"It's Alright" by Waylon Jennings is a tribute song to the influences and heroes of country music, namely J.J. Cale, George Jones, and Jesse Colter (Jennings' wife). The lyrics describe the admiration Jennings has for J.J. Cale, an influential musician, considering him the best he's ever heard, but wishing he would sing louder so the words can be heard clearly. The song also acknowledges the impact and greatness of George Jones, a legendary country music artist. Jennings suggests that if all musicians sounded the way they truly wanted to, they would all sound like George Jones. This highlights the unique and soulful country sound that Jones is known for. In the last verse, Jennings affectionately mentions Jesse Colter, his wife. He humorously describes her as a "poor little ugly thing" and acknowledges her support and admiration for him by telling him how smart he is. In return, Jennings promises to teach her how to sing. The repetition of the refrain "It's alright, it may not be right, but it's alright" emphasizes a sense of acceptance and contentment with life, even if things may not be perfect. Overall, the song celebrates the musical influences in Jennings' life and pays tribute to the country music genre while also incorporating personal elements and relationships.
