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.
Going Home
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When my work here is o'er
And trials come no more
On that great day I'm going home
To live forever more, just o'er on heaven's shore
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
I'm going home, I'm going home
Won't it be so sweet, to rest at Jesus' feet
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
I'm traveling in the light
And my way is clear and bright
Some glad day I'm going home
Heading for the pearly gates for there my savior waits
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
As I travel down life's road
So heavy is my load
But some glad day I'm going home
I'll meet my loved ones there, in that land so bright and fair
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
I'm going home, I'm going home
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
Won't it be so sweet, to rest at Jesus' feet
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
"Hank Williams's song Going Home" talks about the concept of returning home after one’s work on earth is done, and when trials are no more. The song is structured in a two-part verse-chorus form, with the verses focusing on the singer’s hope and faith in returning to heaven, and the chorus expressing the joy and sweetness that the idea of resting in Jesus’ feet brings.
The lyrics in the first verse of the song express the hope of returning home after life on earth is over. The idea of trials coming to an end is a recurring theme, implying that life on earth is filled with challenges and hardships. The second verse speaks of traveling in the light with a clear and bright way, hoping to find Jesus’ waiting for the singer at the pearly gates.
The song can be interpreted as a Christian hymn that conveys the hope of the afterlife. The sweet and calming melody of the acoustic guitar and Williams’s voice make the song’s message even more impactful. The song is a reflection of Williams’s faith and his longing to return home, where he can be reunited with his loved ones and be at peace.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going home
Hank Williams wants to return to his true home after completing his earthly responsibilities
When my work here is o'er
He will only return home after fulfilling his duties and responsibilities that he has in his life here on earth.
And trials come no more
He hopes that when he gets home, he will be free from any trouble or problems that he might have faced in his life.
On that great day I'm going home
Hank Williams believes that going home is going to be an important and grand event that he will cherish.
To live forever more, just o'er on heaven's shore
He is expecting to live forever in heaven after his return home.
I'm traveling in the light
Hank Williams feels he's walking in the right direction towards home, which is lit by the light of truth and purity.
And my way is clear and bright
Hank Williams is convinced that he's on the right path, and he can navigate through it properly and safely towards his destination.
Some glad day I'm going home
Hank Williams is optimistic that he will reach his destination with a sense of joy and satisfaction.
Heading for the pearly gates for there my savior waits
He is happy to meet his savior when he reaches heaven's gate after his journey to home is over.
As I travel down life's road
As Hank Williams journeys through life, he is carrying a heavy burden that is challenging him every day.
So heavy is my load
His burdens are weighing him down with every step he takes on his way home, which makes it difficult for him to travel on.
But some glad day I'm going home
Hank Williams believes that even though his way is difficult, he will reach his destination peacefully, and he is eager to go home.
I'll meet my loved ones there, in that land so bright and fair
He is going to be reunited with his loved ones once he reaches his destination in heaven.
Won't it be so sweet, to rest at Jesus' feet
He desires to rest in Jesus' feet after his tiresome journey home.
When my life here is o'er I'm going home
Hank Williams' homecoming is only after his life here on earth is over.
Contributed by Alyssa L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim Parker
Wording and music are so simple, yet so absolutely genius. No one could ever match Hank. He is surely resting at Jesus’ feet.
Tommy Wilburn
Yeah I just lost my mama this is going to be one of the songs played at her funeral
Rachel Miller
One of my favorite Gospel Hymns. It is simple but beautiful and moving.
Josh Bates
Hank at his finest , been listening to him for 55 years now. Rip hank 1923-1953
David Stokes
Never be another Hank. One of a kind. God rest his soul
LukeThe Drifter
wow nobody could or ever will be able to sing em like that.greatest of all time R.I.P. Hank
caleb wilson
i love the sound of some of his gospel songs sounds like hes in church singin man i love hank.
《Thee Sweet Science》
Greatest of all time.
《Thee Sweet Science》
This song and "log train" from these early recordings both put a tear in my eye. Reminds me of my grandfather to the core. He has been gone since I was 10
RJ Ward
Love this song so much reminds me of my grandpa. God is so good praise Jesus!