"Belle of the Ball" is a song by Waylon Jennings, released in 1979. The song tells the story of a vagabond dreamer and singer who meets a beautiful Southern woman. The lyrics depict the narrator meeting this lady, who is described as a pure Southern belle, much like Scarlet O'Hara from the book and film "Gone with the Wind". The narrator falls in love with the lady, despite her flaws and her tendency to love multiple people simultaneously. He expresses his everlasting love for her, highlighting that he will remember both the good and the bad times they shared together. The chorus emphasizes the strong emotions and memories the narrator has for this lady. He mentions a new dance they did together, as well as her dancing the Tennessee Waltz. The mention of an uninvited departure suggests that their relationship may have been unconventional or filled with complexities. The narrator then declares that he is leaving and taking the belle of the ball with him, emphasizing the depth of his love and commitment to her. The lyrics also touch on the theme of constant change in relationships. The narrator acknowledges that there will always be others in the lady's life, and in a sense, he recognizes that he once occupied that position. However, he implies that he still holds a special place in his heart for her, even though their time together has come to an end. Overall, "Belle of the Ball" is a tale of intense love and longing for a woman who captivates the narrator in many ways, despite the challenges and complexities of their relationship.
