About the song

Waylon Jennings and “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”

Waylon Jennings was a country music outlaw. He was known for his rebellious spirit and his willingness to challenge the status quo. This was evident in his music, which often railed against the mainstream country music establishment.

One of Jennings’ most famous songs is “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” The song was released in 1975 as the lead single from his album Dreaming My Dreams. It became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a tribute to Hank Williams, Sr., one of Jennings’ musical heroes. The song reflects Jennings’ admiration for Williams’ music and his outlaw persona.

The song begins with Jennings asking the question, “Are you sure Hank done it this way?” He then goes on to list the ways in which he believes Hank Williams would have disapproved of the current state of country music.

Jennings sings about how country music has become too commercialized and how it has lost its touch with its roots. He also criticizes the trend of country singers wearing rhinestones and cowboy hats.

The song ends with Jennings reaffirming his admiration for Hank Williams and his belief that Williams would have been disappointed in the direction that country music had taken.

“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a classic country music outlaw anthem. It is a song that celebrates individuality and non-conformity. It is a song that is still relevant today, as country music continues to evolve and change.

Some key takeaways from the song:

  • Waylon Jennings was a country music outlaw who was known for his rebellious spirit.
  • “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a tribute to Hank Williams, Sr., one of Jennings’ musical heroes.
  • The song criticizes the commercialization of country music and its loss of touch with its roots.
  • “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a classic country music outlaw anthem that celebrates individuality and non-conformity.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was written by Waylon Jennings.
  • It was released in 1975 as the lead single from the album Dreaming My Dreams.
  • The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
  • The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.

Video

Lyrics

Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitarWhere do we take it from here?Rhinestone suits and new shiny carsIt’s been the same way for yearsWe need a change
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville“Son, you finally got it madeOld Hank made it here, and we’re all sure that you will”But I don’t think Hank done it this wayI don’t think Hank done it this way, okay
Ten years on the road, makin’ one-night standsSpeedin’ my young life awayTell me one more time just so I’ll understandAre you sure Hank done it this way?Did old Hank really do it this way?
Lord, I’ve seen the world with a five-piece bandLooking at the back side of meSinging my songs, and one of his now and thenBut I don’t think Hank done ’em this way, noI don’t think Hank done it this wayTake it home