Dwight Yoakam – “Little Ways” (1987)

Twanged-out heartbreak never sounded so sharp.

Straight from his breakthrough album Hillbilly Deluxe, “Little Ways” is a honky-tonk heartbreaker drenched in Bakersfield grit and Dwight Yoakam swagger. Released in 1987, the song reached #8 on the U.S. Country chart and went all the way to #1 in Canada, confirming Yoakam as more than just a neo-traditionalist — he was a full-blown revivalist with a modern edge.

From the opening guitar riff, “Little Ways” grabs you with its twangy, danceable drive. But beneath the upbeat sound lies a cutting emotional truth — a portrait of a relationship dying not from one big betrayal, but from a thousand tiny ones. With his signature nasal croon and lonesome delivery, Dwight sings of those subtle digs, passive-aggressive jabs, and silent treatments that sting the most.

“You got your little ways to hurt me / You know just how to tear me up…”
It’s country songwriting at its finest — catchy, clever, and painfully relatable.

 Musically, the track is a perfect blend of Bakersfield-style honky-tonk and ‘80s country polish. There’s no overproduction here — just a tight rhythm section, pedal steel that cries in the background, and Dwight’s unmistakable voice cutting through the noise like a neon sign in a smoke-filled bar.

The music video, directed by frequent collaborator Sherman Halsey, became a staple on country TV. Set in a classic barroom, it showcased Dwight’s rockabilly fashion, slick moves, and undeniable charisma — giving fans a visual dose of the same swagger that made his live shows legendary.

“Little Ways” remains a fan favorite, still featured on The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam and a standout in his live sets. More than three decades later, the song’s honesty, humor, and hook-filled heartache still hit home.