Busted

Waylon Jennings · The One and Only/Heartaches by the Numbers [Collec [2004]

(Harlan Howard)



My bills are all due and the baby needs shoes. but I'm busted

Cotton is down to a quarter a pound. and I'm busted

I got a cow that's gone dry and a hen that won't lay

A big stack of bills gettin' bigger each day.

The county will haul my belongings away, 'cause I'm busted



I went to see my brother, gonna ask him for a loan, I was busted

I hate to beg like a dog for a bone, but I'm busted

My brother said there ain't one thing I can do

Wife and the kids they're all down with the flu

I was just thinking about calling on you, 'cause I'm busted.



--- Instrumental ---



I ain't no thief but a man can go wrong, when he's busted

The food that we canned last summer is gone, and I'm busted

Well, the fields are all bare and the cotton won't grow

Me and my family gotta pack up and go

I'll make a living but where I don't know, I'm just busted...

Busted

Waylon Jennings stands as a defining figure in outlaw country, known for his distinctive baritone and rebellious approach to the genre. "Busted" captures the raw emotional intensity characteristic of his work, reflecting themes of personal struggle and resilience that permeate his extensive discography. As a key member of the movement that reshaped country music in the 1970s and beyond, Jennings frequently explored narratives of heartbreak and redemption. This recording highlights his ability to convey deep sentiment through straightforward storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. The song remains a testament to his enduring influence on American roots music, showcasing the timeless quality of his songwriting and performance style that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.