About The Song
In the pantheon of country music legends, few names hold the weight and reverence of Hank Williams. His songs, imbued with a raw emotion and poetic simplicity, captured the hearts of millions and continue to resonate with listeners today. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” stands out as a poignant reflection on tradition, authenticity, and the ever-evolving landscape of country music.
Released in 1975 as the lead single from Waylon Jennings‘ album Dreaming My Dreams, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a tribute to Williams, the undisputed “King of Country Music.” Jennings, a revered artist in his own right, approached the song with a mix of admiration and gentle questioning, exploring the challenges of upholding Williams’ legacy while forging one’s own path.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, setting the stage for Jennings’ heartfelt vocals. He paints a vivid picture of the modern country music scene, characterized by “rhinestone suits” and “new shiny cars,” a far cry from the humble beginnings of the genre. Jennings acknowledges the influence of Williams’ predecessors, particularly Hank Williams Sr., but expresses a sense of unease with the direction country music is taking.
The chorus poses the central question of the song: “Are you sure Hank done it this way?” Jennings grapples with the weight of tradition, wondering if Williams would approve of the commercialization and modernization of country music. He questions whether the genre has lost its touch, straying too far from its roots of authenticity and heartfelt storytelling.
Despite his reservations, Jennings doesn’t outright condemn the changes in country music. Instead, he acknowledges the passage of time and the inevitability of evolution. He recognizes that each generation brings its own unique perspective and experiences to the genre.
The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the spirit of Hank Williams’ music still lives on. Jennings sings, “I’ve seen the world with a five-piece band/Looking at the back side of me/Singing my songs and one of his now and then.” This suggests that while the trappings of country music may have changed, the core values of authenticity and emotional connection remain.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” concludes with a poignant repetition of the chorus, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of contemplation. Jennings doesn’t provide definitive answers, but rather invites listeners to consider the question themselves. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation, a delicate balance that has always been at the heart of country music.
In the realm of country music, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” stands as a timeless classic, a tribute to a legend while simultaneously exploring the genre’s ever-changing landscape. Jennings’ heartfelt vocals and thoughtful lyrics capture the essence of the song’s message, making it a must-listen for any fan of country music history and tradition.
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Lyric
Lord it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitarWhere do we take it from here?Rhinestone suits and new shiny carsIt’s been the same way for yearsWe need a changeSomebody told me, when I came to NashvilleSon you finally got it madeOld Hank made it here, and we’re all sure that you willBut I don’t think Hank done it this wayNo, I don’t think Hank done it this wayTen years on the road, makin’ one night standsSpeedin’ my young life awayTell me one more time just so’s I’ll understandAre your sure Hank done it this way?Did ol’ Hank really do it this way?Lord I’ve seen the world, with a five piece bandLooking at the back side of meSinging my songs, and one of his now and thenBut I don’t think Hank done ’em this wayI don’t think Hank done ’em this way.Take it home.