“Amanda:” A Song that was Truly Meant for Waylon Jennings

The Meaning of the Name

Amanda is the feminine version of the name Amandus. It means lovable, worthy of love. However, this name wasn’t used during the middle ages. In the 17^th century, it was recreated by authors and poets who based it directly on Latin Amanda. Playwright Colley Cibber used the name for a character in his play “Love’s Last Shift” in 1969. Amanda came into regular use during the 19^th century.

Don Williams was the Original

“Amanda,” the record of Waylon Jennings was not the first one. Don Williams was the one who first recorded the song. It was the B side of his 1973 single, “Come Early Morning.”

Bob McDill wrote the song, He described the song as an “apology to my wife.” However, even before Don Williams’ recording attracted attention, McDill pitched it to Waylon Jennings. McDill went to Jennings’ office, but unfortunately, he was out. McDill left the song at the receptionist and told her to make sure that Waylon Jennings hear the song when he got back. However, Waylon Jennings never heard the song, well not from Bob McDill’s record but in the radio.

The Story of Jennings' Life

It was when Don Williams’ version of the song was getting played that Waylon Jennings heard the song. After hearing the song, he called Bob McDill and said:

“That’s the story of my life, Hoss. Why didn’t you give me that song?”

“If you look on your receptionist’s desk, I’ll bet you’ll find a copy of it. I tried my best,” McDill replied. Then Waylon Jennings said, “Well, I’m gonna record it someday anyway.”

Waylon Jennings was true to his word and he recorded the song the following year.

It was not Released after as a Single

Waylon Jennings’ version of the song was recorded in 1974 and was included in his album, The Ramblin’ Man. However, it was not released as a single during that time. It was more than four and a half year later and they added new overdubs when it was placed on his first greatest album. In 1979, the song was released as a single. It rocketed to the No. 1 spot of the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. It stayed there for three weeks and became Waylon Jennings’ eighth No. 1 hit.