It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Kitty Wells Lyrics


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As I sit here tonight, the jukebox playin'
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
Think they're still single
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

Overall Meaning

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
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Comments from YouTube:

@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.

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