About The Song
“Just Waitin'” is a classic country blues ballad by the legendary singer-songwriter, Hank Williams. Released in 1951, this song is a prime example of Williams’ ability to capture the essence of human longing and despair. With its simple yet evocative lyrics and haunting melody, “Just Waitin'” has resonated with audiences for generations.
Williams, often referred to as the “Hillbilly Shakespeare,” had a unique gift for expressing deep emotions through his music. In “Just Waitin’,” he paints a vivid picture of a world filled with anticipation and delayed gratification. The song’s title itself suggests a pervasive sense of waiting, of being stuck in a state of suspended animation.
The lyrics of “Just Waitin'” are filled with imagery of people waiting for various things: the old maid waiting for leap year, the crooner waiting to sing, the old cow waiting for the grass to turn green. Through these vivid descriptions, Williams creates a universal sense of longing that transcends time and place. The repeated refrain of “Everybody’s waiting for something” emphasizes the shared human experience of anticipation.
The song’s melancholic tone is further enhanced by Williams’ soulful vocals and the sparse instrumentation. The pedal steel guitar, in particular, adds a mournful quality to the arrangement. The overall effect is one of deep-seated sadness and resignation.
“Just Waitin'” is more than just a country song; it is a meditation on the human condition. Williams’ ability to capture the universal themes of hope, despair, and the passage of time has ensured his place in the pantheon of American music. This song continues to resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring power of great songwriting.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “Just Waitin'” is a must-listen. It’s a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages.
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Lyric
Here is a thing that I put together here, it is old thoughIt’s on record by one of my closest relativesLuther Drifty, Luther ol’ LutherMake it do it for you, ain’t it just the way Luther done it own record?Just Waitin’, wonder what his waitin’ for, let’s goThe old maid’s waitin’ for leap year to comeThe crooner’s just waitin’ to singThe old cow’s standin’ by the Bull Durham signWaitin’ for the grass to turn greenThe barfly’s waitin’ for an easy markAn’ the hitch-hiker’s waitin’ for a rideThe life termer’s waitin’ for a prison breakAn’ the beachcomber’s waitin’ for the tideFarmer’s daughter’s waitin’ for the salesmanTo take her into townThe city slicker’s waitin’ for the country boyTo lay all his money downYou know everything comes to a standstillNothin’ seems to make a turnWorm must be waitin’ for the early birdI guess the early bird’s waitin’ for the wormNobody wants to do nothin’Just waitin’ to get a finger in the pieWaitin’ for a call from a big quiz showOr awaitin’ and hopin’ for some rich uncle to dieKaty, she’s waitin’ at the garden gateThe moonshiner’s waitin’ at the stillThe gambler’s still waitin’ for his ace in the holeAn’ I guess Jack’s still waitin’ for JillEverybody’s waitin’ for somethin’Ain’t nothin’ seems to turn outright‘Cause the night shift’s waitin’ for mornin’And the burglar’s just waitin’ for nightThe congregation’s waitin’ for the preacherThe preacher just waitin’ for the groomThe groom’s just waitin’ for the June brideAnd I guess the June bride’s waitin’ for JuneNow the Sunflower’s waitin’ for the sunshineThe Violet’s just waitin’ for dewThe bees, they’re waitin’ for honeyAnd, honey, I’ma waitin’ for youThat’s a mess of waitin’, ain’t it?Wonder where ol’ Luke is these daysI don’t know, ol’ Luke’s done pretty good, heBeen a year over a little hand for a while, what?Jerry says he’s comin’ in town tonightYeah, he’ll be here ‘fore you know it