The song "Amanda" by Waylon Jennings tells the story of a country boy reflecting on his life and coming to terms with aging. The protagonist has kept his emotions and struggles hidden, but now realizes the changes that have occurred as he looks at himself in the mirror. The lyrics express the narrator's regret and longing for a different life for his loved one, Amanda. He believes that fate should have made her a wife to a gentleman, implying that he sees himself as unworthy or inadequate. This could imply that the narrator feels he has not lived up to societal expectations and desires a more traditional and stable life for Amanda. The second verse highlights the narrator's passion for music and the joy he finds in being part of a hillbilly band. Despite the challenges and judgments faced by people who don't understand this lifestyle, the narrator has pursued his dreams. He received his first guitar at a young age and continues to live his life on his own terms, even as he reaches the age of forty. Overall, "Amanda" reflects on the struggles, regrets, and desires of a country boy who feels an awakening in his life. Despite his love for Amanda, he believes that fate should have given her a different path, and he reflects on his own choices and the way they have shaped his life.
