I Saw the Light

Hank Williams

About I Saw the Light

"I Saw the Light" is a country gospel song written by Hank Williams. Williams was inspired to write the song while returning from a concert by a remark his mother made while they were arriving in Montgomery, Alabama. He recorded the song during his first session for MGM Records, and released in September 1948. The song is set to the tune of the traditional Scottish folk tune "Bonnie Charlie", also commonly known as "Will ye no come back again?". Williams' version did not enjoy major success during its initial release, but eventually it became one of his most popular songs and the closing number for his live shows. It was soon covered by other acts, and has become a country gospel standard. In September 1946, Hank Williams auditioned for Nashville's Grand Ole Opry but was rejected. After the failure of his audition, Williams and his wife Audrey tried to interest the recently formed music publishing firm Acuff-Rose Music. Williams and his wife approached Fred Rose, who signed him to a six-song contract, and leveraged a deal with Sterling Records. In December 1946, Williams had his first recording session. The songs "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" became successful, and earned Williams the attention of MGM Records. His first MGM session took place on April 21, 1947. The first song he recorded was "Move It on Over". The second was "I Saw the Light". 


Year:
1998
2:43
141 

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I wandered so aimless life filed with sin
I wouldn't let my dear savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

I was a fool to wander and stray
Straight is the gate and narrow's the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the Lord I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

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Hank Williams

Hank Williams (/hæŋk wɪljəmz /; September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one. more »

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Written by: Hank Williams

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"I Saw The Light" was released as a single in September 1948.
Songwriter
The song was written by Hank Williams himself, which holds testament to his remarkable talent in songwriting.
Album
It was included in an album titled "Hank Williams - 40 Greatest Hits".
Inspiration
The song was supposedly inspired by a comment made by Williams' mother when they were returning home from a show and Williams' mother said "I just saw the light", referring to the lights of their Alabama home.
Commercial Performance
Despite the song's popularity today, it didn't do well commercially when it was initially released.
Genre
"I Saw the Light" is a gospel song and has a distinct country and western flavor.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by a wide variety of musicians including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Staple Singers, and more recent artists like David Crowder Band. It has become a classic American gospel song.
Biographical Film
The title of Hank Williams' 2015 biographical film "I Saw The Light" was inspired by this song. The film starred Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams and showcases Hank's rise to fame, struggles with substance abuse, and untimely death.
Significant Performances
It was the last song Hank Williams ever performed. The last time he sang it was on the Kate Smith Evening Hour TV show on March 26, 1952.
Legacy
Despite not being a commercial success at the time, it is considered one of Hank Williams's best songs and has been recognized as a cornerstone of country and gospel music. It continues to be played and performed by artists even today.

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