About the song
Let’s delve into the timeless classic “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by the legendary Kitty Wells. This song, released in 1952, sparked quite a stir in the country music scene of its time.
Kitty Wells, often referred to as the “Queen of Country Music,” recorded this iconic track as a response to the controversial song “The Wild Side of Life” by Hank Thompson. The song was penned by J. D. Miller, who captured the essence of female empowerment and defiance against societal norms prevalent in the 1950s.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” found its home in Wells’ debut studio album, aptly titled “Kitty Wells’ Country Hit Parade.” This album not only showcased her vocal prowess but also solidified her status as a trailblazer in the male-dominated country music industry.
Upon its release, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” soared to the top of the Billboard country charts, making Kitty Wells the first female artist to achieve such a feat. The song’s success transcended musical boundaries, reaching number one on the Billboard Juke Box Folk Records chart as well.
Beyond its chart-topping success, this song left an indelible mark on the fabric of country music history. Its poignant lyrics and Wells’ emotive delivery resonated with audiences, sparking discussions about gender dynamics and societal expectations.
Even decades after its release, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” remains a beloved anthem for women in country music, serving as a reminder of Kitty Wells’ enduring legacy as a pioneer and icon.
Video
Lyrics
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem’ries when I was a trusting wife
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It’s a shame that all the blame is on us women
It’s not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that’s ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong