Waylon Jennings’ Rendition Of “Gentle On My Mind”
The Story Behind the Song
“Waylon Jennings – Gentle on My Mind” is a soul-stirring ballad that was recorded in 1973. The song, written by John Hartford, and produced by the talented Chet Atkins, was included on her album “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” RCA 1973, beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet emotions of love and longing. Its evocative lyrics and melodic composition have secured its place as a beloved classic in the country music genre..
Waylon Jennings: A Legendary Icon
Waylon Jennings, a trailblazing figure in the world of country music, achieved numerous chart-topping hits throughout his illustrious career. His distinctive voice and unparalleled artistry have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential artists in the genre. Notably, “Gentle on My Mind” showcases Jennings’ exceptional ability to infuse raw emotion into every note, further cementing his status as a true icon of country music.
ORIGINAL RECORDING
Waylon Jennings also recorded and released the song on his albums “Hangin’ On” and “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town”
Waylon Jennings – Gentle on My Mind lyrics
It’s knowing that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it’s knowing I’m not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that are dried upon some line
That keeps you in the backroads
By the rivers of my memory
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It’s not clinging to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or something that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walking
It’s just knowing that the world will not be cursing
Or forgiving when I walk along some railroad track and find
That you’re moving on the backroads
By the rivers of my memory
And for hours you’re just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman’s cryin’ to her mother
‘Cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me ’til I’m blind
But not to where I cannot see
You walkin’ on the backroads
By the rivers flowing gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin’
Cracklin’ caldron in some train yard
My beard a roughening coal pile,
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands ’round the tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you’re waiting from the backroads
By the rivers of my memories
Ever smilin’ ever gentle on my mind
GENIUS
