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.

You Blotted My Happy Schooldays
Hank Williams Lyrics

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When I entered that school room that mornin' in may,
I noticed you over the way,
And then with your pen dear you painfully wrote,
You blotted my happy school days.

I blotted your happy school days,
I'm sorry I caused you this pain,
I'll ask god to forgive me and to guide me always,

For I blotted your happy school days.

The teacher was watchin' with a wondering eye,
She noticed your anguish and pain,
She knew it would hurt you to have sympathy,
With a heart that was breakin' in pain.

I blotted your happy school days,
I'm sorry I caused you this pain,
I'll ask god to forgive me and to guide me always,
For I blotted your happy school days.

I have all the notes that you wrote to me,
I've folded and I kept them with care,
They're all put away to be touched no more,
To served as a memory so dear.

When I passed by your coffin to take my last look,
I placed my last kiss on your brow,
I know you're in heaven with friends that are dear,
And I know that I'll meet you up there.

For I blotted your happy school days,
I'm sorry I caused you this pain,

But I'll ask god to forgive me and to guide me always,
For I blotted your happy school days.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hank Williams's song You Blotted My Happy Schooldays tells a story of regret and reflection. The song speaks of a person who had caused pain to someone they cared about during their school days. The memory of that pain consumes them, and they express their sorrow for their actions by asking for forgiveness from God. The song paints a picture of a love story that was never fulfilled because of a mistake that one of them made. It is a classic tale of lost love and regret.

The song highlights several emotions, including pain, heartbreak, regret, and hope. The singer acknowledges that their actions caused their lover pain and that they are sorry for what they did. They take responsibility for their actions and ask for forgiveness. They also express their hope that they will meet their lover in heaven.

The lyrics of the song bring to life the emotions of regret and sorrow. The song reminds us of the importance of making amends for our past mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. The song is a beautiful tribute to lost love and a reminder that even in death, true love lives on.

You Blotted My Happy SchooldaysHank Williams Lyrics

You Blotted My Happy Schooldays
Hank Williams Lyrics