Sh*T” wasn’t a chart-topping hit for Waylon Jennings, as it was released posthumously. However, the song offers valuable insight into the artist’s evolution and the internal struggles that fueled the outlaw movement. It serves as a reminder that the outlaw persona wasn’t always one of bravado; it was often a life of hardship, self-reliance, and a yearning for artistic freedom, all wrapped in a song that continues to resonate with listeners across generations, prompting reflection on the complexities of rebellion and the enduring allure of the outlaw spirit.