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't Like Hank Williams
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love big John Cash
And I think Waylon "Woktosha" Jennings
Is a table thumpin' smash
Playin' with Marshall Tucker Band
Was as good as smokin' grass
But if you don't like Hank Williams
You can kiss our ass
Cause I think what they done
Is well worth doin'
And their doin' it the
Best way that they can
Oh you're the only one
That you are screwin'
When you put down what
You don't understand
I love all them Allman Brothers,
Merle Haggard, and George Jones
Shotgun Willie Nelson and them
Rockin' rollin' Stones
Everything the Eagles do
And I'm in love with Linda Rondstat
Anybody that don't like Hank Williams
You can kiss our ass
Cause I think what they done
Is well worth doin'
And their doin' it the
Best way that they can
Oh you're the only one
That you are screwin'
When you put down what
You don't understand
I ain't sayin' that he was
The first or the last
But if you don't like Hank Williams
You can kiss our ass
Kris Kristofferson's song "If You Don't Like Hank Williams" is an ode to one of the most influential figures in country music. In the first stanza, he lists several other musicians he enjoys before stating that if someone doesn't like Hank Williams, then they "can kiss our ass." The chorus repeats the sentiment that if someone puts down what they don't understand, then they are only hurting themselves. In the final stanza, Kristofferson acknowledges that Hank Williams may not have been the first or the last, but he still holds a special place in country music.
The lyrics of the song encourage the listener to appreciate and respect the contributions of Hank Williams, a man who had a profound impact on country music. Kristofferson's choice of words is distinct and direct, which highlights his admiration for Williams' work. The line "playing with Marshall Tucker Band was as good as smoking grass" is a perfect example of how music can make a person feel.
Line by Line Meaning
I like Charlie Daniels and
I enjoy listening to Charlie Daniels' music.
I love big John Cash
I have a great admiration for Johnny Cash as an artist.
And I think Waylon "Woktosha" Jennings
I believe that Waylon Jennings is a fantastic musician.
Is a table thumpin' smash
He puts on a great show and knows how to entertain a crowd.
Playin' with Marshall Tucker Band
Performing alongside Marshall Tucker Band was a memorable experience.
Was as good as smokin' grass
Playing with Marshall Tucker Band was just as enjoyable as smoking marijuana.
But if you don't like Hank Williams
If you do not appreciate the music of Hank Williams,
You can kiss our ass
I have no respect for your musical taste.
Cause I think what they done
In my opinion, their music is valuable.
Is well worth doin'
Their music is important and deserves recognition.
And their doin' it the
They are creating music in a way that is true to themselves.
Best way that they can
They are putting forth their best effort in their music.
Oh you're the only one
You are the only person
That you are screwin'
Who is negatively impacted by your own narrow-mindedness.
When you put down what
By criticizing music that you don't understand,
You don't understand
You disrespect the hard work and talent that goes into creating music.
I love all them Allman Brothers,
I also enjoy listening to Allman Brothers' music.
Merle Haggard, and George Jones
I am a fan of Merle Haggard and George Jones.
Shotgun Willie Nelson and them
I appreciate the music of Willie Nelson as well.
Rockin' rollin' Stones
I enjoy listening to the Rolling Stones too.
Everything the Eagles do
The music of Eagles is also appreciated by me.
And I'm in love with Linda Rondstat
I am a huge fan of Linda Ronstadt.
Anybody that don't like Hank Williams
If anyone does not like Hank Williams' music,
You can kiss our ass
I have no respect for their musical opinion.
I ain't sayin' that he was
I am not claiming that Hank Williams was
The first or the last
The earliest or latest musician with this style.
But if you don't like Hank Williams
However, if you do not appreciate his music,
You can kiss our ass
I have no respect for your musical opinion.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KRISTOFFER KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind