About the song
“Cold, Cold Heart” is a profound country and pop song written and first recorded by the legendary Hank Williams. This blues ballad stands as a classic of the honky-tonk genre and holds a prestigious place in the Great American Songbook. Williams adapted the melody from T. Texas Tyler’s 1945 recording of “You’ll Still Be in My Heart,” written by Ted West in 1943.
The inspiration behind “Cold, Cold Heart” is as poignant as its lyrics. According to country music historian Colin Escott, Williams wrote the song after a heart-wrenching visit to his wife Audrey in the hospital. Audrey was suffering from an infection caused by a home abortion she had undergone without Hank’s knowledge. Their tumultuous relationship, marked by infidelity on both sides, provided a fertile ground for the song’s creation. Florida bandleader Pappy Neil McCormick recounted that during Hank’s hospital visit, Audrey refused his kiss, accusing him of causing her suffering. This encounter deeply affected Hank, leading him to confide in the children’s governess about Audrey’s “cold, cold heart,” and thus, a timeless song was born.
Williams penned the first draft of the song on November 23, 1950, and recorded it on December 21, 1950, at Castle Studio in Nashville. He was accompanied by his Drifting Cowboys band, including Jerry Rivers on fiddle, Don Helms on steel guitar, Chet Atkins on electric guitar, Sammy Pruett on rhythm guitar, Ernie Newton or “Cedric Rainwater” (Howard Watts) on bass, and either Owen Bradley or producer Fred Rose on piano.
Despite being released as the B-side to “Dear John,” following the industry trend that faster numbers sold better, “Cold, Cold Heart” became a favorite among disc jockeys and jukebox listeners. Its popularity quickly propelled it to the number one spot on the country music charts, while “Dear John” peaked at number eight.
Williams performed “Cold, Cold Heart” on his Mother’s Best radio shows and on The Kate Smith Evening Hour on April 23, 1952. This performance, introduced by his idol Roy Acuff, remains one of the few existing film clips of Williams performing live. Despite his notorious struggles with binge drinking, Williams appeared remarkably composed and confident, delivering a performance that bordered on arrogance in its self-assurance.
The song’s impact extended beyond the country genre, becoming a pop hit for Tony Bennett. This crossover success marked a significant moment in music history, paving the way for other country songs to enter the pop market. As noted in the liner notes of the 1990 Polygram compilation “Hank Williams: The Original Single Collection,” Hank Williams earned the distinction of making country music national music and becoming the first country songwriter widely accepted by pop artists and A&R men.
“Cold, Cold Heart” remains a testament to Hank Williams’ enduring legacy and his profound ability to capture deep emotional truths in his music. The song continues to resonate with listeners, reflecting the timeless nature of Williams’ songwriting genius.
Video
Lyrics
I tried so hard,my dear,to show that you’re my every dream
Yet you’re afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn’t do
In anger, unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?You’ll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love, yet you’re afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life, to try it just ain’t smart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold, cold heart?