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.
The Log Train
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About my daddy who drove a log train
Way down in the southland, in old Alabama
We lived in a place that they call Chapmantown
And late in the evening, when the sun was low
Way off in the distance you could hear the train blow
The folks would come runnin', and Moma would say
Every mornin', at the break of day
He'd grab his lunchbucket, and be on his way
Winter or summer, sunshine or rain
Every mornin', he'd run that ole log train
A sweatin' an swearin' all day long
Shoutin', "Get up there oxen, keep movin' along
Load her up boys, 'cause it looks like rain
I've gotta get rollin', this ole log train"
This story happened, a long time ago
The log train is silent, God called Dad to go
But when I get to Heaven, ta always remain
I'll listen to the whistle of the ole log train
Hank Williams's 1949 song "Log Train" is a nostalgic tribute to his father who used to drive a log train down in the southland, Alabama. The song evokes strong images of Chapmantown, a place where they lived, and of the distant sound of the train whistle that marked the end of the day as well as the beginning of the night when mom would bring the supper on the table. The opening line of the song "If you will listen, a song I will sing, About my daddy who drove a log train" sets the mood for a storytelling experience that connects the audience emotionally to the singer's experience.
The lyrics describe the routine of Hank Williams's father working on the log train every day, winter or summer, rain or shine, sweating and swearing under the scorching sun, shouting at the oxen to keep moving the train forward. The song paints a vivid picture of life in the southland of Alabama, where people's livelihoods revolve around the railroad and the forest. Hank Williams reflects on his father's passing, but he retains the sweet memory of listening to the whistle of the log train that he hopes to hear again in heaven.
The log train was more than just a means of transportation for people who worked in the forest; it was a way of life. When Hank Williams Sr. drove his log train in Alabama, he was not just transporting goods, he was cutting a path for a developing South. "Log Train" is a heartfelt tribute to his father, painting a picture of everyday life for those who lived near the railway. The song struck a chord with audiences because of its raw love and adoration for family and a life they once knew, and its rustic sound made it popular among country fans.
Line by Line Meaning
If you will listen, a song I will sing
Listen up, I have a story to tell.
About my daddy who drove a log train
I'm going to talk about my father who used to drive a train that carried logs.
Way down in the southland, in old Alabama
This happened a long time ago in the southern region of Alabama.
We lived in a place that they call Chapmantown
The place where we lived was known as Chapmantown.
And late in the evening, when the sun was low
In the evening, when the sun was setting,
Way off in the distance you could hear the train blow
You could hear the sound of the train coming from far away.
The folks would come runnin', and Moma would say
People would come running when they heard the train, and my mother would tell us to get dinner ready.
"Get the supper on the table, here comes the log train"
Quick, prepare dinner because the log train is arriving!
Every mornin', at the break of day
Every morning, when the sun rose,
He'd grab his lunchbucket, and be on his way
My father would grab his lunch and head out for work.
Winter or summer, sunshine or rain
No matter the weather conditions - whether it was hot, cold or raining.
Every mornin', he'd run that ole log train
Every morning, my father would drive the old train that carried logs.
A sweatin' an swearin' all day long
He would sweat and swear all day long.
Shoutin', "Get up there oxen, keep movin' along
My dad would shout at the oxen to keep moving along.
Load her up boys, 'cause it looks like rain
He'd tell the boys to load the train quickly because it looked like rain was coming.
I've gotta get rollin', this ole log train"
He'd say that he needed to keep going and drive the log train.
This story happened, a long time ago
This incident occurred a long time ago.
The log train is silent, God called Dad to go
The train no longer runs, and my father has passed away.
But when I get to Heaven, ta always remain
But when I get to heaven, I'll always remember
I'll listen to the whistle of the ole log train
I'll listen to the sound of the old log train's whistle.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HANK WILLIAMS SR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bradenforrest7039
If you will listen, a song I will sing
About my daddy who drove a log train
Way down in the southland, in old Alabama
We lived in a place that they call Chapmantown
And late in the evening, when the sun was low
Way off in the distance you could hear the train blow
The folks would come runnin', and Moma would say
"Get the supper on the table, here comes the log train"
Every mornin', at the break of day
He'd grab his lunchbucket, and be on his way
Winter or summer, sunshine or rain
Every mornin', he'd run that ole log train
A sweatin' an swearin' all day long
Shoutin', "Get up there oxen, keep movin' along
Load her up boys, 'cause it looks like rain
I've gotta get rollin', this ole log train"
This story happened, a long time ago
The log train is silent, God called Dad to go
But when I get to Heaven, ta always remain
I'll listen to the whistle of the ole log train
@JakeSmith-ux1xk
Hank sang some of the saddest songs I ever heard. They could bring tears to my eyes. Why did we listen to his songs...because they were about life and it's struggles.
@cindysherf8818
They were songs a his real life experience this song about his dad it's true that's the way it was in those days
@Stumpers24
Hank can bring tears to my eyes in almost every song. He will always and forever be the KING of country music
@sonnyblack71
His voice is so powerful!! Gives you chills!!!
@haroldwilliams1535
Hank had a special type of voice that didn't matter how much you have or don't have it touch you in one way or another...
@aloisemason3044
A legend ..Hank William's Sr..was an entertainer of a lifetime..and still being listened too..what a country music singer and guitar player..Never forgotten..RIP Hank
@mikeaubuchon8573
Hank wrote this about his daddy .
Today 68 years ago they laid Hank to rest .
R.I.P. Hank
@MarkSmith-nw4os
Rest easy Hank.
@kerrilucas693
Beautiful haunting voice. Brings me to chills every time I hear him sing.
@roostercogburn597
Hank Williams sr. World’s greatest poet .