About The Song
You’ve got it! “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a signature song by country music legend Waylon Jennings. Here’s a deeper dive into this classic:
Origin and Release:
- Written and recorded by Waylon Jennings himself.
- Released in August 1975, it became the lead single for his album “Dreaming My Dreams.”
Genre: Outlaw Country
Lyrics and Significance:
- The song tackles the struggle between tradition and innovation in country music.
- The lyrics question if success requires following the established path of country giants like Hank Williams (“It’s been the same way for years, Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars”) or forging your own identity (“I don’t think I ain’t done it this way, Did old Hank really do it this way?”).
- It reflects the changing landscape of country music in the 1970s, where artists like Jennings challenged the norms by incorporating elements of rock and roll. Essentially, it’s a call for artistic freedom and individuality.
Impact and Legacy:
- “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a cornerstone of outlaw country music.
- It cemented Jennings’ position as a voice for those who felt mainstream country was straying from its roots.
- The song remains relevant today, resonating with fans who appreciate individuality and pushing boundaries.
Beyond the Basics:
- The song showcases Jennings’ signature sound – a blend of country and rock with a driving rhythm section and his unmistakable vocals.
- The title itself became a catchphrase for artists who challenge conventions and forge their own unique paths.
Looking for the song? You can find “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” on most streaming platforms.
Is there anything else you’d like to know about Waylon Jennings or outlaw country music?
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Bob Wills Is Still the King (Live)
Here’s a song I wrote on a plane Between Dallas and Austin goin’ to El Paso, whoops. Now this is what gave us the idea to come down here, This is a song about a guy that probably did as much For our kind of music as anybody.Well, the Honky Tonks in Texas
Were my natural second home The way you tip your hat to the ladies In the rose of San Antone.I grew up on music
That we call western swing It don’t matter whose in Austin Bob Wills is still the king.Lawd, I can still remember
The way things were back then In spite of all the hard times I’d live it all again.To hear the Texas Playboys
And Tommy Duncan sing Makes me proud to be from Texas Where Bob Wills is still the king.You can hear the Grand Ol Opry
In Nashville, Tennessee It’s the home of country music On that we all agree.But when you cross that ol’ Red River hoss
That just don’t mean a thing Once youre down in Texas Bob Wills is still the king.If you aint never been there
Then I guess you ain’t been told That you just can’t live in Texas Unless you got alot of soul.It’s the home of Willie Nelson
The home of western swing He’ll be the first to tell you Bob Wills is still the king…
Leave a Reply