While his name (and his uncanny vocal and physical resemblances to his grandfather) could have guaranteed him a thriving Country audience, he had no patience for the often predictable Nashville sound, nor for even the minimal constraints on behavior his promoters required. His opinions on this subject are well summed up in the songs "Trashville" and "Dick in Dixie."
His first album on his own, titled Risin' Outlaw, was released in September 1999. Lovesick, Broke & Driftin' was released in 2002. He had a great deal of trouble with his label Curb Records. Reportedly the label was unwilling to release his appropriately named This Ain't Country LP, nor allow him Hank III to issue it alone. The label was also upset that he sold t-shirts that read "Fuck Curb.".
In late 2004, Thrown out of the Bar was slated for release but Curb Records opted not to release it. Hank III and label executive Mike Curb would be in and out of court for the next year, and the judge ruled in favor of Hank III in the spring of 2005, demanding that Curb release the album. Shortly thereafter, Hank III and Curb Records came to terms, and Hank III dropped his "Fuck Curb" campaign. Thrown out of the Bar was reworked into Straight to Hell.
Battles with Walmart had delayed the release of his third studio album, titled Straight To Hell, which was released on February 28, 2006 as a two-disc set in two formats: a clean version (for Wal-Mart), and an uncensored version, which will be the first major-label Country album to bear a parental advisory warning.
Currently, Hank III is touring in support of Straight To Hell, and has been overheard claiming that a rock record (presumably under the moniker of Assjack) will finally see the light of day in less than a year, followed by a new country album.
Hang On
Hank III Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a singing my poor song
I've seen them hard hard times,
But that's my kind of life
I like it most the time,
When I'm drunk and feeling high
Sometimes it gets me down,
Makes me feel I'm unwound
And I know, its hard
When you're all alone
And you don't wanna live
And you've got that gun
Hang on
Hang on
Hang on
Hang on
Well I'm cruisin' all alone,
Just a singing my poor song
I've seen them hard hard times,
But that's my kind of life
I like it most the time,
When I'm drunk and feeling high
Sometimes it gets me down,
Makes me feel I'm unwound
Hang on
Hang on
Hang on
Hang on
In Hank III's song "Hang On," the singer describes his lifestyle of cruising alone and singing his "poor song." Despite experiencing hard times, he admits that he likes his life most when he is drunk and feeling high. However, there are moments when it gets him down and makes him feel unwound. The chorus urges the listener to "hang on" despite feeling alone and not wanting to live, even if they have a gun.
The song can be interpreted as a reflection of Hank III's own life and struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Despite the dark themes, the song also has a strong sense of resilience and the importance of perseverance. The repetition of "hang on" in the chorus serves as an encouraging mantra to keep going and not give up, even when things seem bleak.
Overall, "Hang On" is a powerful and emotive song that showcases Hank III's ability to write raw and honest lyrics that resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm cruisin' all alone,
I am driving by myself
Just a singing my poor song
I am singing a song that reflects my struggles
I've seen them hard hard times,
I have experienced difficult times
But that's my kind of life
However, that is the life I prefer to live
I like it most the time,
Usually, I enjoy my life
When I'm drunk and feeling high
Especially when I am under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Sometimes it gets me down,
Occasionally, I feel depressed
Makes me feel I'm unwound
And that makes me feel like I am unraveling
And I know, its hard
I understand how difficult it can be
When you're all alone
When you are by yourself
And you don't wanna live
And you do not want to continue living
And you've got that gun
And you have access to a firearm
Hang on
Hold on
Hang on
Don't give up
Hang on
Stay strong
Hang on
Endure your current situation
Well I'm cruisin' all alone,
I am driving by myself
Just a singing my poor song
I am singing a song that reflects my struggles
I've seen them hard hard times,
I have experienced difficult times
But that's my kind of life
However, that is the life I prefer to live
I like it most the time,
Usually, I enjoy my life
When I'm drunk and feeling high
Especially when I am under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Sometimes it gets me down,
Occasionally, I feel depressed
Makes me feel I'm unwound
And that makes me feel like I am unraveling
Hang on
Hold on
Hang on
Don't give up
Hang on
Stay strong
Hang on
Endure your current situation
Lyrics Β© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSEPH STANLEY WILLIAMS, RANDY GOODRUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Swamp Pappy77
He is 1000x better than 99.5% of country radio stations today. Although he has a great pedigree he is 100% himself. Money can't buy that....thanks HW3.
Patricia a Faulkner
ABSOLUTELY
Ray Agner
I agree,he deserves way more. I think he is a better artist than most of them anyway
Wavy Davy
βTaking my pills and drinking my beerβ wish he would just do a complete acoustic version of his songs!
J A
What song is he singing in the beginning? New fan here :(
Justin Richardson
Six pack of beer
Greco Folkesson
ThatΒ΄s not the original lyrics tho is it? Where the hell is Hank? I want more songs!
Logan
All those people might have material possessions but this man has the looks, voice and legacy and his dad. Some things money can't buy.
The_impersonater-Of-The_Non-Existent
Heβs probably a little bummed money was able to buy those things
Jack Hoff
I've said the same thing...grand dad would be proud