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.
Won't You Sometimes Think of Me
Hank Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You no longer care for me
But when you're happy with another
Won't you sometimes think of me
When the evenin' sun is sinking
Down behind the trees
And the moon is slowly rising
I'll always keep your picture
It means so much to me
And every night I'll pray, dear
That you'll sometimes think of me
Think of days that are gone, dear
Days we could recall
If you would only try, dear
But still you blame me for all
When the evenin' sun is sinking
Down behind the trees
And the moon is slowly rising
Won't you sometimes think of me
All I can say's I tried, dear
But you wouldn't let it be
So if you're ever sad and lonely
Won't you sometimes think of me
When the evenin' sun is sinking
Down behind the trees
And the moon is slowly rising
Won't you sometimes think of me
In "Won't You Sometimes Think of Me," Hank Williams sings about a lost love who has moved on with another person. Despite being left behind, Williams still holds a special place for this person in his heart and hopes that they still think of him from time to time. The song is a bittersweet reminder of the power that memories and nostalgia can hold, even in the face of heartbreak and separation.
The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, evoking the natural beauty of a sunset and the rising moon. Williams uses this imagery to capture the passing of time and the inevitability of change. While he acknowledges that his relationship with this person is over and they have both moved on, he still holds onto the hope that they can reflect on their shared past and the good times they had together.
The song is a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of love, even when it doesn't work out in the long run. It speaks to the universality of human emotions and the way that we can all relate to the feeling of longing for someone who is no longer in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Though our paths in life have parted
Although we no longer have a future together
You no longer care for me
You have lost affection towards me
But when you're happy with another
In times of joy with someone else
Won't you sometimes think of me
Can you remember me for a moment?
When the evenin' sun is sinking
At sunset
Down behind the trees
Behind the trees and on the horizon
And the moon is slowly rising
While the moon is ascending
I'll always keep your picture
I have a permanent image of you
It means so much to me
It has a great significance to me
And every night I'll pray, dear
Every night I will speak with my heart
That you'll sometimes think of me
Hoping you will think of me at times
Think of days that are gone, dear
Recall the past times, darling
Days we could recall
Events that we could remember together
If you would only try, dear
If you would just make an effort, love
But still you blame me for all
However, you hold me responsible for everything
All I can say's I tried, dear
I can only say that I made an effort, my love
But you wouldn't let it be
Yet, you would not allow it to be
So if you're ever sad and lonely
Therefore, if you are ever feeling unhappy and alone
Won't you sometimes think of me
Please remember me for a moment?
When the evenin' sun is sinking
At sunset
Down behind the trees
Behind the trees and on the horizon
And the moon is slowly rising
While the moon is ascending
Won't you sometimes think of me
Can you remember me for a moment?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIAMS, SR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jim Hart
Old Hank will live forever ♥
Frank Childs
Thanks for reminding me what real greatness in country music was, is, and will always be!
John Shelton
He's absolutely GREAT what a voice
Michael Crowley III
I never fail to find a new favorite when listening to the Master -
OgBurns
I love these old songs i think they should bring them to the radio im young and love these old songs if someone can get people to play these old songs on the radio ill be happy and my grandma and papa be happy
Robert Smith
thanks for this post hank surly was the best musician that ever lived this is a very good recording i like hank and his guitar they seem to be some good recordings among them what an amazing voice he has
GENA KEITH
Great song from Hank Williams Sr I know a lot of his songs but this one eluded me TILL NOW LoveitThanks,Keith
redrumrabbit
Amazing, thank you for posting .
Peyton marceaux
@Dave Wolfe neoconservative
Dave Wolfe
redrumrabbi