Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)


"Luckenbach, Texas " is a song recorded by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. It was released in April 1977 as the first single from the album Ol' Waylon. It was written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons.

Content

The song refers to a couple whose position in "high society" has placed strains on their marriage and finances. Jennings suggests that the couple return to "the basics of love" and relocate to the small town of Luckenbach, Texas.
References in the song include Hatfields and McCoys, Hank Williams, Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain".
The final refrain of the song features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson.
It is included in "A Texas Medley", composed by Jim Clancy and sung by The Vocal Majority.
In 1981, Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for their country album Urban Chipmunk.

History

The song was co-written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons who proposed the song to Waylon because his "name's in it". At the time of recording the song, neither the writers nor Waylon had ever been to Luckenbach, Texas. In his autobiography, Waylon remarked about his feelings on the song: "I knew it was a hit song, even though I didn't like it, and still don't." Waylon thought the song succeeded because "every state has a Luckenbach; a place to get away from things."

Chart performance

The song debuted on April 16, 1977, reaching #1 on the country charts on May 21, 1977, and staying there until June 25, 1977. It also reached #25 on the pop charts while causing Ol' Waylon to reach the top of the country album charts and #15 on Billboard Top LPs and Tapes chart.
Chart Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles1