<P> Ai n't Living Long Like This is the debut studio album by American country music singer - songwriter Rodney Crowell , released in 1978 by Warner Bros. Records . It failed to enter the Top Country Albums chart . The songs , `` Elvira '' , `` Baby Better Start Turnin ' ' Em Down '' and `` ( Now and Then , There 's ) A Fool Such as I '' were released as singles but they all failed to chart within the top 40 . Despite this , Ai n't Living Long Like This is considered one Crowell 's best and most influential albums . Brett Hartenbach of Allmusic says it `` not only showcases his songwriting prowess , but also his ability to deliver a song , whether it 's one of his own or the work of another writer '' . Most of the songs on this album were later covered by other artists including The Oak Ridge Boys and Alan Jackson . When the album was re-released in 2002 the font on the cover was enlarged to make it more legible . </P>
who wrote ai n 't living long like this
American country music singer - songwriter Rodney Crowell