About the song
“Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” is a classic country song that holds a significant place in the history of American country music. Written by Jimmy Bryant, the song was originally recorded by Jim Alley, but it was Waylon Jennings who brought it to widespread acclaim. Jennings, known for his distinctive voice and rebellious spirit, recorded the song on April 16, 1968, at RCA Victor Studios in Nashville. The recording session was produced by the legendary Chet Atkins, with Wayne Moss contributing the memorable guitar solo that gives the song its unique sound.
Released as the second single from Jennings’ album *Only the Greatest* in July 1968, “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” quickly became one of his most successful hits. The song spent an impressive eighteen weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts, peaking at number two, where it held its position for five consecutive weeks. In Canada, the song achieved even greater success, reaching the number one spot on the RPM Country Tracks chart for the week ending September 30, 1968.
The song is a prime example of Waylon Jennings’ ability to blend traditional country sounds with a more modern, edgy sensibility. Billboard’s review of the album *Only the Greatest* praised Jennings’ “robust, compelling vocal style,” and noted that “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” was a standout track, alongside “Walk On Out of My Mind.” Jennings’ performance on this song is often seen as a turning point in his career, where he began to fully embrace his rough-hewn, outlaw persona that would later define his music.
The impact of “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” extends beyond the country music charts. The song has been featured in popular culture, including a brief appearance in the film *Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby* and in season seven, episode five of the critically acclaimed television series *Mad Men*. These inclusions highlight the song’s enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences across different generations.
For an older, more educated audience, “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” represents a pivotal moment in country music history. It marks the emergence of Waylon Jennings as a force to be reckoned with in the genre, showcasing his ability to bring a raw, authentic edge to country music at a time when the genre was becoming increasingly polished and commercialized. The song’s success also reflects the influence of producer Chet Atkins, whose work at RCA Victor Studios helped shape the Nashville sound.
In sum, “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line” is more than just a hit single; it is a milestone in Waylon Jennings’ career and a testament to the enduring power of country music to capture the complexities of life with honesty and grit. Whether you remember it from its original release or have discovered it through its appearances in modern media, the song continues to be a touchstone for fans of classic country music.
Video
Lyrics
I didn’t say it
Y’all have a good time
Do what you want to
Everybody knows you’ve been steppin’ on my toes
And I’m gettin’ pretty tired of it
Steppin’ out of line
And a-messin’ with my mind
If you had any sense, you’d quit
‘Cause ever since you were a little bitty teeny girl
You said I was the only man in this whole world
Now you better do some thinkin’, then you’ll find
You got the only daddy that’ll walk the line
You keep a-packin’ up my clothes, nearly everybody knows
That you’re still just a-puttin’ me on
But when I start a-walkin’
Gonna hear you start a-squawkin’
And a-beggin’ me to come back home
‘Cause ever since you were a little bitty scrawny girl
You said I was the only man in this whole world
You better do some thinkin’, then you’ll find
You got the only daddy that’ll walk the line
You got the only daddy that’ll walk the line