Wild Side of Life
Hank Thompson
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You wouldn't read my letter if I wrote you You asked me not to call you on the phone But there's something I'm wanting to tell you So I wrote it in the words of this song I didn't know God made honky tonk angels I might have known you'd never make a wife You gave up the only one that ever loved you And went back to the wild side of life The glamor of the gay night life has lured you To the places where the wine and liquor flows Where you wait to be anybody's baby And forget the truest love you'll ever know I didn't know God made honky tonk angels I might have known you'd never make a wife You gave up the only one that ever loved you And went back to the wild side of life
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: William Warren, Arlie Carter
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Date"Wild Side of Life" was first released in 1952 by Hank Thompson and His Brazos Valley Boys.
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Chart SuccessThe song reached number one on the Billboard Country Music charts, where it remained for a record-breaking 15 weeks.
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CompositionThe song was written by American country songwriters Arlie Carter and William Warren, and Thompson added his personal touch of Western Swing style to the song.
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Inspiration"Wild Side of Life" was inspired by the rebellious lifestyle of honky-tonk women, discussing themes of love and infidelity.
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Female ResponseKitty Wells released an answer song of the same year named "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," challenging the song's sexist themes and became her breakout hit.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by numerous artists, including Waylon Jennings and Rod Stewart.
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Song LegacyThe song is considered one of the classic honky-tonk songs and helped catapult Thompson's career to new heights.
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RecognitionThompson's version of "Wild Side of Life" was included in the Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.
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InfluenceThe song heavily influenced the direction and tone of country music in the 1950s and 1960s and inspired other artists to express personal tales and societal issues.
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NotabilityHank Thompson's recording of "Wild Side of Life" is included in the Grammy Hall of Fame, celebrating its historical, artistic, and significant value.
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Citation
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