About the song
Kitty Wells, a pioneering country music singer and songwriter, penned “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” as a powerful statement against societal judgments and double standards. This groundbreaking song, released in 1952, became a hit single and a landmark moment in country music history.
With her distinctive voice and unwavering conviction, Wells challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Through introspective lyrics and Wells’s powerful performance, listeners are invited to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the unfair treatment of women.
The opening lines, “I’ve been called a lot of things, a lot of things that hurt,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a defiant tone. Wells continues to explore the societal pressures and judgments faced by women, while also highlighting the hypocrisy of blaming them for their own misfortunes. The song’s refrain, “It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels, it was you men who made us that way,” delivers a powerful message of empowerment and defiance.
Throughout the song, Wells’s strong vocals and the song’s driving rhythm create a captivating and immersive listening experience. The song’s social commentary and unwavering message make it a timeless classic.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has influenced countless artists and generations of music fans. The song’s powerful message of empowerment and defiance continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring piece of music history.
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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