Introduction:
Veteran honky-tonk singer Gene Watson brought a fresh wave of bluesy country to the scene with the release of The Blues Are Alive And Well in September of 2022. The song, a collaboration between Watson, Erin Enderlin, Shane McAnally, and Jim Moose Brown, demonstrates the enduring power of the blues within the country music genre.
Watson, a household name in country music for over four decades, is known for his soulful vocals and his poignant storytelling. Throughout his career, he has charted over 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, including five No. 1 hits. The Blues Are Alive And Well follows in the tradition of Watson’s signature sound, weaving a melancholic tale of heartbreak and resilience over a bed of traditional country instrumentation.
The songwriting team behind The Blues Are Alive And Well combines the talents of established hitmakers with a rising star. Erin Enderlin is a multi-award-winning songwriter known for her work with artists like Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert. Shane McAnally is another highly decorated songwriter and producer who has worked with artists like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Kidd Rock. Jim Moose Brown, a seasoned songwriter himself, has collaborated with Watson in the past on numerous tracks. This collective effort brings a depth of experience and a fresh perspective to The Blues Are Alive And Well.
While The Blues Are Alive And Well was not released on a full studio album, it did find a place on Outside the Box, a 2022 compilation album featuring various tracks from Watson’s career. Despite not being a single with an official chart run, the song has garnered positive attention from fans and critics alike. It serves as a reminder of Watson’s enduring ability to connect with listeners through his heartfelt music.
Video:
Lyrics:
I know that most folksThey like a good jokeLaughing and wearing a smileA place where the good timesFlow like a good wineAnd love songs are always in style
But the blues are alive and wellI’m living proof that heartache still sellsAs long as there’s whiskeyA song by Keith WhitleyAnd my baby loves somebody elseThe blues are alive and well
Bartender, hit meMy glass is half emptyHas been since he’s been goneI heard his new wifeGoes great with his new lifeSeems like the whole world’s moving on
But the blues are alive and wellI’m living proof that heartache still sellsAs long as there’s whiskeyA song by Keith WhitleyAnd my baby loves somebody elseThe blues are alive and well
Turn up that jukeboxTurn down the lightsAnd let me be lonely tonight
But the blues are alive and wellI’m living proof that heartache still sellsAs long as there’s whiskeyA song by Keith WhitleyAnd my baby loves somebody elseThe blues are alive and well