Absolutely no disrespect to the great Marshall Tucker Band, but Waylon Jennings performing their iconic song “Can’t You See” may just be the best version out there…
Ol’ Waylon was known to crush a cover in his day, like he and Willie teaming up for the Eagles’ “Take It Too The Limit” or his cut of Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn”, but man, there’s just something about this one that’s extra special.
“Can’t You See” was originally written and released by the Marshall Tucker Band on their self-titled debut album in 1973. It’s probably their best-known song and a staple at karaoke or any dive bar music setlist.
Turns out Waylon, like most people, was quite a fan and released his own studio version in 1976 on his album Are You Ready For The Country, and while there’s no denying the greatness of the album cut, there’s a performance just a few years before his death that is just absolute perfection.
At 62 years old, Waylon’s health was failing, and he wanted to have one big send off before calling it a career.
So in January of 2000, he, his wife Jessi Colter, and a legendary group of guests teamed up to give him the ride into the sunset he deserved. Joined on stage by Travis Tritt, John Anderson, and Montgomery Gentry, Waylon put on one of the greatest performances I’ve ever heard.
I mean, he really still had it, but the cherry on top of this special night had to be a cover of “Can’t You See” that just absolutely brought down the house.
For five minutes of greatness, you’d never know Waylon was nearing the end and it’s probably my favorite version of the song, period. Give this a whirl and start singing along. I’ve probably played it fifteen times today, and I don’t think I’m stopping anytime soon.
Here’s to the great Waylon Jennings.
