Introduction:
Recorded by the legendary Country Music artist Gene Watson, Don’t Waste It on the Blues entered the world in November of 1988. The song served as the lead single for Watson’s studio album, Back in the Fire. This energetic album marked a return to Watson’s traditional Country roots after a brief foray into a more pop-oriented sound.
Don’t Waste It on the Blues falls squarely within the genre of traditional Country Music. This genre is known for its focus on storytelling, often centered around themes of love, loss, hardship, and perseverance. Instrumentals typically feature acoustic guitars, steel guitars, fiddles, and pianos, all working together to create a warm and inviting soundscape.
The producer for Back in the Fire, and by extension Don’t Waste It on the Blues, was Billy Sherrill. Sherrill was a giant in the Country Music industry, having played a major role in shaping the “Nashville Sound” of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his meticulous production style and rich, layered arrangements, Sherrill helped create some of Country Music’s most iconic recordings during his career. Some of the artists he produced include George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker.
Don’t Waste It on the Blues was a critical and commercial success. The song resonated with audiences, climbing to number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. This achievement marked a high point for Watson’s career, solidifying his reputation as a talented vocalist and a relatable storyteller within the Country Music genre.
More importantly, the song’s enduring popularity lies in its message of hope and resilience. The lyrics, while not explicitly mentioned here, encourage the listener to find solace and beauty even in the midst of heartbreak. Don’t Waste It on the Blues offers a reminder that tears and sorrow are a natural part of life, but they don’t have to define us. The song’s optimistic outlook continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a cherished classic of Country Music.
Video:
Lyrics:
I know there’s nothing worse than a bad goodbye
And you think you’ll feel better if you have a good cry
But save those tears for tomorrow when there’s nothing better to do
It’s a beautiful night, don’t waste it on the blues
Time is all it takes for a broken heart to mend
And sooner or later you know you’ll try to love again
So why not start tonight, you’ve only got the hurtin’ to lose
There’s a full moon out, don’t waste it on the blues
Don’t waste one more minute
Leavin’ a bad break, to keep you home in the dark
There’s nothin’ like a walk in the moonlight
To let love run away with your heart
You could turn on your stereo and play your saddest songs
Sit by your window and stare out all night long
But if you look up you’ll see the stars are just too bright to refuse
It’s a beautiful night, don’t waste it on the blues
If you look up you’ll see the stars are just too bright to refuse
It’s a good night for love, don’t waste it on the blues