Whatever Gets You Through the Night
Waylon Jennings · Never Could Toe the Mark [RCA Victor] [1984]
Whatever gets you through the night
Whatever makes everything all right
I'm not the kind to judge you
See what you do is all right with me
Whatever gets you through the night.
Well, some guys just don't care
They say play all nights and sleep all day
Then some work till the day they die
Some get rich and some get by.
Some spend the lifetime having fun
Some say they're gonna wait till Jesus comes
Some say that girls are their downfall
Some boys don't like girls at all
Whatever gets you through the night.
Well, some like cars and fancy clothes
Some live fast and some live slow
Some spend their life searchin' for truth
Some come to church in a three piece suit.
Well, I heard a good woman's all you need
I heard some guys need two or three
Some want to save the world I'm told
Some just want to rock'n roll
Whatever gets you through the night.
Whatever gets you through the night
Whatever makes everything all right
I'm not the kind to judge you
See what you do is all right with me
Whatever gets you through the night...
Whatever Gets You Through the Night
Waylon Jennings delivers a quintessential outlaw country performance on 'Whatever Gets You Through the Night,' recorded for his 1984 album 'Never Could Toe the Mark.' As a central figure in the outlaw movement, Jennings blended honky-tonk rhythms with a gritty, resonant vocal style that defined the genre's late-period sound. This track exemplifies his ability to craft anthems of resilience and weary determination, capturing the spirit of the road and the struggles of the working man. The recording stands as a testament to his enduring influence on country music, showcasing a mature artistry that balanced commercial appeal with authentic emotional depth. It remains a staple of his discography, reflecting the era's shift toward more personal and narrative-driven storytelling.