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.
When the Saints Go Marching in
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, when the saints go marching in
I wanna be right there in that number, number
When the saints go marching in
Well, when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
I wanna be right there in that number, number
When the saints go marching in
Yeah, when the sun refuse to shine
When the sun refuse to shine
I wanna be right there in that number, number
When the sun refuse to shine
Go, go, go
Go, go, go
Well, when the saints go marching in
Well, when the saints go marching in
I wanna be right there in that number, number
When the saints go marching in
Look here, when the sun refuse to shine
When the sun refuse to shine
I wanna be, be in that number, number
When the sun refuse to shine
When the saints, the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
I wanna be right there in that number, number
When the saints go marching in
Hank Williams's song, "When The Saints Go Marching In," is an adaptation of a traditional gospel hymn. This song is about the end times, and it portrays the hope that when Jesus comes again to take His chosen people home to heaven, the singer will be with them. The saints here refer to believers in Christ, who will be united in the New Jerusalem. The song speaks of the desire to be included in the number of faithful believers who will enter heaven. Through the repetition of the chorus, the song emphasizes the singer's longing to be among the saints during the triumphant entry into heaven.
The song is written in a catchy, upbeat rhythm and features a call and response format. The singer calls out to the audience, encouraging them to join in and sing along when they go marching in. The lyrics show the values of traditional Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of salvation in Christ and the hope of eternal life with Him. Overall, Williams's adaptation of the song is a testament to the Christian belief in the afterlife and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the saints go marching in
The singer is excited to join the march of the saints.
Well, when the saints go marching in
The singer reiterates his desire to join the march of the saints.
I wanna be right there in that number, number
The singer wants to be a part of the group of saints marching into Heaven.
When the saints go marching in
The singer repeats his desire to be a part of the group of saints marching into Heaven.
Yeah, when the sun refuse to shine
The singer acknowledges that even when the world is in turmoil, he still wants to be part of the march of the saints into Heaven.
When the sun refuse to shine
The singer repeats his acknowledgement that he still wants to be part of the march of the saints into Heaven, even in difficult times.
Go, go, go
The singer is encouraging the march of the saints to continue forward, despite any obstacles.
Well, when the saints go marching in
The singer reaffirms his desire to be part of the march of the saints.
I wanna be right there in that number, number
The singer restates his wish to be included in the group of saints going to Heaven.
When the sun refuse to shine
The singer repeats his desire to join the march of the saints into Heaven, even in difficult times.
Look here, when the sun refuse to shine
The singer emphasizes that he is committed to being part of the march of the saints, no matter what happens.
I wanna be, be in that number, number
The singer reiterates his strong desire to be included among the group of saints.
When the saints, the saints go marching in
The singer repeats his desire to be part of the march of the saints into Heaven.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Kenneth Johns
One of my all time favorite songs! And I just love Hank's rendition of it!
deb whitehead
Gotta love Hank Williams Sr. ....old timey gospel tunes are the best!!
James Brush
My Grandmother sang this song to me when I was 7 years old. Then we road around in the flat bed of my Grandpa truck, 1954 Ford , with my sisters, listening to the radio.
Bill Brown
How greatest it will be to be in that number praise God
victor wieler
Never forget that day the world stood still.
john eichler
This is Hank Sr at his finest!
Bertrand Thibault
the best country singer
Josh Bates
Good Singing hank ! Rip hank 1923-1953
Jacob Andres
such a great job
Jean-Bernard LALANNE
Super!