Dear John
Hank Williams
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Well when I woke up this mornin' There was a note upon my door Said "don't make me no coffee babe 'Cause I won't be back no more" And that's all she wrote (dear John) I've sent your saddle home Now Jonah got along in the belly of the whale Daniel in the lion's den But I know a guy that didn't try to get along And he won't get a chance again And that's all she wrote (dear John) I've fetched your saddle home Now,she didn't forward no address Nor she didn't say goodbye All she said was "if you get blue Just hang your little head and cry" And that's all she wrote (dear John) I've sent your saddle home Now my gal's short and stubby She's strong as she can be But if that little old gal of mine Ever get's ahold of me That's all she wrote (dear John) I've sent your saddle home Now Jonah got along in the belly of the whale Daniel in the lion's den But I know a man that didn't try to get along And he won't get a chance again And that's all she wrote (dear John) I've fetched your saddle home Now I went down to the bank this morning The cashier said with a grin "I feel so sorry for you, Hank But your wife has done been in" And that's all she wrote (dear John) I've sent your saddle home
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Written by: AUBREY A. GASS, TEX RITTER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Information"Dear John" was a song written by Aubrey Gass, Tex Ritter, and Frank Harford. It was concurrently recorded and released by Hank Williams on the MGM label and Tex Ritter on the Capitol label in early 1951.
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Chart SuccessThe song achieved great popularity in the early 1950s. Hank Williams's version peaked at number 8 in the Billboard country singles charts, while Tex Ritter's became a number 1 country hit.
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B-SideThe Hank Williams version was released with the B-side "Cold, Cold Heart", which itself became a country classic and also a mainstream hit for Tony Bennett.
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Film AppearanceTex Ritter's version of "Dear John" appeared in the film "Down Liberty Road" (1951), reinforcing its popularity.
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Song CompositionThe song is in the country-western style and tells the story of a man who receives a "Dear John" letter indicating his sweetheart has found someone else.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been later covered by multiple artists, including Ferlin Husky, Pat Boone, Jean Shepard, and Bobby Bare.
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Last SongIt's worth noting that "Dear John" was the last song Hank Williams ever performed. He was due to play it at a concert in Canton, Ohio in 1952, but was unable to do so because of his untimely death.
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LegacyDespite not being among Hank Williams's most celebrated hits, "Dear John" remains a significant contribution to his discography, and the song's success demonstrated the broad appeal of his country style.
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Significance of TitleThe title "Dear John" refers to the letters, known as "Dear John letters", sent by women to their military husbands or boyfriends to break up with them or inform them of their infidelity.
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GenreBoth versions of "Dear John" contributed to the burgeoning Honky-Tonk genre in the 50s, with its themes of heartbreak and deceit.
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Citation
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"Dear John Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12489270/Hank+Williams/Dear+John>.
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