Ever since Hank Williams formed his first band, it was always called "The D… Read Full Bio ↴Ever since Hank Williams formed his first band, it was always called "The Drifting Cowboys". Through the years, the Drifting Cowboys was composed of different members at different times. The Original "Drifting Cowboys" Band, however, was made up of Jerry Rivers, Don Helms, Bob McNett and Hillous Butrum. Considered to be the 'Original band' because they were used on most of Williams' recordings. Here are the names of those that were, at one point or another, in Hank Williams' "Drifting Cowboys"...

Don Helms
Jerry Rivers
Bob McNett
Hillous Butrum
Sammy Pruett
Tommy Jackson
Chubby Wise
Jerry Byrd
Owen Bradley
Fred Rose
Tony Francini
Winston Todd
James Willis
Charles Wright
L.C. Crysel
Herman Herron
Slim Thomas
Buddy Attaway
Freddy Beach
Louis Brown
Tillman Franks
E.B. Fulmer
"Hardrock" Gunter
"Dobber" Johnson
Buddy Jolley
Grady Martin
Bubba "Cannonball" Nichols
Bernice Turner
Doyle Turner
Jimmy Porter
Lum York
R.D. "Sonny" Norred
Clent Holmes
Pee Wee Moultrie
Joe Pennington
Braxton Schufert
Red Todd
Zeb Turner
Zeke Turner
Ernie Newton
Cedric Rainwater
Willie Thawl
Clyde Baum
Rusty Gabbard
Farris Coursey
Billy Byrd
Leon Carter
"Curly" Corbin
Tom Davis
Jimmy Day
Jack Drake
Corolyn Parker
"Little Ed" Rawlins
Billy Robinson
Shorty Seals
Jimmy Selph
Guy Willis
Vic Willis
Skeeter Willis
Irene Williams
Audrey Williams
Clyde "Chris" Criswell
Dale Potter
Don Davis
Chet Atkins
Bill Drake
Jack Shook
Bill Lister
Brownie Reynolds
Felton Pruett
Neal McCormick
Dale Lohman
Lois Innis
Harold Bradley
Eddie Hill
Marvin Hughes
Floyd Chance
Charlie Mays
Sue Taylor
Hezzie Adair
"Boots" Harris
"Indian Joe" Hatcher
Tommy Hill
Herman Hurt
Autry Inman
M.C.Jarrett
Eland Smith
Oscar Sullivan
Bill Taylor
Jimmy Webster

Cold Cold Heart
Hank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream.
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start

Why can't I free your doubtful mind,and melt your cold cold heart

You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life,to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart

There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory

The more I learn to care for you,the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart

Overall Meaning

In "Cold Cold Heart," Hank Williams sings about a lover who is cold and distant because of her past experiences. He tries to show her that he loves her and does not have any ill intentions, but she remains doubtful and hesitant to accept his love. The memory of another love before him has caused her heart to become "shackled to a memory," and she is unable to fully open herself up to Williams.

The lyrics delve deep into the struggles of relationships and the pain that can come from past experiences. Williams highlights the cascading effects of past heartbreak and how it can cause someone to close off and be hesitant to love again. He also emphasizes the need for communication and understanding in relationships. His attempts to free his lover's doubtful mind and melt her cold heart are accompanied by the knowledge that doing so requires patience and understanding.

The song is a timeless classic and has been covered by various artists over the years, including Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, and Diana Krall. It has even been interpreted in different genres, such as a jazz rendition by Billie Holiday. The message of the song resonates with people of all ages and has become an iconic representation of unrequited love and heartbreak.

Line by Line Meaning

I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream.
I have put in a lot of effort to make you believe that you are everything to me.

Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
You suspect that all my actions are part of some sinister plan.

A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Your past experiences have created a mental barrier between us.

Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
I wish I could help you overcome your doubts and make you warm up to me.

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
You had a past relationship that left you unhappy before I even met you.

And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
Despite not being the cause of your pain, I am now suffering because of it.

In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Sometimes we hurt each other with harsh words that lead to tears.

Why can't I free your doubtful mind,and melt your cold cold heart
I wish I had the ability to make you trust me and open up to me emotionally.

You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
It is painful for me to watch you in tears and know that I cannot comfort you.

You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
You recognize that you desire my love, but you are hesitant to take a chance on it.

Why do you run and hide from life,to try it just ain't smart
You are avoiding the risks that come with love, but in doing so, you are missing out on life's joys.

Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
I wish I had the power to help you overcome your fears and open up to me.

There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
I used to be confident that we were meant to be together.

But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
I now realize that your heart is still bound to a painful memory from your past.

The more I learn to care for you,the more we drift apart
Despite my growing feelings for you, our emotional distance seems to be increasing.

Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
I wish I had the power to help you overcome your mistrust and allow yourself to love me.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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