Wells' success in the 1950s and 1960s was so enormous that she still ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts according to historian Joel Whitburn's book "The Top 40 Country Hits", behind Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker. Wells was the third country music artist, behind Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 as well as being the seventh woman and first Caucasian woman to receive the honor. In 1976, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Honky Tonk Angels
Kitty Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are sayin'
It brings memories when I was a trustful wife
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It's a shame that all the blame is on us women
It's not true that only you men feel the same
From the start
Most every heart that's ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men
Think they're still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
Kitty Wells's song “It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a trailblazing track in the world of country music. The song was released in 1952, in response to a popular male country song titled "The Wild Side of Life." While that song berated and blamed unfaithful women for its subjects' heartbreak, Wells's response song challenged the double standards and misogyny in country music at that time.
In the song, Kitty Wells references the jukebox playing a song about the wild side of life, likely referencing the same song that she's responding to. She expresses that the lyrics of the song bring back memories of when she was a trusting wife, highlighting the gendered nature of the accusations of infidelity in country music at that time.
The later lines of the song aim to expose the double standard by which men can cheat but women are expected to remain faithful. She sings "It's a shame that all the blame is on us women/It's not true that only you men feel the same." Wells points out that many broken hearts were the result of the irresponsible actions of men, rather than just women's supposed infidelity. The memorable chorus declares "It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels/As you said in the words of your song/Too many times married men/Think they're still single/That has caused many a good girl to go wrong."
Line by Line Meaning
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox playin'
As I sit here tonight listening to music at the jukebox
The tune about the wild side of life
I am listening to a song about the wilder side of life that is being played on the jukebox
As I listen to the words you are sayin'
While listening to the words of the song that's playing on the jukebox
It brings memories when I was a trustful wife
I am reminded of times when I used to be a faithful wife
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
Honky tonk angels weren't created by God
As you said in the words of your song
As mentioned in the lyrics of this song
Too many times married men
Sometimes married men
Think they're still single
Behave as if they are still unmarried
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
This behavior has led many good women to make wrong choices
It's a shame that all the blame is on us women
It's unfortunate that women are blamed for everything
It's not true that only you men feel the same
It is unfair to suggest that only men are responsible for such behavior
From the start
From the beginning
Most every heart that's ever broken
The majority of broken hearts
Was because there always was a man to blame
A man was nearly always at fault
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Joseph D. Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gustavoarellano4722
Just a mexican guy who love classic country music.
@Bream243
that is OK. You can like country music. I like mariachi music.
@taylorhauntus
Finally 1 million views for the song that started it all for women in country music. 1 million views for the greatest lady of country music, 1 million views for a class act, 1 million views for the voice of many generations of country fans. 1 million views for the legendary Kitty Wells.
@barbarabrown4205
Thanks Angelo so beautiful , my goodness now you really made me feel good. She was just great. Live on spirit of Kitty Wells you left some legacy
@riderzinc
8 years later and 8 Million views
@theresachiorazzi4571
My dad always loved to play kitty wells records that’s how I got hooked on her too now she’s an angel in heaven
@marywalker9423
Now friends, that is country! Seems it has gone forever. Thank goodness for YouTube.
@joannkemp7167
I am sorry I didn't realize anyone was hearing this are you listing to this and how
@Thomas-uw1gq
It is gone 4 ever , so called country 2 day rap & all the crap is sicking!!!!
@thedragonsfoot4565
three chords and the truth, it's what makes great country music.