WAYLON JENNINGS – BOB WILLS IS STILL THE KING: A HUMOROUS HOMAGE AND FRIENDLY JAB
The Friendship Behind the Song
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson shared more than just a love for music; they shared a deep friendship that extended beyond the stage. Both were part of the legendary country supergroup The Highwaymen, along with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, but their bond was evident in personal collaborations and playful interactions. One notable example of this camaraderie is Waylon Jennings’ iconic song Bob Wills Is Still the King, which is as much a tribute to Western Swing legend Bob Wills as it is a gentle jab at Willie Nelson.
Bob Wills and His Legacy
To understand the song fully, it’s important to know a bit about Bob Wills. A Texas musician and pioneer of Western Swing, Wills earned the title “King of Western Swing” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968. His music inspired generations of country artists, including Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, and played a key role in putting Texas music on the map.
The Story Behind the Song
While the song appears to be a straightforward homage to Bob Wills, Waylon actually wrote it as a playful nudge at Willie Nelson. In the early 1970s, Willie moved to Austin to re-enter the music scene after nearly retiring. As he gained fame locally, Waylon noticed his friend becoming increasingly absorbed in his success. Though Waylon wasn’t a huge Bob Wills fan himself, he knew Willie respected him deeply, and this gave Waylon the perfect opportunity to humble his friend with humor.
The lyrics cleverly mix admiration for Wills with a tongue-in-cheek message to Willie. When Waylon sings, “It’s the home of Willie Nelson, the home of western swing / He’ll be the first to tell you, Bob Wills is still the king,” it’s both a nod to Willie’s success and a reminder not to forget the foundations of Texas country music. In essence, Waylon was saying, “Enjoy your fame, but remember where it all began.”
A Bold Performance
Waylon planned to record a live album at Nelson’s Texas Opry House, and performing the song there added another layer of humor. In Willie Nelson’s 2015 memoir, he recalled the moment with amusement, noting that despite the gentle ribbing, he genuinely enjoyed the song. The performance perfectly captured the playful dynamic between the two friends, highlighting their respect, humor, and shared musical roots. Waylon even later altered the lyric to “Willie what’s-his-name” to continue teasing Nelson, which only made Willie laugh harder.
More Than a Joke
Beyond the friendly jab, Bob Wills Is Still the King served another purpose: it reminded audiences of the rich tradition behind the rising progressive country scene. Waylon used the song to comment on the trends in country music at the time, emphasizing that no matter how much the genre evolved, the foundational influence of artists like Bob Wills could never be ignored. The song is a celebration of tradition wrapped in humor and clever storytelling.
The Lyrics and Their Meaning
The lyrics of Bob Wills Is Still the King describe the characteristics of Texas country shows, the legacy of Western Swing, and the pride of being a Texas musician. Lines like “The Honky Tonks in Texas / Were my natural second home” and “To hear the Texas Playboys / And Tommy Duncan sing / Makes me proud to be from Texas” reflect Waylon’s reverence for the genre and its icons. Meanwhile, the playful mention of Willie Nelson reinforces the personal connection and humor embedded in the song.
Legacy of the Song
Over the years, Bob Wills Is Still the King has become a beloved piece in Waylon Jennings’ catalog. It’s more than a funny anecdote or a lighthearted tribute—it’s a reflection of the relationships, history, and humor that defined the outlaw country movement. Fans appreciate it not just for its catchy melody and Western Swing homage, but for the insight it gives into the personalities and friendships behind some of country music’s biggest legends.
Conclusion
Waylon Jennings’ Bob Wills Is Still the King is a testament to the power of music to entertain, honor tradition, and playfully tease friends. By blending respect for the past with humor and storytelling, Jennings created a song that remains relevant decades later, reminding listeners of the rich roots of Texas country music and the enduring friendships that shaped it. In the end, it’s a song that celebrates legacy, friendship, and the unshakable influence of a true king: Bob Wills.
