By the late 1970s, the Outlaw Country movement was in full swing. Led by the likes of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash, it had become a force to be reckoned with in the Nashville music scene. These artists embraced a rougher, more rebellious sound, often incorporating elements of rock and roll and blues, while staying true to the storytelling tradition of country music. Their music tackled themes that were often considered taboo in mainstream country, like addiction, rebellion, and the struggles of the working class.
However, with success came a certain level of self-awareness. Even within the Outlaw movement, some artists began to question the increasingly caricatured image of the outlaw. Waylon Jennings, a pivotal figure in the movement, decided to address this head-on with his 1978 song, “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand”.
Released on Jennings’ album I’ve Always Been Crazy, the song, though credited solely to Jennings, was rumored to be a collaboration with songwriter Curtis Grimes. Produced by Richie Albright, the track featured a typically sparse Outlaw Country arrangement, with Jennings’ signature drawl taking center stage.
“Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand” is a playful yet pointed commentary on the excesses of the Outlaw movement. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics poke fun at the stereotypical outlaw persona, questioning the constant references to outlaws, whiskey, and women. Jennings asks if the movement has lost sight of its original purpose, becoming more about image than substance.
Despite its lighthearted approach, the song is not without a sense of self-reflection. It suggests that the movement needs to stay true to its core values if it wants to continue to resonate with fans. “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand” was not a major commercial hit, but it became a cult classic among Jennings’ fans and a thought-provoking reflection on the state of Outlaw Country at the time.