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.
Just When I Needed You
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You made my life so blue, both night and day
You left me here behind with a troubled worried mind
So broken hearted too, just when I needed you
I cried, I cried, I prayed, I tried
To forget you and never call your name
What a shame, what a shame, you're the one that was to blame
You're the one that proved untrue just when I needed you
You said it's best we part and never love again
And though it broke my heart, I won't complain
You know I love you still and dear, I always will
Although you proved untrue just when I needed you
I cried, I cried, I prayed, I tried
To forget you and never call your name
What a shame, what a shame, you're the one that was to blame
You're the one that proved untrue just when I needed you
No matter where you wander, no matter what you do
There's a longing in my heart for only you
I love you just the same and I want you back again
Although you proved untrue just when I needed you
I cried, I cried, I prayed, I tried
To forget you and never call your name
What a shame, what a shame, you're the one that was to blame
You're the one that proved untrue just when I needed you
The lyrics of Hank Williams's song, Just When I Needed You, describe the feeling of betrayal and abandonment when someone leaves you at the very moment you need them the most. The opening lines "just when I needed you, you left and went away" set the tone for the rest of the song, which goes on to describe the emotional turmoil and heartache caused by the sudden departure of a loved one. The lyrics continue, "you made my life so blue both night and day" conveying a sense of sadness and loneliness that comes with the absence of someone who was once an integral part of your life.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase, "just when I needed you" with the added lyrics expressing the singer's attempts to forget and move on; "I cried, I cried, I prayed, lord, I tried, to forget you, and never call your name, what a shame, what a shame". However, the singer also acknowledges their own emotions, blaming themselves for their vulnerability and love for the person who left them. The final verse conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance in the face of betrayal, "you know I love you still, and dear I always will, Although you proved untrue, just when I needed you."
Overall, the lyrics of Just When I Needed You evoke a strong emotional response, capturing the feelings of heartbreak and loss that anyone who has experienced a sudden breakup can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
just when I needed you, you left and went a-way,
You abandoned me when I was in great need.
You made my life so blue both night and day,
Your departure has caused me great sadness and despair.
You left me here behind, with a troubled worried mind,
You left me feeling anxious and distressed.
So broken hearted too, just when I needed you.
My heart is shattered because you left me when I needed you the most.
I cried, I cried, I prayed, lord, I tried, to forget you,
I wept and prayed and did everything I could to move on from you.
And never call your name, what a shame, what a shame,
I refused to say your name, and it's a sad situation.
You`re the one who was to blame,
You are solely responsible for causing this situation.
You`re the one who was un-true, just when I needed you.
You were dishonest, and you left me when I needed you the most.
You said, it`s best we part, and never love again,
You suggested that it would be best for us to part ways and never love again.
And `tho it broke my heart, I won`t complain,
Although your suggestion broke my heart, I won't express any discontent or complain.
You know I love you still, and dear I always will,
You should know that I still love you, and I always will.
Although you proved untrue, just when I needed you.
Despite your dishonesty and leaving me in my time of need.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lanceuppercut6168
I have no idea how one singer can fit like a ring to a finger just how one feels. Him being an artist if his caliber he was still able to write songs that any average Joe Shmoe could resonate to. Long live mister Hank Williams Sr.
@joshiewhite
Every lyric is running true at the moment
@juliannakaleigh6532
I love hank sr. 😭❤ top probably his biggest fan! I love drawing him
@SuperDuquette
I don,t think anay one can ever top him he,s the best that ever was
@fullshark09
One of his best songs
@joycesmith4608
They used to play this on the radio in the early 1950s just before he died
@BenSHammonds
have lived this one
@catherinemargerison2991
another great oldie
@malachymcevoy6160
I bought this one of Hank just after i left school
@malachymcevoy6160
The greatest ever