About the song
“Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” is a celebrated American song that showcases Freddy Fender’s remarkable journey through country and pop music. Recorded initially in 1959, this song represents an important moment in Fender’s early career as he was beginning to blend rockabilly with Tejano influences. Despite facing legal troubles that led to his arrest in 1960, Fender’s music continued to evolve and captivate audiences.
The song is often associated with the swamp pop genre, a musical style that emerged from Louisiana and Texas. This genre, with its deep roots in the region’s musical traditions, had a profound influence on Fender’s work. The original 1959 recording was a blues ballad, but Fender’s career took many turns before the song gained widespread recognition.
In 1975, Freddy Fender experienced a resurgence in his career with the hit single “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” Capitalizing on this success, he re-recorded “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” with the help of producer Huey P. Meaux. This updated version, recorded at Ben Jack’s Recording Studio in Fort Smith, Arkansas, became a major hit. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and also performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 and Easy Listening charts. The song’s popularity was further cemented when it was certified gold for selling over a million copies.
The song also enjoyed significant success internationally, particularly in New Zealand, where it topped the charts for a record 12 weeks. Fender’s re-recording efforts in the 1980s and his work with the Texas Tornados in the 1990s continued to keep the song relevant. It was even featured in several films and TV series, including the 1993 film “The Beverly Hillbillies” and Oliver Stone’s biographical film “W.”
In 2012, the enduring appeal of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” was recognized when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This accolade highlights the song’s lasting impact and Freddy Fender’s significant contribution to music.
Video
Lyrics
Wasted days and wasted nights
I have left for you behind
For you don’t belong to me
You heart belongs to someone else
Why should I keep loving you
When I know that you’re not true
And why should I call your name
When you’re to blame for making me blue
Don’t you remember the day
That you went away and left me
I was so lonely
Prayed for you only, my love
Why should I keep loving you
When I know that you’re not true
And why should I call your name
When you’re to blame for making me blue