In his 1973 album Viva Terlingua, Jerry Jeff Walker opens with the track “Gettin’ By,” a candid reflection on the creative process and the realities of artistic production. The song begins with Walker acknowledging the pressure of recording:

“Last night I was thinking, well it’s record time again.”

He humorously addresses his record label’s expectations, singing:

“I can see Mike Maitland pacin’ the floor.”

Despite the apparent lack of new material, Walker adopts a laid-back attitude, suggesting that things will work out:

“But don’t you worry, something’s bound to come out.”

This approach is encapsulated in the chorus:

“Gettin’ by on gettin’ by’s my stock in trade.”

The Spirit of “Good Enough”

“Gettin’ By” celebrates the idea of doing what you can with what you have, even when inspiration feels elusive. Walker doesn’t claim to be creating masterpieces—he’s simply acknowledging the reality of the creative process: not every effort will be a stroke of genius, but it can still be worthwhile.

When he sings, “We’ve been down this road once or twice before,” Walker hints at his experience in navigating creative slumps. The road may be familiar, but that familiarity doesn’t necessarily make it easier. What shines through is his confidence in the process itself: the act of showing up and doing the work, even when the outcome is uncertain.

A Universal Message

While “Gettin’ By” is about the music business, its themes resonate far beyond the recording studio. Life is full of moments where we feel we’re “just getting by”—whether it’s tackling work projects, parenting, or simply managing daily responsibilities. Walker reminds us that effort, even imperfect effort, matters.

In a culture that often glorifies perfection and relentless productivity, Walker’s relaxed philosophy is a refreshing reminder:

  • Consistency Beats Perfection: Progress isn’t always about doing your best work every time. It’s about showing up consistently and trusting the process.
  • Creativity Thrives on Effort: Great ideas often emerge from simply starting, even if you feel uninspired. Walker’s belief that “something’s bound to come out” is a testament to the power of persistence.
  • Simplicity is Enough: Not every project or performance needs to be groundbreaking. Sometimes, “good enough” is exactly what’s needed.

The Joy of Letting Go

Part of the charm of “Gettin’ By” is its unpretentious tone. Walker isn’t taking himself—or the pressures of his career—too seriously. By embracing imperfection, he finds freedom and joy in the process. This attitude allows him to connect with his audience on a deeper level, showing that vulnerability and authenticity are often more compelling than polished perfection.

Final Thoughts

Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Gettin’ By” is more than a song about the ups and downs of making records; it’s a philosophy for life. It’s a reminder to keep going, even when inspiration feels out of reach, and to trust that the act of creating—no matter how imperfect—has inherent value.

In the end, Walker’s ability to produce something meaningful, even when the spark isn’t fully there, proves a universal truth: effort, heart, and showing up are often enough to turn “getting by” into something truly great.