Waylon Jennings – “This Time”: A Song About Starting Over and Learning from the Past
When Waylon Jennings released “This Time” in 1974, it wasn’t just another song — it was a turning point, both in his career and in his life. Written by Jennings himself, the track captures a man’s heartfelt promise to finally get it right, to love better, live wiser, and not take life for granted anymore. For anyone who’s ever been through heartbreak, regret, or redemption, “This Time” feels like looking into a mirror.
The song begins with a quiet confession — a man who knows he’s made mistakes, who’s stumbled through love and life too many times to count. But unlike the defiant outlaw image that Jennings often carried, “This Time” reveals something softer, more vulnerable. It’s the sound of a man growing older, learning to face his flaws, and daring to believe that maybe, just maybe, he’s ready to change.
With lyrics like “This time, if you want me to come back, it’s up to you,” Waylon doesn’t beg or plead — he speaks with the weary honesty of someone who has seen enough to know that love can’t be forced, only earned. His voice, deep and rugged, carries every ounce of that truth. There’s pain in it, but also hope — the kind that comes when you finally realize what truly matters.
For older listeners, “This Time” hits especially close to home. It reminds us of the moments when we promised ourselves to do better — to be kinder, to love deeper, to hold on tighter to the people who matter. It’s about the second chances life gives us, if we’re brave enough to take them.
The song also marked a personal victory for Waylon Jennings. After years of fighting for artistic freedom, “This Time” became his first No. 1 hit, symbolizing not just musical success but emotional triumph. It was as if Waylon had reclaimed his voice — not just in the studio, but in his own soul.
Decades later, “This Time” still speaks to everyone who’s ever looked back on their life and thought, “I wish I’d done things differently… but maybe there’s still time to make it right.” It’s a simple truth, sung from the heart — and that’s exactly why Waylon Jennings’ music still endures.
