About The Song
For those who liked Waylon Jennings for his rough and rowdy musical approach, 1979 helped to position him as a vocalist of a wider emotional range. Providing a stark contrast to the “outlaw” image that surrounded him, Waylon released a pair of ballads in succession – “Amanda” and “Come with Me.”
Jennings came out thoughtful and subdued this time, enhanced on “Come with Me” by a female voice that most listeners mistook for his wife, Jessi Colter.
The song was designed as a springboard to help a fledgling young singer named Carter Robertson obtain a fresh recording contract. Robertson was the sole female member of Waylon’s band during its “Outlaw” period. She provided backup vocals for Waylon and Jessi in their live shows, as well as in the recording studio. Carter also recorded with other artists, including Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.
Waylon recorded “Come with Me” mainly to try to help Robertson land a new record deal (her previous contract with ABC had fallen through). Jennings felt the song was a good one and could perhaps be a hit, but he was intentionally just trying to bring attention to Carter. Her husband Barny (missing the “e”) was also a member of Waylon’s road show at the time, playing piano.
“Come with Me” debuted in Billboard at #40 on September 22, 1979 and in its fifth charted week, reached the Top Ten. Three weeks later, the record made the summit and held it for two weeks beginning November 17, 1979.
“Come with Me” was a nice showcase for Carter Robertson and a very successful record, but unfortunately Robertson’s story didn’t work out the way Janie Fricke’s had. As you recall, Fricke was prominently featured on a couple of Johnny Duncan’s hits, which brought her to the attention of executives at Columbia Records, who signed her as a stand-alone artist. Janie went on to have a successful, award-winning career as a soloist.
That didn’t happen to Carter, but she remained with Jennings’ entourage until illness forced Waylon off the road. After his death, Robertson continued to tour and record with former members of the band in a group called “Waymore’s Outlaws.” Carter also wrote a memoir, “Playin’ on the Tracks,” about her experiences, which she adapted into a stage show that included stories and songs from her time with Jennings.
Video
Lyric
If you’re in a bind, with a troubled mind
I’m a mountain, come on and climb
Because you look so good, to be so down
It won’t take much girl, to turn it all around
Come with me, come with me
The feeling’s free, just come with me
Will get on a cloud girl, and ride it high
Say hello sun, as we sail bye
I’ll take you where, you’ve never been before
Once we’re there, you’ll cry for more
If it’s dark in your world, come walk in mine
My love’s a light babe, it’s on all the time
Come with me, come with me
The feeling’s free, just come with me
Will get on a cloud girl, and ride it high
Say hello sun, as we sail bye
Come with me, come with me
The feeling’s free, just come with me
Will get on a cloud girl, and ride it high
Say hello sun, as we sail bye