Farewell Party
Waylon Jennings · Six Strings Away [Bear Family] [1999]
When the last breath of life is gone from my body
And my lips are as cold as the sea
When my friends gather 'round my farewell party
Please won't you pretend you love me?
There'll be flowers from those who'll cry when I'll go
And leave you in this old world alone
Will you shed a tear at my farewell party
Or will you be glad when I'm gone?
Don't be angry with me a wanting to keep you
Till my life in this old world is done and through
You'll be free at the end of my farewell party
But I'll go away loving you.
There'll be flowers from those who'll cry when I'll go
And leave you in this old world alone
Will you shed a tear at my farewell party
Or will you be glad when I'm gone?...
Farewell Party
Waylon Jennings delivers a quintessential outlaw country performance on 'Farewell Party,' a track that encapsulates the genre's signature blend of melancholy and resilience. Recorded for the Bear Family reissue of 'Six Strings Away,' the song reflects Jennings' mature artistry and his deep connection to the storytelling traditions of the American South. As a central piece on this compilation, the recording showcases his distinctive vocal timbre and guitar-driven arrangements, hallmarks of his work alongside peers like Willie Nelson. The song stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the outlaw movement, capturing the emotional weight of parting ways while maintaining a rhythmic, forward-moving energy characteristic of the era.