Your Cheatin' Heart

Hank Williams, The Drifting Cowboys

About Your Cheatin' Heart

"Your Cheatin' Heart" is a song written and recorded by country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1952, later regarded as one of country's most important standards. Country music historian Colin Escott writes that "the song – for all intents and purposes – defines country music." Williams was inspired to write the song while driving with his fianceé from Nashville, Tennessee, to Shreveport, Louisiana. After describing his first wife Audrey Sheppard as a "Cheatin' Heart", he dictated in minutes the lyrics to Billie Jean Jones. Produced by Fred Rose, Williams recorded the song on his last session at Castle Records in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 23. "Your Cheatin' Heart" was released in January 1953. Propelled by Williams' recent death during a trip to a New Year's concert in Canton, Ohio, the song became an instant success. It topped Billboard's Country & Western chart for six weeks, while over a million units were sold. The success of the song continued. Joni James' version reached number two on Billboard's Most Played in Jukeboxes the same year, while Ray Charles' 1962 version reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 13 on the UK Singles Chart. The song ranked at 213 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and was ranked number 5 on Country Music Television's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. 


Year:
2005
2:42
32 
#2

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Your cheatin' heart
Will make you weep
You'll cry and cry
And try to sleep
But sleep won't come
The whole night through
Your cheatin' heart
Will tell on you

When tears come down
Like falling rain
You'll toss around
And call my name
You'll walk the floor
The way I do
Your cheatin' heart
Will tell on you

Your cheatin' heart
Will pine some day
And crave the love
You threw away
The time will come
When you'll be blue
Your cheatin' heart
Will tell on you

When tears come down
Like falling rain
You'll toss around
And call my name
You'll walk the floor
The way I do
Your cheatin' heart
Will tell on you

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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 »

10 fans

Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation and Release
"Your Cheatin' Heart" is a song written and recorded by legendary country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1952, but it was released posthumously in 1953.
Country Classic
This song is regarded as one of the greatest country music songs ever recorded.
Billboard Chart Success
The single reached number one in the Billboard Country & Western chart shortly after Williams's death. It stayed at the number one spot for six weeks.
Song Inspiration
"Your Cheatin' Heart" is believed to have been inspired by Williams's turbulent relationship with his first wife, Audrey Sheppard.
Joni James's Version
Female vocalist Joni James also recorded "Your Cheatin' Heart" in 1953. Her version became a top-fifteen hit on the Billboard pop music chart.
Ray Charles's Adaptation
Ray Charles recorded a version of "Your Cheatin' Heart" for his groundbreaking 1962 album, "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music". His rendition is recognized for blending country music with rhythm and blues, also achieving commercial success.
Popularity Over Time
"Your Cheatin’ Heart" has been covered by several artists across various genres over the years, demonstrating the song’s timeless popularity.
Hank’s Death Connection
It is believed that Hank Williams may have been the last song he wrote before his tragic death at the age of 29. The song was released shortly after his death.
Movie Title
"Your Cheatin' Heart" was also used as the title for the 1964 biographical film about Hank Williams's life.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 1983, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, serving as a testament to its significant cultural importance in American music history.

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