Introduction:
Gene Watson’s “Have A Good Day” is a country song that reflects his signature style of traditional, heartfelt ballads. Released during the 1980s, the song is rooted in Watson’s deep, expressive baritone voice and his ability to convey emotions of love, longing, and loss. While it didn’t achieve the level of commercial success of some of his bigger hits, like “Fourteen Carat Mind,” it has remained a favorite among fans of classic country music.
The song captures Watson’s strengths—his ability to tell relatable stories and deliver them with raw emotion, a hallmark of his music since the 1970s. It fits within the broader context of his career, where he balanced traditional country elements like steel guitars and fiddles with a modern production sound. Though the exact production details are scarce, the song likely followed the country music norms of the era, blending acoustic and electric instruments to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Gene Watson, originally from Texas, rose to prominence in the mid-1970s and became known for his smooth phrasing and emotional depth. By the time “Have A Good Day” was released, Watson was already a well-established figure in the country music scene, known for his ability to breathe life into the genre’s most enduring themes.
Though not a chart-topping hit, “Have A Good Day” stands as a testament to Watson’s lasting appeal and ability to connect with listeners through timeless, emotionally resonant music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Have A Good Day”
He had a cup on the end of his guitar
And a dog laying dead at his feet
If you took a pencil and left him no nickel
The old dog would show you his teeth
Though he couldn’t see you
He’d tell you good morning
And he’d call you by name
And if you had a crowd or only one person
You could hear him singThere’s a star-spangled banner waving somewhere
And he might even sing you a little of Goodnight Irene (Irene, good night)
He never mentions the woman he still loves and the kids that have all moved away
He would just smile and say, “Thank you, have a good day”Sitting here thinking, I don’t quite remember
How many years he’s been gone
But it seems like the winter of ’72
Took the old man home
But I can still see him and that old gray dog
On the corner of 4th Street and Main
And once in a while, when the wind was just right
I could still hear him singThere’s a star-spangled banner waving somewhere
And he might even sing you a little of “Goodnight Irene”
He never mentions the woman he still loves and the kids that have all moved away
He would just smile and say, “Thank you, have a good day”
There’s a star-spangled banner waving somewhere
And he might even sing you a little of “Goodnight Irene” (Irene, good night)…