It’s difficult to find classic country music on most radio stations. Pop-country (an oxymoron) and bro-country (whatever that is) dominate the airwaves. As Alan Jackson and George Strait put it in their 2000 track, “They committed murder down on music row.”

Strait, however, released a cover of “Willie the Wandering Gypsy and Me” on Sept. 30 as a tribute to Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver. Jennings and Shaver, who have since passed away, first performed the song when it was released in 1973. Strait’s version flies in the face of modern trends and serves as a tribute to classic country music.

Strait preserves the sanctity of the original track. The cover includes the same lyrics as the original, but Strait shifts from his usual style to incorporate both Jennings’ and Shaver’s characteristics. The song includes the lumbering rhythm of Jennings but incorporates the guitar and a similar voice to that of Shaver. 

“Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me” is a welcome reprieve from the current trends in country music. Absent of autotune, whiny voices, or electronic effects, Strait holds true to the classics. The steel guitar, piano, and drums carry the lyrics at a steady pace, which is only appropriate for this song. 

“And I reckon we’re going to ramble /‘Till Hell freezes over /Willy the wandering gypsy and me,” Strait sings.

At the same time, Strait calls upon some more modern, dynamic styles of guitar work. He fades in and out at exactly the right times, like contemporary artists  Cody Jinks or Chris Stapleton. 

The lyrics are also far easier to understand than those of Shaver and Jennings, who both put their own spins on them. This serves to preserve the song in modernity, not letting any word’s meaning go to waste.

Strait, age 70, still hasn’t lost his hallmark style. It seems he can’t resist putting his own mark on the song, as he backs the chorus with soaring steel guitar. This seems to show how invested he was in remembering his late peers.

The song only lacks in its length. Strait should have taken his time – the song’s conclusion leaves the listener somewhat unfulfilled, longing for the past. Only good songs, however, leave the listener asking for more. Modern country music asks for more meaning, and this homage to the past offers plenty.