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.
Let The Spirit Descend
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As it did on Jesus that day
He was baptized by John in the river of Jordan
And God's voice like thunder said, "This is my Son"
When John came preachin', preparin' the way
For Jesus, the Heavenly King
If you'll only trust and believe in His word
Let the Spirit descend, like a beautiful dove
As it did on Jesus that day
He was baptized by John in the river of Jordan
And God's voice like thunder said, "This is my Son"
The religious and biblical references in Hank Williams's "Let the Spirit Descend" make it a powerful gospel song about the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ. The lyrics refer to the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, which is considered a significant event in Christianity. The lyrics suggest that if one trusts and believes in the Word of Jesus, they will stand in God's kingdom without being ashamed. The song advocates for belief in Jesus Christ's teachings, and the descent of the Holy Spirit is a symbol of His divine power and grace.
The song is an uplifting hymn that speaks to the spirit of faith and the power of belief. The lyrics, with their references to John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, are steeped in biblical imagery and inspire listeners to embrace a life of faith. The melody is haunting and memorable, and the accompaniment complements the emotions conveyed in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the spirit descend like a beautiful dove
May the Holy Spirit come down in a peaceful and graceful manner
As it did on Jesus that day
Just like the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus when He was baptized
He was baptized by John in the river of Jordan
John baptized Jesus in the Jordan river
And God's voice like thunder said, "This is my Son"
God proclaimed that Jesus is His Son with a loud and powerful voice, akin to thunder
When John came preachin', preparin' the way
John came preaching and preparing the path for the Messiah
For Jesus, the Heavenly King
For the Messiah, who is the King of Heaven
If you'll only trust and believe in His word
If you trust and have faith in His teachings
You'll stand in God's kingdom and not be ashamed
You will be able to stand in God's presence without fear or shame
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.