Hank Williams You Wrote My Life
Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley Lyrics


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[Chorus]
You wrote Your Cheatin' Heart about
A gal like my first ex-wife
You Moan The Blues for me and for you
Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life.

The Cold, Cold Heart and a doubtful mind
I have known a few myself
And the gal that loved me Half As Much
As she loved somebody else.

[Chorus]

I've heard that blue old whipporwill, too
And the Lonesome Whistle whine
I know that feel; so cold, so real
When The Blues Come Around at midnight.

We've never met, I know and yet
I know you well, My Friend
And if ever I, get to heaven on high
I hope you'll shake my hand.





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

In "Hank Williams You Wrote My Life," Moe Bandy pays homage to one of the greatest country music legends of all time - Hank Williams. Bandy speaks of how Williams' music has resonated with him throughout his life and has even helped him cope with personal struggles. The chorus of the song emphasizes this point as Bandy lists some of Williams' most popular and timeless songs, including "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Cold, Cold Heart," and "Half As Much," all of which he could relate to because of his own personal experiences with lost love and heartache.


In the second verse, Bandy notes that he has also experienced the same emotional pain that Hank Williams sang about. He mentions the "blue old whipporwill" and the "lonesome whistle whine," both of which are symbols of loneliness and despair. Bandy understands the feeling all too well, and he equates it to the "realness" and "coldness" of the midnight blues. Even though Bandy and Williams never met, the former feels a deep connection to the latter's music, and he hopes to one day meet Williams in heaven.


Overall, "Hank Williams You Wrote My Life" is a moving tribute to one of the most influential musicians of all time. Bandy acknowledges the impact that Williams has had on his life and how his music has helped him through difficult times. The song also serves as a reminder of the power of music and its ability to connect people across generations and time.


Line by Line Meaning

You wrote Your Cheatin' Heart about
You wrote a song about a woman who cheated on you, just like my first ex-wife


A gal like my first ex-wife
She was just like the woman in your song who was unfaithful


You Moan The Blues for me and for you
You sing the blues for all of us who have had hard times in love and life


Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life.
Your songs capture the tough experiences of my life and those of many others


The Cold, Cold Heart and a doubtful mind
I've had a heart that's been frozen and a mind that's been full of doubt


I have known a few myself
I can relate to the struggles you've expressed in your music


And the gal that loved me Half As Much
I had someone who didn't love me as much as I loved them


As she loved somebody else.
They were in love with someone else


I've heard that blue old whipporwill, too
I've heard the lonely bird that sings the blues in the night


And the Lonesome Whistle whine
I know that feeling of loneliness expressed in the sound of a distant train whistle


I know that feel; so cold, so real
I understand that emotion, it's so intense and authentic


When The Blues Come Around at midnight.
When everything feels bleak and hopeless in the darkness of night


We've never met, I know and yet
We've never crossed paths, but your music feels like a personal connection


I know you well, My Friend
Your music has helped me through so many tough times that I feel like I know you intimately


And if ever I, get to heaven on high
If I make it to heaven after I die


I hope you'll shake my hand.
I hope I have the chance to meet you and express my gratitude for all you've done for me through your music.


[Chorus]
Repeating the main point of the song, that Hank Williams wrote about the struggles of life that we can all relate to.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL CRAFT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

sauquoit13456

On this day in 1976 {February 15th} Moe Bandy's "Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life" peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "Good Hearted Woman" by Waylon and Willie...
It reached #3 on the Canadian RPM Country Singles chart...
The remainder of Billboard's Hot Country Singles Top 10 on February 15th, 1976:
At #3. "Remember Me (When The Candlelights Are Gleaming)" by Willie Nelson
#4. "Don't Believe My Heart Can Stand Another You" by Tanya Tucker
#5. "The White Knight" by Cledus Maggard
#6. "The Roots of My Raising" by Merle Haggard
#7. "Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet)" by Tom T. Hall
#8. "Somebody Loves You" by Crystal Gayle
#9. "Standing Room Only" by Barbara Mandrell
#10. "Motels and Memories" by T.G. Shepard
Between 1974 and 1989 Moe Bandy had forty six records on the Hot Country Singles chart, eighteen made the Top 10 with two reaching #1*, "Just Good Ol' Boys" with Joe Stampley for 1 week September of 1979 and "I Cheated Me Right Out of You" for 1 week in December of 1979...
Nine of his forty six charted records were duets with Joe Stampley, plus he had one each with Janie Fricke, Judy Bailey, and Becky Hobbs...
Moe Bandy, born Marion Franklin Bandy, celebrated his 76th birthday three days ago on February 12th, 2020...
* He just missed having two more #1 records when both his "It's A Cheating Situation" with Janie Fricke {1979} and the above "Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life" peaked at #2 on the Hot Country Singles chart...



All comments from YouTube:

kitty cat meow

Moe Bandy is the Best. Always a great Concert. He signs autographs, and meets his fans after his shows.

LovemyLeo1

One of the finest country songs ever written. ♥

Doctor Mountebank

Paul Craft wrote it, no one could sing it but Moe! Or Hank Sr.

BAMA MOONDOG

One of the very best Country Music Singers ever. Moe Bandy never got the true recognition that he rightly deserved. I've seen Moe in Concert several times and he always had a top notch Band, and took time out for his fans after his concert. A true gentleman. He should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Euphonic Studio Recording

Moe Bandy was bringing the Golden Age of country music to a close as country rock was pushing into the scene.

I was playing in a Minneapolis band during this period and was lucky to cover 3 of his songs. They sure don't make 'em like this any more.

D Tittle1964

One of the best country songs ever recorded. It came on the local classic country FM station about and hour or so ago and I
cranked it up to 3/4 volume and sang along through the drive thru at a local fast food place. More than a few people enjoyed and sang along. Good way to end the day.

Prosthetic Johnson

I have all of Moe Bandy's older stuff on cassettes and albums. A great concert and a great guy.

James Hanshaw

This is the greatest song ever by Moe.

david smith

A seriously underrated vocalist. This is as good as it gets

Doctor Mountebank

I went through my late wife's notes. Shannon Burns left her mark on YouTube country music as one who knew real Country Music. Moe has left his mark also. This recording featured The sheriff Jimmy Capps on lead. Twin steel guitars, with Weldon Myrick, and Lloyd Greene. Ray Edenton on guitar, Hargus "Pig" Robbins piano, Kenny Malone on percussion, Johnny Gimble on fiddle, Charlie McCoy band leader and harmonica, the Jordonaires backing vocals. As good as it gets, and it shows. Way to go Moe!

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