About the song
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” performed by Kitty Wells, is a groundbreaking song in the history of country music. Released in 1952, this song not only marked a significant moment in Wells’ career but also played a crucial role in shaping the genre itself. Written by J.D. “Jay” Miller, the song was a response to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” which implied that unfaithful women were to blame for the downfall of men. Wells’ rendition provided a counter-narrative, addressing the double standards faced by women and offering a poignant critique of societal norms.
Kitty Wells, born Ellen Muriel Deason, became an icon in country music largely due to the success of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” This single was released under Decca Records and quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Chart. It was the first song by a solo female artist to achieve such a distinction, paving the way for future generations of female country singers. The success of the song established Wells as the “Queen of Country Music” and solidified her place in music history.
The song’s lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, particularly women who felt marginalized by the prevailing attitudes of the time. Wells’ strong, clear voice delivered the message with conviction, challenging the blame placed solely on women for marital issues and infidelities. The song’s opening lines, “As I sit here tonight, the jukebox playing, the tune about the wild side of life,” directly reference Thompson’s hit, creating a dialogue between the two songs.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was included in the album of the same name, which featured other notable tracks that highlighted Wells’ vocal prowess and emotional depth. The song’s success extended beyond its initial release, earning a place in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2007 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Despite some initial backlash from conservative audiences and radio stations, the song’s popularity could not be denied. It remained on the charts for several weeks and was eventually covered by numerous artists, further cementing its legacy. The song’s impact was not just limited to its commercial success; it also spurred conversations about gender roles and equality within the country music community and beyond.
Kitty Wells’ “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is more than just a classic country song; it is a powerful statement that challenged the status quo and gave a voice to women in a genre dominated by male perspectives. Its success marked a turning point in country music, demonstrating that female artists could achieve commercial success and influence the genre’s direction. For older and more educated audiences, the song represents a significant cultural artifact that reflects the changing attitudes of the 1950s and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in music and society.
In summary, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” remains a seminal piece in the history of country music, notable for its lyrical content, its impact on the genre, and its role in Kitty Wells’ illustrious career. It continues to be celebrated for its bold message and its contribution to the advancement of women in country music.
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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