In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
If You Don
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
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And I think Waylon Jennings is a table thumpin' smash
And hearin' Joni Mitchell feels as good as smokin' grass
And if you don't like Hank Williams, honey, you can kiss my ass
'Cause I think what they've done is well worth doin'
And they're doin' it the best way that they can
You're the only one that you are screwin'
I said, I dig Roger Miller, Merle Haggard; George Jones
Shotgun Willie Nelson and them rockin' Rollin' Stones
And Jerry Lee's still gotta be the coolest in the class
And if you don't like Hank Williams, honey, you can kiss my ass.
'Cause I think what they've done is well worth doin'
And they're doin' it the best way that they can
You're the only one that you are screwin'
When you put down what you don't understand
The lyrics of Kris Kristofferson's song "If You Don't Like Hank Williams" celebrates the brilliance and impact of several notable country, folk, and rock musicians. Kristofferson expresses his admiration for Bobby Dylan, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joni Mitchell, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Willie Nelson, The Rolling Stones, and Jerry Lee Lewis. He sees the music these stars make as valuable contributions to their respective genres, and he praises them for doing so authentically.
Kristofferson rightly argues that when someone puts down an artist or genre they don't understand, they are only hurting themselves. The statement "You're the only one that you are screwin'//When you put down what you don't understand" suggests that people who stubbornly refuse to appreciate different types of music or restrict their musical tastes are missing out on an enriching and rewarding experience.
Thus, Kristofferson's song "If You Don't Like Hank Williams" encourages the listener to be open-minded in music and appreciate the extraordinary talent, dedication, and importance of these artists. The message of the song is essential for both music lovers and individuals in any field of endeavor, reminding us to value various perspectives and respect genuine creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
I dig Bobby Dylan and I dig Johnny Cash
I have a great appreciation for the musical talents of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
And I think Waylon Jennings is a table thumpin' smash
I believe that Waylon Jennings is a passionate and excellent performer.
And hearin' Joni Mitchell feels as good as smokin' grass
Listening to Joni Mitchell's music is a highly enjoyable experience, akin to the sensation of smoking marijuana.
And if you don't like Hank Williams, honey, you can kiss my ass
If you do not appreciate the music of Hank Williams, then I strongly reject your opinion.
'Cause I think what they've done is well worth doin'
I believe that the musical work of these artists is meaningful and valuable.
And they're doin' it the best way that they can
These artists are putting forth their best effort in their performances and creations.
You're the only one that you are screwin'
If you dismiss or criticize music that you do not understand, you are only hindering your own ability to enjoy and appreciate it.
When you put down what you don't understand
Critiquing something that you do not have an understanding of will only lead to a closed-minded perspective and potentially miss out on its true value.
I said, I dig Roger Miller, Merle Haggard; George Jones
I also appreciate and admire the musical work of Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, and George Jones.
Shotgun Willie Nelson and them rockin' Rollin' Stones
I also have admiration for Willie Nelson and The Rolling Stones, and really enjoy their performances.
And Jerry Lee's still gotta be the coolest in the class
Jerry Lee Lewis is likely the coolest and most impressive performer in his contemporaries.
And if you don't like Hank Williams, honey, you can kiss my ass.
Once again, if you do not appreciate the musical work of Hank Williams, then I strongly reject your opinion.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KRISTOFFER KRISTOFFERSON
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