Introduction
A He Said, She Said Duet: The Story of Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter’s “The Wild Side of Life”
“The Wild Side of Life,” a duet by country music power couple Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, isn’t just a song – it’s a conversation. Released in 1981 on their collaborative album “Leather and Lace,” the track playfully explores the consequences of a life led on “the wild side,” sparking a playful dialogue between a man and a woman on the path to redemption. But the song’s history goes deeper, rooted in a classic country hit from the 1950s.
Originally released in 1952, “The Wild Side of Life” by Hank Thompson became an instant hit, spending a staggering 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard country charts. The song portrayed a man lamenting the consequences of a reckless lifestyle, highlighting broken promises and a yearning for stability.
However, the story didn’t end there. In 1952, Kitty Wells, a pioneering female country artist, released a response song titled “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” This song challenged the narrative of male infidelity, placing the blame on men who drove women to heartbreak with their “wild side” behavior. These two songs ignited a playful debate within country music, showcasing the complexities of relationships and the perspectives of both genders.
Years later, Waylon Jennings, known as an “outlaw” country artist for his rebellious spirit and raw vocals, saw an opportunity to revisit this classic theme. He envisioned a duet version of “The Wild Side of Life,” but with a twist. He wanted to include a female voice offering a counterpoint to the male lament.
Enter Jessi Colter, Jennings’ wife and a talented singer-songwriter in her own right. Together, they re-recorded “The Wild Side of Life,” with Jennings delivering the original lyrics and Colter taking on the role of the woman affected by his reckless ways. The resulting duet captured the essence of the original song while adding a layer of playful banter and a touch of forgiveness.
Their rendition wasn’t just a musical retelling – it was a conversation set to music. Jennings’ deep, weathered voice embodies the regret of a man yearning for a second chance, while Colter’s clear vocals depict a woman who’s been hurt but also willing to offer forgiveness if he truly commits to change.
Released in 1981, “The Wild Side of Life” by Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter became a hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s success solidified their place as a power couple in country music and captured the hearts of fans who resonated with the raw portrayal of love, loss, and the possibility of redemption.
Today, “The Wild Side of Life” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the enduring power of country storytelling and the unique chemistry between Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. The song serves as a reminder that love can survive even the wildest of times, if both partners are willing to acknowledge their mistakes and work towards a future together.