Born in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama, Williams moved to Georgiana, where he met Rufus Payne, a black street performer who gave him guitar lessons in exchange for meals. Payne had a major influence on Williams's later musical style. During this time, Williams informally changed his name to Hank, believing it to be a better name for country music. After moving to Montgomery, Williams began his career in 1937 when WSFA radio station producers hired him to perform and host a 15-minute program. He formed as backup the Drifting Cowboys band, which was managed by his mother, and dropped out of school to devote all of his time to his career.
When several of his band members were conscripted to military service during World War II, Williams had trouble with their replacements and started drinking heavily, causing WSFA to dismiss him. Williams eventually married Audrey Sheppard, who became his manager for nearly a decade. After recording "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" with Sterling Records, he signed a contract with MGM Records. In 1948 he released "Move it on Over," which became a hit, and also joined the Louisiana Hayride radio program. In 1949, he released a cover of "Lovesick Blues," which carried him into the mainstream of music. After an initial rejection, Williams joined the Grand Ole Opry. He had 11 number one songs between 1948 and 1953, though he was unable to read or notate music to any significant degree. Among the hits he wrote were "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."
During his last years Williams's consumption of alcohol, morphine and other painkillers severely compromised his professional and personal life. He divorced his wife and was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry due to frequent drunkenness. Williams died suddenly in the early morning hours of New Years Day in 1953 at the age of 29. Despite his short life, Williams has had a major influence on country music. The songs he wrote and recorded have been covered by numerous artists, many of whom have also had hits with the tunes, in a range of pop, gospel, blues and rock styles.
Alabama governor Gordon Persons officially proclaimed September 21 "Hank Williams Day". The first celebration, in 1954 featured the unveiling of a monument at the Cramton Bowl, that was later placed in the grave site of Williams. The ceremony featured Ferlin Husky interpreting "I Saw the Light".[70]
Williams had 11 number one hits in his career ("Lovesick Blues," "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," "Why Don't You Love Me," "Moanin' the Blues," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," "Kaw-Liga," "Your Cheatin' Heart," and "Take These Chains from My Heart"), as well as many other top ten hits.[71]
In 1961, Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he was inducted in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1987, he was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the category Early Influence. He was ranked second in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music in 2003, behind only Johnny Cash. His son, Hank Jr., was ranked on the same list. In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked him number 74 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The website Acclaimedmusic, which collates recommendations of albums and recording artists, has a year-by-year recommendation for top artists. Hank Williams is ranked first for the decade 1940–1949 for his song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Many rock and roll pioneers of the 1950s, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded Williams songs early in their careers.
Drifting Too Far from the Shore
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where dangers silently creep
And storms so violently sweep
You're drifting to far from the shore
Drifting too far from the shore (from the shore)
You're drifting to far from the shore
Today the tempest rolls high
And clouds overshadow the sky
Sure death is hovering nigh
You're drifting to far from the shore
Why meet a terrible fate
Mercy abundantly waits
Turn back before its to late
You're drifting to far from the shore
The song "Drifting Too Far From Shore" by Hank Williams is a poignant and heartfelt warning about the perils of straying too far from one's roots, both metaphorically and literally. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of being lost at sea, far from the safety of the shore, surrounded by danger and uncertainty. The first verse speaks of the dangers that silently creep up on someone when they stray too far from the shore. The second verse describes the raging storms that can sweep in at any time, causing chaos and destruction. The chorus repeats the phrase "drifting too far from the shore", emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and connected to one's roots.
In the third verse, Williams references the "tempest" and the "overshadowed sky", using powerful imagery to emphasize the seriousness of the situation. The final verse is a plea for the listener to turn back before it's too late, reminding them that mercy is always available if they are willing to return to shore. The entire song is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, and not getting lost in the chaos and uncertainty of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the perilous deep
You are far away on the dangerous sea
Where dangers silently creep
The dangers of the sea are sneaking up on you without warning
And storms so violently sweep
Violent storms on the sea could overtake you at any moment
You're drifting to far from the shore
You are moving away from safety
Drifting too far from the shore (from the shore)
You are moving too far from the safe harbor of land
You're drifting to far from the shore
You are leaving the safety of land behind
Today the tempest rolls high
The storm is at its peak
And clouds overshadow the sky
The clouds are so heavy and thick that they cover the entire sky
Sure death is hovering nigh
You are at risk of death
You're drifting to far from the shore
You are leaving the safe harbor of land further behind
Why meet a terrible fate
Why risk a terrible ending
Mercy abundantly waits
Mercy is still available to you
Turn back before its to late
You should go back before it's too late to save yourself
You're drifting to far from the shore
You are moving further away from safety
Contributed by Aaron O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrSuperhenderson
This is such a haunting performance from hank, with so much meaning in the words.
@DollyannT
I don't sing much anymore but that song makes me feel like singing. THANKS
@nadyarossi5102
isn't it amazing how Hank Williams and just his guitar could sound so wonderful. I love him!
@avriixia
My grandmother who passed away last year loved this song so much, I came back to this song to her remembrance.
@crownedlegendzmuzik
Sing It Hank! Legends Never Die! God Always Has The Upper Hand!
@soniagalvan8345
I listen to this whenever I need a good talking-to.
@Hugh_Manitee
Jesus will speak to you through His Holy Spirit. Even if He has to do it through Hank Williams
Be blessed. 😊❤
@davidegianluca9468
This song can mean a multiple of things man that chorus is haunting in such a beautiful way I've drifted too far man hank is sure bringing me back thank you lord.
@hammer44head
Though Hank doesn't sing it here, there is a final verse to this beautiful song, Why meet a terrible fate, When joys abundantly wait? Turn back before its too late, You are drifting to far from the shore. Amen.
@drabolit
Mercy abundantly* so I’ve heard - nice conclusion