Listen to Waylon Jennings’ Iconic Anthem of Rebellion “I’ve Always Been Crazy” and Feel Like a True Outlaw!
The song “I’ve Always Been Crazy” was written and recorded by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. It was released in 1978 as the title track for his album of the same name. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
At its core, “I’ve Always Been Crazy” is a song about personal identity and the struggles that come with being true to oneself. The lyrics describe a lifetime of complications and challenges that stem from the fact that the narrator has always been different from others. He admits to being “a little bit different” and having a tendency towards reckless behavior, but he ultimately embraces these aspects of his personality, declaring that he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The song’s opening lines set the tone for the rest of the lyrics: “I’ve always been crazy and the trouble that it’s put me through / I’ve been busted for things that I did, and I didn’t do.” This sets up the idea that the narrator has always been outside the bounds of societal norms and expectations. He’s been in trouble with the law, but he’s also been judged unfairly for things he didn’t actually do.
As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the various ways in which his unconventional nature has caused him problems. He’s lost friends and loved ones, struggled with addiction, and felt like an outcast in many situations. But despite all this, he refuses to change who he is. “But I wouldn’t want to be nobody else if I could,” he declares. “I’m glad we’re not all the same.”
Ultimately, “I’ve Always Been Crazy” is a celebration of individuality and the courage it takes to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Waylon Jennings’ distinctive voice and guitar work give the song a haunting quality that perfectly complements the introspective and reflective lyrics. It’s a timeless classic that has resonated with generations of listeners, and it continues to be celebrated for its message of self-acceptance and authenticity.