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.
Farther Along
Hank Williams Lyrics
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While there are others living about us never molested though in the wrong
Farther along we'll know all about it farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine we'll understand it all by and by
When we see Jesus coming in glory when he comes from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion we'll understand it all by and by
Farther along
, in Hank Williams's song, the singer is reflecting on the trials and tribulations of life, questioning why it seems that the good often suffer, while the wicked appear to go unpunished. Despite these struggles, the singer ultimately looks forward to a day when all will be made clear, and it will become apparent why things unfolded in the way they did. This hope is grounded in the singer's faith, as they anticipate the return of Jesus, and the ultimate understanding that will accompany it. The refrain of the song, "farther along we'll know all about it, farther along we'll understand why," serves as a reminder to the listener to stay steadfast in the face of life's challenges, as a greater understanding is yet to come. The song's overall message is one of perseverance in times of difficulty, and the eventual clarity that will come with time and faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder why it should be thus all the day long
We are constantly tested and challenged, often left questioning why we must endure these struggles throughout our daily lives.
While there are others living about us never molested though in the wrong
We witness some people doing wrong and never facing any consequences while we struggle despite our best efforts.
Farther along we'll know all about it farther along we'll understand why
As time passes and we grow older, we will gain deeper understanding and clarity surrounding our struggles and hardships.
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine we'll understand it all by and by
We should remain optimistic and hopeful, knowing that we will eventually gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the tribulations we face.
When we see Jesus coming in glory when he comes from his home in the sky
When we witness the second coming of Jesus, who will arrive from the heavens in all of his glory...
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion we'll understand it all by and by
...we will all have the opportunity to meet him in a beautiful, otherworldly home and receive greater insight and understanding of our lives.
Farther along
Ultimately, the future holds the key to finding peace and resolution to our unanswered questions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: J R BAXTER, JOHN STARLING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind