About The Song
“Little Ways” is a song written and recorded by American country artist Dwight Yoakam. It was released in June 1987 as the second single from his album Hillbilly Deluxe. The song showcases Yoakam’s signature Bakersfield honky-tonk style, blending traditional country influences with a modern edge. “Little Ways” peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached number 1 on the Canadian RPM country singles chart.
The track was produced by Pete Anderson, Yoakam’s longtime collaborator, and recorded as part of the Hillbilly Deluxe album sessions. The album itself was released in April 1987, following the success of Yoakam’s debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.. Hillbilly Deluxe continued to cement Yoakam’s reputation as a leading figure in the revitalization of traditional country music, drawing heavily from the Bakersfield sound popularized by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Musically, “Little Ways” features Yoakam’s distinctive vocal style, which combines the twang and phrasing reminiscent of Buck Owens with a contemporary sensibility. The song’s arrangement includes hard-twang guitar work, a hallmark of Yoakam’s sound, and reflects his deep respect for classic country traditions. Yoakam has acknowledged Buck Owens as a major influence, and “Little Ways” pays homage to Owens’ style through its drawn-out vocal phrasing and honky-tonk instrumentation.
The song was well received by critics and fans, and Yoakam performed it live on various occasions, including a notable 1988 performance on the television series Austin City Limits, which was later released on audio and video formats. This live performance highlights Yoakam’s engaging stage presence and the tight musicianship of his band, including producer and guitarist Pete Anderson.
Hillbilly Deluxe produced several Top 10 singles, with “Little Ways” being one of them. The album itself reached number 1 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was praised for its authentic country sound and strong songwriting. Yoakam’s approach to country music, blending traditional elements with a modern attitude, set him apart from the Nashville mainstream at the time.
“Little Ways” remains a significant song in Dwight Yoakam’s catalog, exemplifying his role in the 1980s country music revival and his dedication to the Bakersfield honky-tonk style. The song has also been reprised by Yoakam on his live album Dwight Live and his acoustic album dwightyoakamacoustic.net, demonstrating its lasting appeal in his repertoire.
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Lyric
You’ve got your little ways to hurt me
You know just how to tear me up
And leave me in small pieces on the groundYou’ve got your little ways to hurt me
They’re not too big but they’re real tough
Just one cold look from you can knock me downTo look at you and me, no one would ever know
The pain that I’ve endured ’cause I won’t let it show
My friends would laugh out loud if they only knew
The truth about how I am just your lovesick fool‘Cause you’ve got your little ways to hurt me
You know just how to tear me up
And leave me in small pieces on the groundYou’ve got your little ways to hurt me
They’re not too big but they’re real tough
Just one cold look from you can knock me downThe sadness in my eyes should somehow be a clue
But no one here would ever suspect sweet little you
There’ve been rumors of the truth but I’ve kept it quiet
‘Cause I’m too ashamed to let them know you make me cry‘Cause you’ve got your little ways to hurt me
You know just how to tear me up
And leave me in small pieces on the groundYou’ve got your little ways to hurt me
They’re not too big but they’re real tough
Just one cold look from you can knock me down
Yeah, your little ways can knock me to the ground