About The Song

Hank Williams Jr. and “Family Tradition”: A Country Music Legacy

“Family Tradition” is a song written and recorded by Hank Williams Jr., released in 1979 as the second single from his album Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound. The song is a country music anthem that celebrates the outlaw lifestyle and Hank Williams Jr.’s own rebellious spirit.

The song begins with a spoken introduction in which Williams Jr. talks about his family’s legacy in country music. He then launches into the song’s catchy chorus, which celebrates the “family tradition” of being a “hellraiser” and a “troublemaker.”

The song’s verses tell the story of Williams Jr.’s own rebellious youth. He sings about getting into fights, running from the law, and living life on the edge. However, the song also celebrates the sense of freedom and independence that comes from living outside the rules.

“Family Tradition” is a controversial song, but it has also become one of Hank Williams Jr.’s most popular songs. The song has been praised for its honest portrayal of the outlaw lifestyle, and it has also been criticized for its glorification of violence and drug use.

Regardless of one’s opinion of the song, there is no doubt that “Family Tradition” is an important part of country music history. The song is a powerful statement about the importance of family, freedom, and individuality.

Here are some of the key themes and motifs in “Family Tradition”:

  • Family legacy: The song is about Hank Williams Jr.’s own family legacy in country music. His father, Hank Williams, was one of the most iconic country music singers of all time, and Hank Williams Jr. has followed in his footsteps.
  • The outlaw lifestyle: The song celebrates the outlaw lifestyle, which is a subculture within country music that emphasizes freedom, independence, and non-conformity.
  • Rebellion: The song is about rebelling against authority and living life on one’s own terms.
  • Family: The song is about the importance of family, even if one’s family is not perfect.

“Family Tradition” is a complex and controversial song, but it is also an important part of country music history. The song is a powerful statement about the importance of family, freedom, and individuality.

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Lyric

 🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤

Country music singersHave always been a real close familyBut lately some of my kinfolksHave disowned a few others and meI guess it’s becauseI kinda changed my directionLord, I guess I went and broke their family tradition
They get on me and want to knowHank, why do you drink?Hank, why do you roll smoke?Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?Over and overEverybody makes my predictionSo if I get stoned, I’m just carrying onAn old family tradition
I am very proudOf my daddy’s nameAlthough his kind of musicAnd mine ain’t exactly the sameStop and think it overPut yourself in my positionIf I get stoned and sing all night longIt’s a family tradition
So don’t ask meHank, why do you drink?Hank, why do you roll smoke?Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?If I’m down in a honky-tonkAnd some ole slick’s trying to give me frictionI’ll say leave me aloneI’m singing all night longIt’s a family tradition
Lordy, I have loved some ladiesAnd I have loved Jim BeamAnd they both tried to kill me in 1973When that doctor asked me“Son, how did you get in this condition?”I said, “Hey, SawbonesI’m just carrying on an ole family tradition”
So don’t ask meHank, why do you drink?Hank, why do roll smoke?Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?Stop and think it overTry to put yourself in my unique positionIf I get stoned and sing all night longIt’s a family tradition