Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)
"Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" is a song recorded by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. It was released in April 1977 as the first single from the album "Ol' Waylon". It was written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons. Content. The song refers to a couple whose position in "high society" has placed strains on their marriage ("this successful life we're livin' got us feudin' like the Hatfields and McCoys") and finances ("four-car garage, and we're still buildin' on"). Jennings suggests that the couple return  to "the basics of love" and relocate to the small town of Luckenbach, Texas. References in the song include the Hatfields and McCoys, Hank Williams, Mickey Newbury, Jerry Jeff Walker, and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." The final refrain of the song features a guest vocal by Willie Nelson. It is included in "A Texas Medley," composed by Jim Clancy and sung by The Vocal Majority. In 1981, Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for their country album "Urban Chipmunk". History. The song was co-written by Chips Moman and Bobby Emmons who proposed the song to Jennings  because his "name's in it." At the time of recording the song, neither the writers nor Jennings had ever been to Luckenbach. In his autobiography, Jennings wrote: "I knew it was a hit song, even though I didn't like it, and still don't." Jennings thought the song succeeded because "every state has a Luckenbach; a place to get away from things." Chart performance. The song debuted on April 16, 1977, reaching #1 on the country charts on May 21, 1977, and staying there until June 25, 1977. It also reached #25 on the pop charts while causing  Ol' Waylon to reach the top of the country album charts and #15 on Billboard Top LPs and Tapes chart.