"Old Church Hymns And Nursery Rhymes" by Waylon Jennings is a song that reflects on the nostalgia and simplicity of childhood memories. The lyrics mention the restless wind, the scorching Texas sun, splintered wood, and rusty chains, which symbolize the passing of time and the changes that occur in life. The song talks about a front porch swing, which becomes a metaphor for the pendulum of memories swinging back and forth with the summer breeze. It represents the cyclical nature of life and the emotions and experiences that come and go. The singer recalls singing old church hymns and nursery rhymes from their childhood, taking them back to a time before their own existence. They reminisce about sitting with a child on their knee, singing the sweet words of the songs and passing on childhood wisdom. The lyrics also touch upon the singer's journey in life, where they have experienced ups and downs, successes and failures. They have learned from their desires and mistakes, acknowledging that the moments when they felt they knew everything were just before they fell. The song ends with a reference to a lone coyote howling and the sky turning sapphire blue as dawn breaks. This signifies both the loneliness and the beauty of the world, and the singer considers themselves fortunate to be part of this ever-changing cycle. Overall, "Old Church Hymns And Nursery Rhymes" is a reflective and contemplative song that speaks to the value of childhood memories, the passing of time, and the lessons learned throughout one's journey in life.
