From Heartache to Harmony: How ‘Good Hearted Woman’ Became a Country Classic

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Background

  • “Good Hearted Woman” was written by Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter.
  • It was first recorded by Jennings and Nelson in 1976 and released as the title track of their album of the same name.
  • The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • It was the first duet by a male and female country artist to reach number one on the Hot 100.
  • The song’s success helped to solidify Jennings and Nelson as one of the most popular country duos of all time.

Musical Style

  • “Good Hearted Woman” is a traditional country ballad with a mid-tempo tempo and a simple melody.
  • The song features acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and the distinctive vocals of Jennings and Nelson.
  • The overall sound is warm and nostalgic, reflecting the song’s theme of love and commitment.

Lyrics

  • The lyrics of “Good Hearted Woman” tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman who is good to him.
  • The man appreciates her for her kindness, her compassion, and her ability to love him unconditionally.
  • He knows that he is lucky to have her in his life, and he will never take her for granted.
  • The song’s chorus expresses the man’s love and gratitude: “You’re a good-hearted woman, you’re a good-hearted woman, and I love you so.”
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Cultural Impact

  • “Good Hearted Woman” had a significant impact on country music and popular culture.
  • It was one of the first country songs to feature a duet between a male and female artist that was both romantic and heartwarming.
  • The song’s success helped to pave the way for other country duos to achieve mainstream success.
  • The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill, and Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
  • The song has also been featured in films, television shows, and commercials.

Conclusion

  • “Good Hearted Woman” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
  • It is a powerful song about love, gratitude, and commitment.
  • The song’s message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1976.
  • Jennings and Nelson’s performance of the song is one of the most iconic in country music history.

A long time forgotten the dreams that just fell by the wayThe good life he promised, ain’t what she’s living today(Willie)But she never complains of the bad timesOr the bad things he’s done ,Lord (yeah)She just talks about the good times they’ve hadAnd all the good times to come
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ manShe loves him in spite of his ways she don’t understandThrough teardrops and laughterThey’ll pass through this world hand in handA good hearted woman lovin’ a good timin’ man
He likes the bright lights and night life and good timin’ friendsAnd when the party’s all over, she’ll welcome him back home againLord knows she don’t understand him but she does the best that she canThis good hearted woman lovin’ a good timin’ man (yeah)
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man (woo, yeah)She loves me in spite of my wicked ways that she don’t understandThrough teardrops and laughterThey’ll pass through this world hand in hand, LordA good hearted woman lovin’ a good timin’ man
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ manShe loves me in spite of my wicked mouthed waysBut then she don’t understand

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