About The Song
“I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up)” by Waylon Jennings is a masterclass in country swagger—an audacious, tongue-in-cheek anthem that reflects the rugged confidence of a man who may have weathered a few storms but still walks tall and talks tough. Released in 1984 as part of the album Waylon and Company, this track is quintessential Waylon: bold, unfiltered, and brimming with personality. It’s a celebration of resilience wrapped in honky-tonk rhythms and delivered with that unmistakable baritone growl that made Jennings one of the most iconic voices in the genre.
The title alone, “I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up)”, sets the tone for what is, at its heart, a spirited declaration of vitality and defiance in the face of age, wear, and skepticism. Rather than lamenting the passage of time or the toll life has taken, Jennings turns the narrative on its head—wear and tear become badges of honor, and past experience a source of strength. In true outlaw fashion, he flips vulnerability into bravado, inviting the listener to consider that just because a man has seen some miles, it doesn’t mean he’s ready to slow down.
Musically, the song is steeped in classic country elements, with twangy electric guitars, toe-tapping rhythms, and an infectious melody that makes it instantly memorable. It’s upbeat, fun, and unapologetically self-assured—qualities that mirror Jennings’ own persona during the 1980s. He was no longer the rebellious newcomer shaking up the Nashville establishment; by this time, he was a grizzled veteran who had already proven himself, and this track reflects a kind of seasoned confidence that can only come with time.
Lyrically, the song is laced with clever turns of phrase and playful imagery. There’s a wink in every line, a sense that Waylon knows exactly what he’s doing—he’s poking fun at perceptions of aging while slyly asserting that he’s still got what it takes, both on and off the stage. It’s a sentiment that resonates particularly well with an older audience, who will appreciate the humor, but also the deeper truth behind the bravado. The song’s message is simple: life doesn’t end when you start showing a little wear; in fact, that’s when the stories really begin to matter.
What makes “I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up)” stand out is not just its catchy hook or clever lyricism, but the way it encapsulates Jennings’ spirit—defiant, unashamed, and still very much alive. In a genre that often romanticizes youth or mourns its loss, Jennings offers a refreshingly bold alternative: a reminder that character is forged in the fires of experience, and that a few dents and dings don’t diminish a man—they define him.
In sum, this song is more than a light-hearted romp through aging with attitude; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a man who lived life on his own terms and never lost his edge. Waylon Jennings may have been “used,” but as he reminds us with a grin and a growl, he was far from “used up.”
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
… Well my baby you’re a looker and I know what you’re looking forYou’ve been looking over, every man at the barHoney, I know I’ve got a few years on youBut if you’re shopping around let me tell you a thing or two… Well I look a little rough and I got a few miles on meMy body needs work and my style ain’t what it used to beAnd honey I’ll admit there’s places where I’m wearing thinBut I ain’t broke down, I’m just gettin’ broken in… Well I may be worn, but baby I ain’t worn outLet me take you for a ride and I’ll show you what I’m talking aboutI guarantee, there’s a lot of me left to loveWell I may be used but baby I ain’t used up… I’ve been wrecked a few times and honey it shows I guessThere’s been once or twice that you could say that I was repossesedThere’s one little thing that I think ought to be understoodIt ain’t how you look, it’s what you got under your hood… Well I may be worn, but baby I ain’t worn outLet me take you for a ride and I’ll show you what I’m talking aboutI guarantee, there’s a lot of me left to loveWell I may be used but baby I ain’t used up