| Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) | |
| Cover: | Luckenbach,_Texas_(Back_to_the_Basics_of_Love)_-_Waylon_Jennings.jpeg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Waylon Jennings |
| Album: | Ol' Waylon |
| B-Side: | Belle of the Ball |
| Released: | April 11, 1977 |
| Recorded: | January 1977 |
| Genre: | Country, outlaw country |
| Length: | 3:22 |
| Label: | RCA |
| Producer: | Chips Moman |
| Prev Title: | Are You Ready for the Country |
| Prev Year: | 1977 |
| Next Title: | The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get Over You) |
| Next Year: | 1977 |
"Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" 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.
The song refers to a couple whose position in "high society" has placed strains on their marriage ("this successful life we're livin' got us feudin' like the Hatfields and McCoys") and finances ("four-car garage, and we're still buildin' on"). 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 the Hatfields and McCoys, Hank Williams, Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker, and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain."[1]
The final refrain of the song features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson.
The song was co-written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons who proposed the song to Jennings because his "name's in it." At the time of recording the song, neither the writers nor Jennings had ever been to Luckenbach. In his autobiography, Jennings wrote: "I knew it was a hit song, even though I didn't like it, and still don't."
The song debuted on April 16, 1977, reaching #1 on the country charts on May 21, 1977, and staying there until June 25, 1977.
| Chart (1977) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 | |
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 46 | |
| Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks | 40 |