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.
Wealth Won't Save Your Soul
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So selfish are we, for silver and gold
You can treasure your wealth, your diamonds and gold
But my friends it won't save, your poor wicked soul
To your earthly wealth, you must say goodbye
Then it's useless to you, if you've strayed from the fold
For my friend it won't save, your poor wicked soul
The rich man like all, will be judged at that time
But all of his wealth, will be left behind
For no matter how much earthly wealth you get hold
My friend it won't save, your poor wicked soul
My friend it won't save, your poor wicked soul
Hank Williams's "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul" is a song about the dangers of materialism and the fleeting nature of wealth. The song asserts that no matter how much wealth one accumulates, it cannot save one's soul when it's time to answer to God. The song is a warning about the corrupting influence of wealth and how it can lead one astray from a righteous path. The lyrics are a reminder that wealth is not a measure of one's worth but instead is merely a temporary possession that must be relinquished at the end of life.
The song is a commentary on the perils of the American dream and its focus on material success. It suggests that the pursuit of wealth can lead one to neglect their spiritual well-being and moral values. The song's lyrics reflect a Christian worldview, emphasizing the importance of faith and salvation over material possessions.
In conclusion, "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul" is a timeless warning against the perils of materialism and the importance of faith and morality. The song reminds us that wealth is not a measure of our worth or success but instead is a temporary possession that we must eventually relinquish.
Line by Line Meaning
As we journey along, on a life's wicked road
As we travel through life's difficult path
So selfish are we, for silver and gold
We tend to be self-centered and covetous of money and riches
You can treasure your wealth, your diamonds and gold
You may love your riches, your precious gems and gold
But my friends it won't save, your poor wicked soul
But remember, these things won't rescue your evil soul
For when God calls, from his home up on high
When God summons you from heaven above
To your earthly wealth, you must say goodbye
You will have to part ways with all these worldly treasures
Then it's useless to you, if you've strayed from the fold
At that point, riches would be of no good if you have turned away from God
For my friend it won't save, your poor wicked soul
Your wealth can't save your wretched soul
The rich man like all, will be judged at that time
All people will be evaluated equally including the rich
But all of his wealth, will be left behind
But his material possessions will be relinquished, regardless of how much he has accumulated
For no matter how much earthly wealth you get hold
It doesn't matter how wealthy you are on earth
My friend it won't save, your poor wicked soul
Remember, your possessions won't salvage your wretched soul
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Go Crazy!
As we journey along
On life?s wicked road
So selfish are we
For silver, platinum and gold
You can treasure your wealth
Your diamonds and your gold
But my friend it won't save
It won't save, your poor wicked soul
For when God calls
From his heavenly home on high
To your earthly wealth
Some how, no matter what you think
You must say goodbye
Then it?s useless to you
If you've strayed from the fold
Just don't stray from the fold
For my friend, it won't save
Oh, it won't save your wicked soul
The rich man like all, Oh Lord
Will be judged at that time
But all of his wealth
Will be left behind
For no matter how much
Earthly wealth you get
[Incomprehensible]
Well, my friend it won't save
Won't save your poor wicked soul
A [Incomprehensible] won't save
Oh, won't save your poor wicked soul
Oh, no, it won't save your poor wicked soul
It won't save your soul
William Bulla
23 Looking around, Jesus said to his disciples, “It will be very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom!” 24 His words startled the disciples, so Jesus told them again, “Children, it’s difficult to enter God’s kingdom!
25 It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”
26 They were shocked even more and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible with human beings, but not with God. All things are possible for God.”
28 Peter said to him, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you.”
29 Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news 30 will receive one hundred times as much now in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and farms (with harassment)—and in the coming age, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.”
Mark 10:23-31 Common English Bible
.
Amen, Will
Nora Brockhaus
I'm a 68 year old woman who has lost material gain and started over many times, once due to a devastating fire. I have learned not to become attached to material gain. I live a modest life. My wealth is in Jesus, my family and friends and my animals. Hank has been my inspiration since the early 60's. I love his music and his wisdom. He left us a legacy in his 29 years of life that is a pertinate today as it was when he wrote and recorded it. He was a man who never forgot his poor country roots.
Stewart Fenton
Good to hear your story Nora, though not religious myself. Hank has been one of my favourites for fifty years.
Brazo Steinway
Great words for a Great Talent, who now sings in presence of Our Lord
Doodfromellay
I can relate. I lost everything in a 2016 flood. Pictures and video from my children's birth until the flood. That was the worst part. I swore to never accumulate too many possessions ever again.
Zack Strzelczyk
@Nora Beockhaus, I'm a 30 year old man who has always been poor and I too have lost stuff in my short life, BUT if I ever get a lot of money I'm taking care of my family and those people who helped me out in the hard times. NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM money helps in life but it don't make it. Also Hank sr is my favorite artist of all time
D T
We need this message today in our music. The wealthy churches are full of corruption in the love of money. Thank you Lord for Hank.
Lisa Parsons
Hank Williams,wrote alot of great songs,first time I've heard this one.A good true song.
Joseph German
Man. What talent. It doesn't come on this level often...
Chris Bright
Such a True meaning and warning in this song.Just listen close to his words,they might just ring a bell in your own life.🤠
Randy Orlando
Hank is the greatest to ever do it. Period, end of story.