“Good Hearted Woman” is one of those timeless country anthems that celebrates love in its raw, imperfect, and real form. Sung by the legendary Waylon Jennings, and later immortalized in a duet with Willie Nelson, this song captures the story of a woman’s unwavering love and devotion to a man who’s a little rough around the edges. It’s more than just a melody—it’s a tribute to the strength and resilience that love requires.
The song speaks to a type of relationship that most people can relate to: one filled with ups and downs, laughter and heartache, and the patience to ride out the storm together. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who’s a bit wild and carefree, always chasing life with a rebel spirit, while his partner stands by his side, loving him just the way he is. There’s a sweetness in that, a message that love doesn’t have to be perfect or conventional to be true.
What makes “Good Hearted Woman” so captivating is its balance between reality and romance. The song doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It acknowledges the man’s flaws, his late nights, and rambunctious ways, but it’s the good-hearted woman who sees beyond all that. She knows there’s more to him than his rough exterior. She loves him for who he is, with all his imperfections. And that’s a beautiful thing.
There’s a certain magic in the way Waylon and Willie’s voices blend together in the duet version—two friends who knew what it meant to live on the wild side, singing about a love that keeps them grounded. It’s almost like they’re sharing a personal story with us, letting us peek into a corner of their lives, where love stands strong against the odds.
“Good Hearted Woman” is not just a song for country music fans—it’s a testament to all the good-hearted women (and men) out there who love fiercely and unconditionally, even when the going gets tough. That’s why it’s endured for decades. It speaks to anyone who’s ever been in a relationship where patience and understanding were more valuable than anything else
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Lyrics
A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way
The good life he promised, ain’t what she’s living today
Willie
But she never complains of the bad times or bad things he’s done, Lord
She just talks about the good times they’ve had
And all the good times to come
She’s a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves him in spite of his ways she don’t understand
Through teardrops and laughter, they’ll pass through this world hand in hand
A good-hearted woman, lovin’ her good-timin’ man
He likes the bright lights, the night life and good-timin’ friends
And when the party’s all over, she’ll welcome him back home again
Lord knows she don’t understand him, she does the best that she can
And this a good-hearted woman, loving her good-timin’ man
She’s a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
Through teardrops and laughter they’ll pass through this world hand in hand
A good-hearted woman, lovin’ her good-timin’ man
She is a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves me in spite of my wicked lost ways, she don’t understand