Thompson's musical style, characterized as Honky Tonk Swing, is a mixture of big-band instrumentation, fiddle and steel guitar that supports his distinctive, gravelly baritone vocals on songs he often writes himself. His backing band, The Brazos Valley Boys, was voted the No.1 Country Western Band for 14 years in a row by Billboard Magazine.
He decided to pursue his musical talent after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a radioman and studying electrical engineering at the university level. His first single was "Whoa Sailor" in 1946. The year 1952 brought his first #1 disc, "The Wild Side of Life", which contained the memorable line "I didn't know God made honky-tonk angels" (which inspired the Kitty Wells response, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels"). Other hits followed in quick succession in the 1950s and 1960s. Although not as prominent in later decades, he has remained an active and respected performer in the field, finding new audiences as a result of the resurgence of a harder-edged sound in country music.
Hank Thompson was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. He was born 3 September 1925 in Waco, Texas, and passed away at home in Keller, Texas, on 6 November 2007, just four days after cancelling his final tour.
Don't Be That Way
Hank Thompson Lyrics
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Clouds in the sky should never make you feel that way
The rain will bring the violets of
May Tears are in vain
So honey, please don't be that way
As long as we see it through
You'll have me, I'll have you, sweetheart
Don't break my heart
Oh honey, please don't be that way
The song “Don't Be That Way” by Hank Thompson is a beautiful rendition that is composed with a heartwarming message. The song aims to comfort a loved one who is going through a rough patch by telling them to not give up and to not let the circumstances bring them down. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics by asking the loved one to not cry and not be downhearted just because the sky is covered with clouds. The song tries to reassure the loved one that the rain will eventually clear and bring new life, new opportunities, and will also wash away the pain and sorrow. The lyrics encourage them to hold on to the hope and to not waste tears on things that aren't worth it, as tears are in vain.
The song continues to bring the focus back to the present and reminds the loved one that they have someone who cares for them and is willing to go the distance with them. The lyrics state that as long as they stick together, they can brave any storm and that tomorrow is always a new day with new opportunities. The song asks the loved one to not break the singer's heart, as the singer is willing to stay by their side and help them through the tough times.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't cry Oh honey, please, don't be that way
Please don't cry or take on a negative attitude, my dear
Clouds in the sky should never make you feel that way
The gloomy weather should not affect your mood so much
The rain will bring the violets of May
The rain will eventually bring new and beautiful things, like violets in May
Tears are in vain
Crying does not change anything and is a waste of energy
So honey, please don't be that way
Please do not continue to have a negative attitude, my dear
As long as we see it through
If we stick together and persevere, we will overcome any obstacles
You'll have me, I'll have you, sweetheart
We have each other and that's all that matters, my love
Tomorrow is another day
We have a new beginning each day and can start fresh
Don't break my heart
Please do not hurt me emotionally
Oh honey, please don't be that way
Please let go of your negative attitude and be positive, my dear
Lyrics © REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Benny Goodman, Edgar Sampson, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind