About the song
“‘Til I Can Make It on My Own” is a heartfelt country song that stands as one of Tammy Wynette’s most cherished recordings. Co-written by Wynette herself, along with George Richey and Billy Sherrill, this track was first released in January 1976 as the lead single and title track from her album of the same name. The song became a significant milestone in Wynette’s career, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it stayed for one week and spent a total of eleven weeks on the chart.
The song’s lyrics reflect a deep sense of personal struggle and emotional resilience. Wynette, known for her ability to convey powerful emotions through her music, poured her own experiences and feelings into this song. It quickly became a favorite of hers and remained a staple in her live performances throughout her career. Wynette often cited it as her personal favorite among all her recordings, underscoring the song’s importance to her.
The success of “‘Til I Can Make It on My Own” extended beyond Wynette’s own rendition. In July 1979, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West released their version of the song, which climbed to number three on the country charts. The song has also been covered by other notable artists, including Billy Gilman on his 2000 album *One Voice* and Martina McBride on her 2005 album *Timeless*. In 2013, Lulu Roman, known for her work on *Hee Haw*, included a cover on her album *At Last*, featuring harmony vocals by Georgette Jones, the daughter of Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Georgette Jones also released an album titled *’Til I Can Make It on My Own* in the same year, further connecting the song to Wynette’s legacy.
“‘Til I Can Make It on My Own” remains a testament to Tammy Wynette’s enduring influence in country music and her ability to touch the hearts of listeners with her deeply personal and relatable lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
This song came along at a time when I really
Needed the song to help me through some troubled times
And at a time when I really believed in what I was writing
So the song is special to me
I’ll need time to get you off my mind
And I may sometimes bother you
Try to be in touch with you
Even ask too much of you from time to time
Now and then
Lord, you know I’ll need a friend
Till I get used to losing you
Let me keep on using you
Till I can make it on my own
I’ll get by
But no matter how I try
There’ll be times you know I’ll call
Chances are my tears will fall
And I’ll have no pride at all, from time to time
But they say
Oh, there’ll be a brighter day
But till then, I’ll lean on you
That’s all I mean to do
Till I can never make it on my own
Surely someday, I’ll look up and see the morning sun
Without another lonely night behind me
Then I’ll know I’m over you and all my crying’s done
No more hurting memories can find me
But till then
Lord, you know I’m gonna need a friend
Till I get used to losing you
Let me keep on using you, till I can make it on my own
Till I can make it on my own