Honky Tonk Blues

Hank Williams

About Honky Tonk Blues

"Honky Tonk Blues" was a hit country and western song written and performed by Hank Williams. The original 1952 recording was a major hit, and it later became a hit for later-day superstar Charley Pride.


Year:
2003
2:41
114 
#1

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Well I left my home down on the rural route
I told my paw I'm going steppin' out and get the
Honky tonk blues, 
Yeah the honky tonk blues
Well lord I got 'em, 
I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues.

Well I went to a dance and I wore out my shoes
Woke up this mornin' wishin' I could lose
Them jumpin' honky tonk blues, 
Yeah the honky tonk blues
Well lord I got 'em, 
I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues.

Well I stopped into every place in town
This city life has really got me down
I got the honky tonk blues, 
Yeah the honky tonk blues
Well lord I got em, 
Got the ho-on-ky tonk blues.

I'm gonna tuck my worries underneath my arm
And scat right back to my pappy's farm
And leave these honky tonk blues, 
Yeah the honky tonk blues
Well lord I got 'em, 
I got the ho-on-ky tonk blues.

When I get home to my Ma and Pa,
I know they're gonna lay down the law.
About the honky tonk blues,
Them jumpin' honkty tonk blues.
Lord I'm suffrin' with the honky tonk blues.

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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 »

9 fans

Written by: HANK WILLIAMS SR.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Year of Release
"Honky Tonk Blues" was released by Hank Williams in 1952 under the MGM Records label.
Re-recording
Originally, Hank Williams recorded this song in 1949, however, it wasn’t released until he recorded it again in 1952. His earlier performance was supposedly spoilt by his alcohol abuse that made his vocals incoherent.
Songwriting
As a prolific songwriter, Hank Williams wrote "Honky Tonk Blues" himself. This song, like many of his others, reflects his personal experiences.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Honky Tonk Blues" climbed all the way up to No. 3 on the Billboard's Country Singles chart, which was testament to Williams' broad appeal.
Musical Style
"Honky Tonk Blues" exemplifies the honky-tonk substyle of country music, characterized by its barroom-related themes, traditional instrumentation, and loud style designed to be heard over a noisy crowd.
Legacy
The song is now regarded as one of the quintessential honky-tonk songs, and has helped shape the country music genre. It remains an iconic track and is still performed by modern artists today.
Covers and Adaptations
There have been numerous covers of "Honky Tonk Blues" over the years, including versions by Charley Pride, Del Shannon, The Rolling Stones, and Patty Loveless, which display its lasting influence and popularity.
Williams's Version
Despite the many covers of "Honky Tonk Blues," Hank Williams' version is still regarded as the definitive one, primarily because of his outstanding vocal performance and passionate delivery.
Subject Matter
The song depicts the narrator's literal and metaphorical journey from life on a farm to the big city, with the lure of honky-tonk music and lifestyle leading him astray.
Historical Importance
"Honky Tonk Blues" is significant as it showcases the darker side of Williams' life and career, which was marked by alcoholism and other personal difficulties. His depiction of these struggles through his music resonated with audiences and subsequently cemented his legacy as one of country music's most iconic figures.
Influence on the Music Industry
The song’s success and popularity played a role in shaping the future of country music as it made way for similar songs and catalyzed the popularity of this genre.
Commemoration
In 2010, Hank Williams' 1952 version of "Honky Tonk Blues" was added to the Library of Congresss' National Recording Registry for preservation due to its "cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance."

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