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 Heard My Savior Calling Me
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He saved my soul, He set me free
I know He'll never let me fall
Praise out, I heard my Saviour call
I was a sinner, traveling on a weary road
So far from home
But now sweet heaven is my allPraise out, I heard my Saviour call
I heard my Saviour calling me
He saved my soul, He set me free
I know He'll never let me fall
Praise out, I heard my Saviour call
I'm on my way to better land
And there I'll join that heavenly band
All through the ages I will sing
Hosanna is my heavenly King
I heard my Saviour calling me
He saved my soul, He set me free
I know He'll never let me fall
Praise out, I heard my Saviour call
The lyrics of "I Heard My Savior Calling Me" by Hank Williams speak of the singer's experience of being lost and saved by Jesus. The singer describes how he was once a sinner travelling on a weary road far from home, but when he heard Jesus calling to him, he was saved and set free. The singer is certain that Jesus will never let him fall, and he praises God for calling him. The lyrics then speak of the singer's belief that he is on his way to a better land, where he will join a heavenly band and sing hosannas to his heavenly King.
The song is a declaration of Hank Williams' faith and his belief that anyone can be saved if they hear the call of Jesus. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and remind listeners that even as sinners, they can be redeemed by God's love and grace. The song's melody is also uplifting, with a country gospel sound that emphasizes the message of hope and salvation.
Overall, "I Heard My Savior Calling Me" is a testament to the power of faith and the belief that, no matter how lost we might seem, we can always find our way back to God.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard my Saviour calling me
I perceived the divine call of my Redeemer
He saved my soul, He set me free
He delivered my spirit and set me at liberty
I know He'll never let me fall
I trust that He will always keep me from falling
Praise out, I heard my Saviour call
I exclaim out of joy because I heard my Saviour calling me
I was a sinner, traveling on a weary road
I was a transgressor, wandering on a difficult path
So far from home
Distant from my true dwelling place
But now sweet heaven is my all
But now I have God's divine kingdom as my supreme possession
I'm on my way to better land
I am en route to a superior realm
And there I'll join that heavenly band
And once there, I will become part of the virtuous assembly
All through the ages I will sing
For all eternity, I will express my adoration through song
Hosanna is my heavenly King
My celestial ruler is worthy of acclamation and reverence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN BAILES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertmclain5306
I was 7 years old when Hank died, and I remember it well. We were poor farm folks who listened to the Opry on a battery-powered radio on Saturday night. When we heard he had died, it was like losing a member of the family. He truly heard his Savior calling him.
@laryhasgis7230
I was 5 but mother and dad had a lot of albums,l got to listen to him lots and do remember when he pasted away in backseat of his car Hank was way be for his time with his songs,he's one of the greatest,Peace
@DellaWeber-fy1en
Hesþhebest
@lisaparsons4124
So sad Hank Williams Sr passed away May Hank Williams Sr RIP 💐
@brittanypotter2688
I heard my savior callin me
He saved my soul he set me free
I know he'll never let me fall
Praise God I heard my savior call
@TheRichardMeek
You sang so purty, Brittany. Amen!
@gloriabreighner129
💕
@lisaparsons4124
Awesome song and Hank Williams Sr a awesome singer
@davebob65
I was lucky enough to grow up with Ole Hank. Never met him, but I know him.
@maryolson8742
I cried that day, Jan/2/1953.