Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Waylon Jennings Lyrics
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Where do we take it from here?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
It's been the same way for years
We need a change
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
"Son, you finally got it made"
Old Hank made it here, we're all sure that you will
But I don't think Hank done it this way, no
I don't think Hank done it this way
Okay
Ten years on the road, makin' one night stands
Speedin' my young life away
Tell me one more time, just so's I'll understand
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Did ol' Hank really do it this way?
Lord, I've seen the world, with a five piece band
Looking at the back side of me
Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way, no
I don't think Hank done 'em this way
Take it home
The lyrics to Waylon Jennings's song "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" express the frustration and longing for change in the country music industry. The song begins by acknowledging the classic country music sound, represented by the "same old tune" of a fiddle and guitar, and the traditional image of rhinestone suits and shiny cars. However, the lyrics suggest that this formulaic approach has been going on for too long, and it's time for something new.
The second half of the first verse introduces the idea that success in Nashville is often based on following in the footsteps of country music legends like Hank Williams. Someone has told the singer that he's "finally got it made" now that he's in Nashville and that Hank made it here, so he will too. However, the singer questions whether Hank Williams would have really done things the same way they are being done now. The choruses repeat this sentiment, emphasizing that even after ten years on the road, the singer doesn't think that Hank would have followed this path.
The final verse reflects on the singer's experiences touring the world with his band and singing both his own songs and "one of his [Hank's] now and then." Despite this success and recognition, the singer still doesn't believe that Hank would have approved of this path. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo juxtapose the frustration and longing for change expressed in the lyrics, making for a powerful commentary on the state of country music at the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
The music industry seems to be stuck in a rut, with nothing new or exciting coming out.
Where do we take it from here?
How can we mix things up and make something fresh and different?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
Country music has become more about flash and showmanship than the actual music itself.
It's been the same way for years
This isn't a new phenomenon, country music has been this way for a long time.
We need a change
It's time to shake things up and bring some new life into the genre.
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
When I first arrived here, someone said something to me that stuck out.
"Son, you finally got it made"
You've made it to the big leagues in Nashville, congratulations.
Old Hank made it here, and we're all sure that you will
Hank Williams Sr. found success in Nashville and we're confident that you will too.
But I don't think Hank done it this way, no
However, I don't think he did it the way things are currently being done in the industry.
Ten years on the road, makin' one-night stands
I've spent a decade touring, playing quick gigs and moving on.
Speedin' my young life away
It feels like I'm missing out on life as I rush through this lifestyle.
Tell me one more time, just so's I'll understand
Can you explain this to me once more, so I can make sense of it?
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Did Hank Williams Sr. really have to live like this to be successful?
Did ol' Hank really do it this way?
I'm having trouble believing that this is what the legendary Hank Williams Sr. had to go through.
Lord, I've seen the world, with a five-piece band
I've traveled a lot with my band, performing everywhere, but still feeling unfulfilled.
Looking at the back side of me
I'm watching my life pass by and wondering if this is all there is.
Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
I sing my own material, but sometimes throw in a Hank Williams Sr. cover.
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way, no
I doubt Hank Williams Sr. would approve of the way things currently are in the industry.
I don't think Hank done 'em this way
It's time for a change, to move away from the flashy showmanship and get back to the music itself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Waylon Jennings
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrejkuzmanoski2825
Lord, it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
Where do we take it from here?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
It's been the same way for years
We need a change
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
Son, you finally got it made
Old Hank made it here and we're all sure that you will
But I don't think Hank done it this way
No, I don't think Hank done it this way
Ten years on the road, makin' one night stands
Speedin' my young life away
Tell me one more time just so's I'll understand
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Did old Hank really do it this way?
Lord, I've seen the world, with a five piece band
Looking at the back side of me
Singing my songs and one of his now and then
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way
I don't think Hank done it this way
Take it home
@babyblue1194
When Johnny Cash is looking at you, and smiling in great admiration you know you are a legend. Such respect from all four to each other.
Best concert ever!!!!!
@terencegreen4020
Waylon and Johnny are my two favorite country artist of all time. These Legends and their legacy will live on forever!
@monteg3056
Yep got to throw hank Jr in that mix though
@mt.rushmore7916
That is very touching, indeed.
@frznrrfan.frznrrfan102
The way Johnny Cash and then Kris Kristofferson looked at him before he started picking was awesome, Waylon was like 'check this shit out".....
@audreydaleski1067
Johnny and kris
@edicamon8486
It raises the spirit to see the smile of Waylon and Johnny. RIP
@timrisner3408
TIMRISNER JEFFREY
@matthewford5946
That was bad as$ awesome.
@computerman9971
ikr