Introduction
“Good Hearted Woman” was co-written by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson after Jennings spotted an ad promoting Tina Turner as a “good hearted woman” in 1969—Nelson jotted down the lyrics as they came together over a poker game at the Fort Worther Motel in Texas. Released as the title track of Jennings’s 1971 album on December 14, 1971, the song’s outlaw spirit perfectly captured Nashville’s evolving sound. While Jennings’s solo version peaked at number three on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles, the live duet with Nelson—featured on the groundbreaking platinum-selling compilation Wanted! The Outlaws!—soared to number one and even crossed over to number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was later honored as the Single of the Year at the 1976 CMA Awards, cementing its place in country music history.
On that unforgettable night in 2019, George Strait and Willie Nelson took the stage together for the first time to celebrate Nelson’s legacy alongside a constellation of stars—including Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, and more—during the Willie: Life & Songs of an American Outlaw tribute at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Uploaded by GeorgeStraitVEVO roughly 5.1 years ago, the video captures every tender glance and vocal harmony, illustrating why these two legends remain pillars of authenticity in country music .
Watching Strait’s smooth baritone intertwine with Nelson’s distinctive phrasing feels like overhearing an intimate conversation between longtime friends. The song’s lyrics—celebrating resilience and loyalty—take on new depth when performed by artists who embody those very traits both on and off the stage. Their chemistry rekindles the outlaw era’s rebellious spirit while reminding us of the timeless power of collaboration, friendship, and the stories that bind us together
Video
Lyrics
A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way
And the good life he promised is not what she’s living today
But she never complains of the bad times or the bad things he’s done
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
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
And through teardrops and laughter
They’ll pass though this world hand in hand
This good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
Well, now he likes the night life, the bright lights and good timin’ friends
And when the party’s all over she’ll welcome him back home again
Though she don’t understand him but she does the best that she can
Now this good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
And through teardrops and laughter
They’ll pass though this world hand in hand
This good hearted woman in love with her good timin’ man
She’s a good hearted woman in love with a good timin’ man
And she loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand