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.
Dust On the Bible
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of all their books and magazines, not a Bible could I find
I asked them for the Bible when they brought it, what a shame
For the dust was covered o'er it, not a fingerprint was plain
Dust on the Bible, dust on the Holy Word
The words of all the prophets and the sayings of our Lord
Of all the other books you'll find, there's none salvation holdsGet the dust off the Bible and redeem your poor soul
Oh, you can read your magazines of love and tragic things
But not one word of Bible verse, not a scripture do you know
When it is the very truth and it's contents good for you
But it's dust is covered o'er it
And it's sure to doom your poor soul
Dust on the Bible, dust on the Holy Word
The word of all the prophets, and the sayings of our Lord.
Of all the other books you'll find, there's none salvation holds
Get the dust off the Bible and redeem your poor soul.
Oh, if you have a friend you'd like to help along life's way
Just tell him that the Good Book shows a mortal how to pray
The best advice to give him that will make his burdens light
Is to dust the family bible trades the wrong way for the right
Dust on the Bible, dust on the Holy Word
The word of all the prophets, and the sayings of our Lord
Of all the other books you'll find, there's none salvation holds
Get the dust off the Bible and redeem your poor soul
Hank Williams's song Dust On the Bible is about the neglect of the Bible as a source of guidance for life. The singer visits some friends and notices that there are no Bibles around. When he asks for one, he finds that it has been covered with dust and has not been used in a long time. The song is a cautionary tale that advises people to pick up their Bibles and to renew their faith in God.
The song uses a repetitive chorus that emphasizes the importance of the Bible as a source of salvation. The singer contrasts the Bible with other books and magazines that people read, which do not hold the same potential for redemption. The repetition and the use of rhyme make the song memorable and easy to sing along with.
The final verse of the song advises listeners to share the Bible with others who may benefit from it. The singer suggests that the best way to help someone in need is to encourage them to read the Bible and to follow its teachings. The song is a reminder that despite the ups and downs of life, the Bible remains a constant source of guidance and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
I went into a home one day just to see some friends of mine
I visited some friends one day at their home.
Of all their books and magazines, not a Bible could I find.
I looked through their collection of books and magazines, but I couldn't find a Bible.
I asked them for the Bible. When they brought it, what a shame!
I asked my friends to bring me their Bible, but when they did, I saw that it was in a pitiable condition.
For the dust was covered o'er it, not a fingerprint was plain.
The Bible was covered in dust and so untouched that one couldn't even see a fingerprint on it.
Dust on the Bible, dust on the Holy Word
This line is a repetition of the song's title.
The words of all the prophets, and the sayings of our Lord.
The Bible contains the words of all the prophets as well as the sayings of our Lord.
Of all the other books you'll find, there's none salvation holds
Of all the books you may come across, none holds the key to salvation like the Bible.
Get the dust off the Bible and redeem your poor soul.
Clean the dust off the Bible so that you can renew your soul and find redemption.
Oh, you can read your magazines of love and tragic things
You may read magazines about love, tragedy, or other topics.
But not one word of Bible verse, not a scripture do you know.
However, if you don't know any scripture or Bible verse, you are missing out.
When it is the very truth, and it's contents good for you.
The Bible is an accurate representation of the truth, and its contents are good for you.
But it's dust is covered o'er it and it's sure to doom your poor soul.
However, when the Bible is covered in dust, it can be a sign that your soul is in danger.
Oh, if you have a friend you'd like to help along life's way
If you have a friend whom you'd like to help on their life journey,
Just tell him that the Good Book shows a mortal how to pray.
you should mention to them that the Good Book shows us how to pray.
The best advice to give him that will make his burdens light,
The most helpful advice you can give to a friend to make their burdens lighter is to
Is to dust the family bible trades the wrong way for the right.
dust off their family's Bible and choose the right path in life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BAILES, WALTER BAILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MelchForNations
God's Gospel
1. Grace of God = Bleeding Murder Gift
2. Salvation = Contrite Response to Murder Gift
3. Contrite Response to Murder Gift = Faith
4. Contrite Response to Murder Gift = Daily Total Surrender
5. Daily Total Surrender = God Pours More Strength to Love God More and More
God's response to sensitive reverential All-Day Contrite Response to Murder Gift
1. Training in School of God, in Absolute Desire and Control of God.
2. Divine Grace to Thirst to Hate what God Hates, with God's Strength.
3. Divine Grace to Thirst to Love what God Loves, with God's Strength
4. The Divine Poured Strength to become in Likeness of Jesus Christ's 33 years Life.
@MelchForNations
God's Gospel
1. Grace of God = Bleeding Murder Gift
2. Salvation = Contrite Response to Murder Gift
3. Contrite Response to Murder Gift = Faith
4. Contrite Response to Murder Gift = Daily Total Surrender
5. Daily Total Surrender = God Pours More Strength to Love God More and More
God's response to sensitive reverential All-Day Contrite Response to Murder Gift
1. Training in School of God, in Absolute Desire and Control of God.
2. Divine Grace to Thirst to Hate what God Hates, with God's Strength.
3. Divine Grace to Thirst to Love what God Loves, with God's Strength
4. The Divine Poured Strength to become in Likeness of Jesus Christ's 33 years Life.
@JennaBug29
If you can't find it, get another one, reading the word of God is essential in being on the straight narrow path Jesus Christ wants you to be on.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalms 119:105 KJV
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4 KJV
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Joshua 1:8 KJV
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV
I'm saying this in love brother to help you reading the Bible everyday and praying to Jesus Christ for knowledge of what his word means has helped me and I hope and pray it will help you too.
@ChrisMorris-dq6ti
I'm a huge fan of Hank Williams SR And HANK WILLIAMS JR
@jarodcarnarvon5198
I remember visiting the nursing homes as a teenager back around 1990/91 and this 1 elderly man there would sing this song....
@johnkennedy9486
Few modern christian songs have as pure and simple as message!
@Elvis68spec
the Bible belongs in your Heart, not on a Coffee Table.
Don Blake 👪❤✝
@sherryhead6239
Amen Hank was a wonderful singer give him the respect now better back then love ya Hank
@wilmahomsley2747
Hankwillams is one of the best singer in my life time.
@alltheglorytogod7402
In any lifetime
@brianchaplin9085BEC.
@@alltheglorytogod7402 Amen
@jamiemartin1793
The king of country
@wilmahomsley2747
My husband and I loves Hanks Williams we liked to listen to him sang Joe Homsley and Wilma Homsley when we were dating 1949 and 1950.