About the song
Waylon Jennings, an icon in the world of country music, has always been celebrated for his raw authenticity and boundary-pushing artistry. Among his many impactful songs, “Outlaw Sh*T” is a standout track that embodies the very essence of his rebellious spirit and pioneering approach to music.
Released in 1977 as part of the landmark album Waylon Live, “Outlaw Sh*T” offers a glimpse into Jennings’ unapologetic approach to life and music. This track, though not as widely known as some of his other hits, is a quintessential representation of the Outlaw Country movement—a genre characterized by its defiance of mainstream conventions and its celebration of individuality and freedom.
In “Outlaw Sh*T,” Waylon Jennings delivers his trademark gritty vocals with a blend of humor and defiance. The song captures the essence of the Outlaw ethos with its straightforward, no-nonsense lyrics and its energetic, driving rhythm. Jennings’ performance is both charismatic and grounded, reflecting his unique ability to blend introspective storytelling with a robust, dynamic sound.
What sets “Outlaw Sh*T” apart is its embodiment of the rebellious spirit that Jennings championed throughout his career. The track is a testament to his belief in living life on his own terms, unfiltered and genuine. It’s a celebration of the unconventional and the unsanitized, reflecting the very heart of the Outlaw Country movement that Jennings helped to define.
For those who appreciate the rich history of country music and the groundbreaking contributions of Waylon Jennings, “Outlaw Sh*T” is a compelling listen. It offers a window into the artist’s fearless creativity and his unyielding commitment to staying true to himself. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Jennings or discovering his music for the first time, this song is a powerful reminder of why he remains a beloved figure in the genre.
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Lyrics
She said, “Storms will never last”
So I’m looking out the window like, when’s it gonna pass
I need some cash, I did the math, it keeps ending in subtraction
Is it fate, or just the laws of attraction? I’ll never know
Pa’s tracks, fast lane, cocaine dealer
Tryna ease this pain with these painkillers
I don’t want my soul to be stained to obtain my wealth
I couldn’t learn from his mistakes, I had to make ’em myself
And I ain’t never been scared, but reality is frightening
My three year old daughter’s name came from my indictments
Like a VH1 story with a hard ending
Shit, I’m serving a life sentence and I still got a charge pending
Seems like everywhere I go now, they watching
Hiding this pain in my eyes behind Versace’s
Can’t sleep, I’m too busy chasing dreams
And the feds sent a posse down like I ain’t never seen
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand
I’ve always been crazy, but it kept me from going insane
I grew up thinking it’s part of the game
Them outlaws always taught me bad guys were the feds
Don’t get high on your supply, your brain will look like eggs
In a skillet, yeah, can you feel it? Forget it
’80s baby, crack era, that’s how I’ma get it
Fresh up outta jail, new plan, new man
But I can’t seem to change who I am, I’m a hustler
I been running for so long from them boys
I can’t go to sleep without the noise
Television’s on, .40 by my head
Laying on the couch while my shawty’s in the bed
If I stay awake ’til five, I’ll probably sell another ounce
Shoes tied tight just in case I gotta bounce
Hear their tires hit the gravel, how they know I’m back at it?
Little girl looking, “Daddy why you in the attic?” I’m hiding
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand
But it’s a beautiful view, when we’re looking down
From this high, over snow capped mountains
Crimson dyed, don’t give my momma black roses
I gotta gun, but I’m not strong enough to hold it
Crimson dyed, a broken record for a token
Pay a silver dollar for another crime story
But when you’re looking down, from this high
And I just made it to the clouds
And it’ll be a while before I hit the ground (Let’s go)
And taking freedom from me now
Would be like taking water from the Nile
‘Cause the river still flows
From a story that a dam couldn’t hold
(Alright, grandpa it’s your turn)
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand