About the song
The history of country music is replete with artists who defied convention, challenged the status quo, and forged their own paths, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Waylon Jennings stands as a towering figure in this tradition, and his song “I’ve Always Been Crazy” serves as a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and unapologetic individuality. While the song is often associated with Jennings as a solo artist, the inclusion of The Waymore Blues Band adds a distinctive layer of musical prowess and camaraderie, further enriching its impact.
Released in 1978, “I’ve Always Been Crazy” arrived at a pivotal moment in Jennings’s career, solidifying his status as a key architect of the “Outlaw Country” movement. This subgenre, characterized by its rebellious spirit, raw emotional honesty, and rejection of Nashville’s increasingly commercialized sound, found its voice in Jennings, and this song became a defining statement. It’s not simply a boast of eccentricity; it’s a nuanced reflection on a life lived on one’s own terms, with all the attendant consequences.
The lyrics of “I’ve Always Been Crazy” are a testament to Jennings’s songwriting skill. They are both confessional and defiant, acknowledging the missteps and struggles that come with nonconformity while simultaneously celebrating the freedom and authenticity that it affords. He sings of being “busted for things that I did and I didn’t do,” capturing the sense of being an outsider, judged by a society that often misunderstands those who don’t fit neatly into its prescribed boxes.
The contribution of The Waymore Blues Band to this song cannot be overstated. Their tight,Telecaster-driven sound, infused with elements of blues and rock, provides the perfect backdrop for Jennings’s world-weary yet resolute vocal delivery. The band’s musicianship adds a layer of grit and energy that elevates the song beyond a simple country ballad, transforming it into a powerful statement of self-reliance and artistic integrity. “I’ve Always Been Crazy,” therefore, is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of independence, a celebration of individuality, and a testament to the enduring power of an artist who refused to compromise his vision.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve always been crazy and the trouble that it’s put me throughBeen busted for things that I did and I didn’t doI can’t say I’m proud of all of the things that I’ve doneBut I can say I’ve never intentionally hurt anyoneI’ve always been different with one foot over the lineWinding up somewhere one step ahead or behindIt ain’t been so easy but I guess I shouldn’t complainI’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insaneBeautiful lady, are you sure that you understandThe chances your taking loving a free living manAre you really sure, you really want what you seeBe careful of something that’s just what you want it to beI’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insaneNobody knows if it’s something to bless or to blameSo far I ain’t found a rhyme or a reason to changeI’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going insane