About the song
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a classic song by the legendary country music artist Waylon Jennings. Released in 1975 as part of his critically acclaimed album *Dreaming My Dreams*, this song quickly became one of Jennings’ signature pieces, capturing the spirit and challenges of the country music industry at the time.
Waylon Jennings, known for his deep, resonant voice and outlaw image, played a significant role in the outlaw country movement, which sought to break away from the polished sound of the Nashville music scene. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” reflects Jennings’ frustration with the commercialized state of country music and pays homage to the genre’s roots, particularly to the legacy of Hank Williams, one of the most influential figures in country music history.
The song’s lyrics question the direction in which country music was heading during the mid-1970s, contrasting it with the more authentic, raw style of Hank Williams. Jennings, who wrote the song himself, uses it to critique the music industry’s tendency to prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity. With lines like “Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitar / Where do we take it from here?”, Jennings poignantly addresses the changes he saw in the industry.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” achieved notable success on the charts, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement further solidified Jennings’ position as a leading figure in the country music scene. The album *Dreaming My Dreams* also garnered widespread acclaim, both critically and commercially, marking a high point in Jennings’ career.
Jennings’ impact on country music is undeniable, and “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” remains a testament to his commitment to preserving the authenticity of the genre. The song continues to resonate with fans old and new, serving as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision in the face of industry pressures.
Video
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…