Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Willi… Read Full Bio ↴Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one.

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.

Low and Lonely
Hank Williams Lyrics

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Low and lonely, sad and blue
Thinking only of little you
Always trying to keep from crying
I'm low and lonely over you

Do you miss me? Say you do
Tell me darlin', tell me true?
Do you yearn dear, will you return dear?

I'm low and lonely over you

Low and lonely, weary too
You're the only true love I knew
Don't be long dear, you know it's wrong dear
I'm low and lonely over you

Low and lonely, sad and blue
Thinking only of little you

Always trying to keep from crying
I'm low and lonely over you

Overall Meaning

Hank Williams's song "Low and Lonely" has simple yet heart-wrenching lyrics about the pain of lost love. The song begins with Williams expressing his feelings of sadness and loneliness, thinking only of his lost love. He describes how he tries to hold back his tears but cannot help feeling low and lonely without her. In the chorus, he pleads with his ex-lover to tell him if she misses him and if she will return to him. The second verse illustrates how weary he feels without her, she was the only true love he had, and it is wrong that they are apart.

The song is a country and western ballad that explores the themes of love, heartbreak, and loneliness, which are universal experiences. The lyrics express what many people feel when they lose someone they love, the yearning for their return, and the difficulty of moving on. Hank Williams's vocals are raw and emotive, highlighting the song's emotional intensity.

"Low and Lonely" was released in 1950 as the B-side to Williams's hit song "Long Gone Lonesome Blues." Despite being a B-side to one of his biggest hits, "Low and Lonely" has become a fan favorite and has remained popular throughout the years. The song's enduring popularity is due in part to its simple lyrics, catchy melody, and heartfelt performance.

Low and LonelyHank Williams Lyrics

Low and Lonely
Hank Williams Lyrics