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.
I'm Free At Last
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Writer: ernest tubb
Capo: [g] st fret/key: g#/play: g
[g] I'm free at last from [c] love and all its' [g] worries
I'm free be-[d7] cause you wanted it that [g] way
Now you can go but [c] there's no need to [g] hurry
'cause ne'er a-[d7] gain will I ask you to [g] stay. chorus
So many [d7] times you've proved that in the [g] past
After you're [c] gone, when mem'ries come to [g] haunt me
I'll hide my [d7] tears and say I'm free at [g] last. I'm free at last don't ask me why I'm cryin'
Strange as it seems, somehow I love you yet
Don't say you care, you know that you'll be lying
Don't hurt me more, show my heart some respect.
Chorus
The song "I'm Free At Last" by Hank Williams is a classic country ballad that captures the essence of a heartbroken lover who has been set free. The song starts with the singer expressing his joy of being free from the pain and worries of love, highlighting that it was the other person who wanted it that way. He then goes on to acknowledge the inevitability of the other person leaving, but assures them that there is no hurry as he would not ask them to stay again. The chorus highlights his acceptance that the other person does not want him and urges them to go, promising to hide his tears and proclaim his freedom in their absence.
The second verse of the song seems to highlight the inner turmoil that the singer is going through despite claiming his freedom. He admits to loving the other person despite being free, but urges them not to say they care as they would be lying. He then pleads with his former lover to show his heart some respect and not hurt him more. The chorus that follows reinforces the singer's acceptance of the situation and his determination to move on, despite the lingering emotions he feels for his former lover.
Overall, "I'm Free At Last" by Hank Williams is a powerful and emotional song that highlights the complexities of love and heartbreak. It portrays a relatable picture of a person who has been hurt by love but is determined to move on and find freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm free at last from love and all its' worries
I am finally unburdened from the troubles and concerns that come with loving someone.
I'm free because you wanted it that way
My freedom from this relationship is a result of your desire to end it.
Now you can go but there's no need to hurry
You are free to leave at your own pace, I will not try to stop you.
'cause ne'er again will I ask you to stay
I have accepted that our time together has come to an end and will not plead with you to stay.
So run along, I know that you don't want me
I understand that you do not desire my company and accept that you are moving on.
So many times you've proved that in the past
I have been previously rejected by you and understand that this is a recurring theme in our relationship.
After you're gone, when mem'ries come to haunt me
When I am reminded of you after you have left, I will do my best to cope with my emotions.
I'll hide my tears and say I'm free at last
I will not allow myself to openly cry or express sadness as this is a moment of liberation for me.
I'm free at last don't ask me why I'm cryin'
Even though I have been freed from this relationship, I still feel emotional and am not sure why.
Strange as it seems, somehow I love you yet
Despite our relationship ending, I still feel love for you in a complicated and confusing way.
Don't say you care, you know that you'll be lying
I do not want you to pretend to care for me out of guilt or obligation.
Don't hurt me more, show my heart some respect
Please be gentle with my feelings and show me the respect I deserve as we end our relationship.
Chorus
Repeating the main sentiment of the song throughout the chorus - that the singer has been freed from a difficult relationship and is coping with complex emotions as a result.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CANDYS, Lewis Candys
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Opportunities423
hank williams sr has helped me through every breakup i have ever had. excellent songwriting expressing feelings that are timeless and easy to relate to. i feel personally connected to him when i listen to his music. its amazing feel someone who was long passed away has felt your heartache and can speak to you through their recordings. rip hank. thank you.
WendySW714
❤️
Mike Aubuchon
The greatest country artist of all time !
Lester Parfitt
the boss of country music
trevor tomah
The man and his music, beautifully awesome.
Barbro Traff
I love this more than I can say!
CowboyOld
I love Hank's songs. Brings back so many memories; some happy some sad, some with a sweet sorrowful feeling. Thanks for posting
Thomas Haverstock
What a another great song from the greatest singer song writer
Randall Hutchcraft
First time I've heard this, it's so great, love Hank Williams
Phil Cross
Excellent! Thanks for sharing! Great job Hank.