Country singer Tammy Wynette described her 1976 single “‘Til I Can Make It on My Own,” which was also the title track of her same-titled album, as a personal favorite out of all Tammy Wynette songs. In fact, it had been a staple tune in her concert setlist. Fans thought it was because the song was a story weaved from her own experience, particularly drawing inspiration after her second time divorcing her ex-husband and fellow country singer George Jones.

Everyone loved it as much as Wynette did. The song became a hit, earning the singer her fifteenth number-one on the country charts. While it didn’t stay on top of the charts, it did enjoy an eleven-week ride.

Meaning Behind the Song

Tammy Wynette co-wrote “‘Til I Can Make It on My Own” with songwriters and record producers George Richey and Billy Sherrill.

The song was heartwrenching as heartwrenching love could be. But at the same time, it was a powerful display of being to one’s true emotions.

People sing of love that had been lost, of love that had failed, of love that was never even returned, but only a few bare the scenes of what it was like to grieve over that love, and this is one of those few. The narrator sang to her departing lover to give her some time and lend her patience while she mustered the strength to get through the pain on her own.

Fans speculated the song was based on her divorce from Jones, who wasn’t only her husband but also her frequent duet collaborator, a year prior. But Wynette never made any confirmations.

In 1979, the song once again made it to the country charts at number three. This time, it was thanks to Kenny Rogers and Dottie West who covered it. Of course, they weren’t the only ones to give their own rendition. Billy Gilman released his version for his 2000 album One Voice. Five years later, Martina McBride included her own take for her Timeless album.

Two of the most memorable renditions of the song were Lulu Roman’s, a comedian, singer, and author, who featured Wynette and Jones’ daughter Georgette for her 2013 album At Last, and Georgette’s which was released as the title track of her Till I Can Make It On My Own album in the same year.

Immerse yourself in heartbreak and pain in Tammy Wynette’s “‘Til I Can Make It On My Own” in the video below.