Those who are fans of Outlaw Country are likely fans of Billy Joe Shaver, whether they know it or not. He penned stacks of songs that went on to become outlaw classics. For instance, he wrote all but one song on Waylon Jennings’ 1973 album Honky Tonk Heroes. Before his death in 2020, Willie Nelson—hailed as one of country’s greatest songsmiths—called Shaver “the greatest living songwriter.”
While country “outlaws” like Jennings and Nelson recorded his songs, Shaver wasn’t confined to the subgenre. Songs he penned also became mainstream country hits. Additionally, artists like Tom T. Hall, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis had Shaver cuts on their albums.
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[RELATED: I’m A Rascal: A Q&A with Billy Joe Shaver]
With that in mind, here are four great country songs penned by the Wacko from Waco himself.
“Georgia on a Fast Train”—Johnny Cash Covers Billy Joe Shaver
Billy Joe Shaver included “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” on his 1973 debut album Old Five and Dimers Like Me. In it, he tells a story of growing up in poverty and working hard while demanding respect. In the chorus, he sings, I’ve been to Georgia on a fast train, honey. / I wasn’t born no yesterday. / I got a good Christian raisin’ and an eighth-grade education. / Ain’t no need in y’all treatin’ me this way. Shaver released it as a single from the album to little success. It peaked at No. 88 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Nine years later, Johnny Cash released his version of the song as the lead single from his 1982 album The Adventures of Johnny Cash to a little more success. His version landed at No. 55 on the same chart.
“You Ask Me To”—Waylon Jennings Sings Shaver
Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver wrote this song for Honky Tonk Heroes. Jennings was the first to record it and released it as a single in October 1973. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
“You Ask Me To” shows a softer side of both Shaver and Jennings in that it might rank as one of the sweetest love songs in country music. The song’s narrator swears to do anything his lady wants—up to and including walking away from her forever—just to make her happy. It’s proof that these outlaw legends had big hearts.
“I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal”—John Anderson Gets a Hit with a Billy Joe Shaver Tune
This one has had several titles over the years, all of which were variations on “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Someday).” The list of titles is nearly as long as the list of artists who have put their stamp on this anthem of self-improvement. Bobby Bare, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Stonewall Jackson, and several others recorded it. However, John Anderson was the only one to make it a hit. He released it as the lead single from his 1981 sophomore album John Anderson 2. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Billy Joe Shaver wrote this song at a tumultuous time in his life. As the story goes, he was ready to throw himself off a cliff and end his life. Then, he prayed, broke down in tears, and walked away from the edge with the beginnings of this song in his mind.
“Live Forever”—The Highwaymen Give a Nod to Billy Joe
Nobody here will ever find me. / But I will always be around / Just like the songs I leave behind me / I’m gonna live forever now. Those were standout lyrics when Billy Joe Shaver released “Live Forever” on his 1993 album Tramp on Your Street. However, after his death, the song seems heavier and tends to tug hard on the heartstrings of fans.
Not long after Shaver released Tramp on Your Street, the Highwaymen (Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson) recorded the song for their final album, The Road Goes on Forever. While they didn’t release it as a single, it is a standout track on the album. Hearing Cash and Jennings sing those lyrics carries the same weight as hearing Shaver sing them now.
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