About the song
Let’s delve into the rebellious spirit of “Outlaw Sh*t” by the legendary Waylon Jennings. Released in 1998 as part of his album “Waylon Forever,” this song embodies the outlaw country genre and Waylon’s signature sound.
“Outlaw Sh*t” was written by acclaimed songwriter Chris Knight, whose gritty lyrics and raw storytelling perfectly complement Jennings’ rugged vocals. The song reflects on the outlaw lifestyle and the challenges of living outside the norms of society, a theme that resonates deeply with Jennings’ own persona as a trailblazer in the country music scene.
While “Outlaw Sh*t” didn’t climb the mainstream charts, it became a cult favorite among fans of outlaw country music. Its raw energy and unapologetic attitude captured the essence of the outlaw movement, earning it a place in the hearts of listeners who embraced the rebellious spirit of Waylon Jennings and his contemporaries.
Despite its lack of commercial success, “Outlaw Sh*t” remains a testament to Waylon Jennings’ enduring influence on country music and his commitment to staying true to his artistic vision. Its raw honesty and gritty authenticity continue to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans who appreciate the outlaw ethos.
So, let’s raise a glass to “Outlaw Sh*t,” a gritty anthem of defiance and individuality that embodies the spirit of Waylon Jennings and the outlaw country movement.
Video
Lyrics
She said, “Storms will never last”
So I’m looking out the window like, when’s it gonna pass
I need some cash, I did the math, it keeps ending in subtraction
Is it fate, or just the laws of attraction? I’ll never know
Pa’s tracks, fast lane, cocaine dealer
Tryna ease this pain with these painkillers
I don’t want my soul to be stained to obtain my wealth
I couldn’t learn from his mistakes, I had to make ’em myself
And I ain’t never been scared, but reality is frightening
My three year old daughter’s name came from my indictments
Like a VH1 story with a hard ending
Shit, I’m serving a life sentence and I still got a charge pending
Seems like everywhere I go now, they watching
Hiding this pain in my eyes behind Versace’s
Can’t sleep, I’m too busy chasing dreams
And the feds sent a posse down like I ain’t never seen
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand
I’ve always been crazy, but it kept me from going insane
I grew up thinking it’s part of the game
Them outlaws always taught me bad guys were the feds
Don’t get high on your supply, your brain will look like eggs
In a skillet, yeah, can you feel it? Forget it
’80s baby, crack era, that’s how I’ma get it
Fresh up outta jail, new plan, new man
But I can’t seem to change who I am, I’m a hustler
I been running for so long from them boys
I can’t go to sleep without the noise
Television’s on, .40 by my head
Laying on the couch while my shawty’s in the bed
If I stay awake ’til five, I’ll probably sell another ounce
Shoes tied tight just in case I gotta bounce
Hear their tires hit the gravel, how they know I’m back at it?
Little girl looking, “Daddy why you in the attic?” I’m hiding
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand
But it’s a beautiful view, when we’re looking down
From this high, over snow capped mountains
Crimson dyed, don’t give my momma black roses
I gotta gun, but I’m not strong enough to hold it
Crimson dyed, a broken record for a token
Pay a silver dollar for another crime story
But when you’re looking down, from this high
And I just made it to the clouds
And it’ll be a while before I hit the ground (Let’s go)
And taking freedom from me now
Would be like taking water from the Nile
‘Cause the river still flows
From a story that a dam couldn’t hold
(Alright, grandpa it’s your turn)
Don’t you think this outlaw shit has gotten out of hand?
What started out to be a joke, the law don’t understand