Sorrow (Breaks a Good Man Down)
Waylon Jennings · Only the Greatest [RCA Victor] [1968]
Disappointments weigh so heavy
Leave it's wreckage all around
Once a good man, once respected
Sorrow breaks a good man down.
Had a good love, had a good life
Now the sadness all around
Dread the darkness, hate the daylight
Sorrow breaks a good man down.
I remember all the good times
When the world was ours to claim
Then she left me, took the sunshine
Every night wind speaks her name.
Can't stop loving, can't stop living
There's no answer to be found
No ambition, just existing
Sorrow breaks a good man down.
--- Instrumental ---
I remember all the good times
When the world was ours to claim
Then she left me, took the sunshine
Every night wind speaks her name.
Can't stop loving, can't stop living
There's no answer to be found
No ambition, just existing
Sorrow breaks a good man down.
Sorrow breaks a good man down...
Sorrow (Breaks a Good Man Down)
Waylon Jennings delivers a quintessential outlaw country performance on this 1968 recording, capturing the raw emotional core of the genre. The track exemplifies his signature style, blending a brooding vocal delivery with a driving rhythm that defined the movement's sound during its peak. Released on RCA Victor, the song reflects the era's focus on personal struggle and resilience, themes central to Jennings' career. His interpretation transforms the material into a poignant narrative of heartbreak, showcasing his ability to convey deep sorrow through music. This recording remains a staple in the catalog of classic country, illustrating his enduring influence on the genre's storytelling tradition.