About the song
If you’re a fan of classic country music, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Willie Nelson. His distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics have made him a beloved figure in the music industry for decades. And when it comes to his live performances, there’s something truly special about capturing the raw emotion and energy of a great musician in their element.
This particular performance of “Good Hearted Woman”, recorded live at the iconic Austin City Limits in 1979, is a prime example of Nelson at his best. The song itself is a timeless country ballad that tells the story of a man who’s done his fair share of wronging a good woman. It’s a tale as old as time, but Nelson’s delivery gives it a fresh and relatable quality.
One of the things that makes this performance so compelling is the intimate atmosphere of the Austin City Limits studio. With its simple stage setup and close-up camera shots, the viewer feels like they’re right there in the room with Nelson and his band. This intimacy allows us to truly appreciate the nuances of Nelson’s vocal performance, from his smooth, honeyed tone to his powerful belt.
The backing band is also worth mentioning. They provide a solid foundation for Nelson’s vocals, with tasteful guitar work, steady rhythm section, and subtle pedal steel fills. The overall sound is warm and inviting, making it the perfect soundtrack for a cozy night in.
But what really sets this performance apart is the emotion that Nelson brings to the song. His voice is filled with both regret and longing as he sings about the woman he’s lost. It’s a performance that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving the listener feeling a wide range of emotions.
If you’re a fan of classic country music or simply appreciate great songwriting and performance, then you owe it to yourself to check out this performance of “Good Hearted Woman”. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way
And the good life he promised is not what she’s living today
But she never complains of the bad times or the bad things he’s done
She just talks about the good times they’ve had and all the good times to come
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
And through teardrops and laughter
They’ll pass though this world hand in hand
This good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
Well, now he likes the night life, the bright lights and good timin’ friends
And when the party’s all over she’ll welcome him back home again
Though she don’t understand him but she does the best that she can
Now this good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
And through teardrops and laughter
They’ll pass though this world hand in hand
This good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand