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 Could Never Be Ashamed of You
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I should be ashamed to take you 'round
Makes no difference what you used to do
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
Maybe you were reckless yesterday
But together, we can find a brighter way
In my heart, I know that you'll come through
All the happiness I've ever known
Came the day you said you'd be my own
And it matters not what we go through
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
Maybe you've been cheated in the past
And perhaps those memories will always last
Even though you proved to be untrue
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
Hank Williams's "I Could Never Be Ashamed of You" is a song about loyalty and acceptance. The singer of the song stands by his partner despite what others might say about her. He acknowledges that she might have made mistakes in the past, but he believes in her and their future together. He acknowledges that their love has brought him immense happiness, and he is not afraid of facing any challenges that they might encounter in their journey together. He shows a deep understanding of his partner's past and her struggles, and he is willing to work together to find a way forward.
The lyrics are simple yet impactful, and they convey a strong message about unconditional love and support. Despite what others might think or say, the singer remains committed to his partner, and he believes in their love. The song shows the depths of the human heart and the power of love and forgiveness to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody says you let me down
People are saying that you disappointed me
I should be ashamed to take you 'round
I should feel embarrassed to be seen with you
Makes no difference what you used to do
Your past doesn't matter to me
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
I will never be embarrassed to be with you
Maybe you were reckless yesterday
Perhaps you made some poor choices in the past
But together, we can find a brighter way
If we work together, we can overcome challenges and find a better future
In my heart, I know that you'll come through
I believe that you will do the right thing
All the happiness I've ever known
The most joyful moments in my life
Came the day you said you'd be my own
Happened when you committed to being with me
And it matters not what we go through
The struggles we face are irrelevant
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
I will never feel embarrassed to be with you
Maybe you've been cheated in the past
Perhaps someone has been unfaithful to you before
And perhaps those memories will always last
Those experiences may stay with you forever
Even though you proved to be untrue
Even if you made mistakes and were not always honest
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
I will never be embarrassed to be with you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HANK WILLIAMS SR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Forever Nunchaku
That man was gold. He sang with 100 percent feeling. Hank Williams set the record straight for REAL country music!
Derick Feigum
I've been a fan of hank Williams since I was 8 I'm 28 now
Amoeba
Ole Hank and his guitar sounds better than most of the crap they throw out today.
Todd
Art transcends time. He’s An all time great; they don’t come around often.
aproffittable
Nobody better than Hank
Noah Dempsey
all
John Fisher
I've always loved this song for its strength in the face of outside interference from gossips. This is a different version from what I'd heard before with the whole band, but his voice is in fine form here.
Jeannie Wentworth
John Fisher 1
Bob Harris
John Fisher. If you are a Hank Williams fan, you may be interested to know they are starting to delete Hank's songs over copyright infringements. I've had 3 removed recently and in all over 20 from my playlist. I have spent time and trouble researching records to make my comments available but if they continue to delete these songs then I'll terminate my contract and throw the I-Pad in the trash. If they intend to delete these songs, don't post them.
MsBeaver2011
I loved all his songs! God gave him a great talent. God took him home early.