About the Song
Few voices in the history of country music carry the grit, honesty, and authority quite like Waylon Jennings. His 1982 track “Women Do Know How to Carry On”, featured on the album Black on Black, stands as a perfect example of his unmatched gift for storytelling. The song embodies Jennings’ signature mix of outlaw country spirit and deep respect for life’s wisdom — particularly the quiet strength and resilience of women.
The song begins with a slow, steady rhythm, guided by Jennings’ unmistakable baritone and a steel-driven arrangement that sets a reflective mood. There’s no rush in his delivery, no unnecessary gloss. Instead, the track unfolds with sincerity, almost like an intimate reflection shared from the heart. The title itself speaks volumes — a simple truth, delivered with admiration and reverence.
Lyrically, “Women Do Know How to Carry On” reflects recurring themes in Waylon’s work: empathy, authenticity, and a refusal to sugarcoat life’s difficulties. This isn’t a love ballad in the conventional sense. Rather, it serves as a tribute to endurance and quiet grace. Jennings’ performance feels lived-in, like a man who has endured both heartbreak and survival, and deeply understands the quiet power of a woman’s strength.
Within Black on Black, the track holds its own alongside Jennings’ more rugged outlaw anthems, showcasing his versatility. At a time when country music often leaned on formula and clichés, Waylon brought something real — a song that feels less like a polished radio single and more like a heartfelt conversation over a quiet evening.
More than forty years later, “Women Do Know How to Carry On” remains a reminder of why Waylon Jennings is remembered not only as a rebel but also as a poet of everyday life. With minimal production yet maximum emotional weight, the song continues to stand as a testament to the kind of country storytelling that will never fade with time.