About the song
When we talk about the golden era of country music, few artists embody the spirit of the genre as vividly as Waylon Jennings. His deep, gravelly voice and rebellious attitude made him a standout figure in the 1970s and 1980s, and his song “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” is a quintessential example of why his music has endured over the decades.
Released in 1979 as part of the album Waylon Live, “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” is more than just a song—it’s a raw, unfiltered narrative that captures the essence of Waylon Jennings’ outlaw persona. With a blend of honky-tonk rhythms and storytelling, Jennings takes listeners on a journey through the life of a man who embraces the high-risk, high-reward lifestyle. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is well aware that his choices come with a heavy price, yet he remains unapologetically true to his own code.
Jennings’ deep voice adds an extra layer of authenticity to the song, conveying a sense of resignation and defiance that resonates deeply with the audience. The track’s narrative is rich with imagery and emotion, reflecting the tumultuous and often dangerous life that Jennings himself navigated with both grit and grace. It’s this blend of personal experience and artistic expression that makes “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” a standout piece in his impressive catalog.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of country music or new to Waylon Jennings’ work, this song offers a compelling glimpse into the heart of a man who lived his life on his own terms. Its honest portrayal of struggle and defiance continues to captivate listeners, making it a timeless classic in the country genre.
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Lyrics
I look for trouble and I found it son
Straight down the barrel of a law man’s gun
I tried to run but I don’t think I can
You make one move and you’re a dead man friend
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?
He slipped the handcuffs on behind my back
And left me reeling on a steel reel rack
They got ’em all in the jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?
Grew up in Houston off the wayside drives
Son of a car-hop and some all night dives
Dad drove a stock car to an early death
All I remember was a drunk man’s breath
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?
You know the story how the wheel goes ’round?
Don’t let them take you to the man downtown
Can’t sleep at all in a jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?
I live with angel she’s a roadhouse queen
Makes Texas Ruby look like Sandra Dee
I want to love her but I don’t know how
I’m at the bottom in the jailhouse now
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?
You know the story about the jailhouse rock?
Don’t want to do it but just don’t get caught
They got ’em all in the jailhouse baby
Ain’t living long like this
Can’t live at all like this, can I baby?