About The Song
Background
Released in August 1975, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings wasn’t just a song; it was a statement. The track served as the lead single for Jennings’ album Dreaming My Dreams and became his fourth number one hit on the country charts as a solo artist. But beneath the catchy melody and Jennings’ signature outlaw country vocals, the song held a deeper meaning – a critique of the changing landscape of country music in the 1970s.
Musical Style
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a prime example of Waylon Jennings’ brand of outlaw country. Backed by a traditional country band featuring twangy guitars, a driving rhythm section, and mournful steel guitar, the song is both familiar and defiant. Jennings’ vocals are powerful and raw, perfectly capturing the questioning spirit of the lyrics. The melody itself is deceptively simple, relying on a strong hook and a memorable chorus to deliver its message.
Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are where the true fire lies. The opening verse pays homage to Hank Williams Sr., a country music legend considered by many to be the genre’s founding father. Jennings sings, “Hank Williams, he wrote a song / Said ‘Life gets better as you roll along,'” referencing Williams’ classic “Hey Good Lookin’.” However, the sentiment quickly shifts as Jennings ponders, “Old Hank made it here, we’re all sure that you will / But I don’t think Hank done it this way, no.”
This line sets the stage for the rest of the song, where Jennings contrasts the traditional, hard-living ways of country music pioneers like Hank Williams with the perceived excesses of the genre in the 1970s. He criticizes the use of flashy suits, session musicians, and a focus on commercial success over artistic integrity. Lines like “Rhinestone suits and haircuts long / Can’t sing a country song” and “You got a band behind you with a hundred watt grin / Can’t play a lick without a forty-piece band winnin'” are clear jabs at the polished Nashville sound that was dominating the charts at the time.
However, the song isn’t simply a bitter attack. There’s a sense of playful defiance and a yearning for a return to country music’s roots. The chorus asks, “Are you sure Hank done it this way? / Are you sure Hank done it this way?” It’s a question meant not just for the new breed of country artists, but also for the fans who were embracing this shift in sound.
Cultural Impact
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” was a pivotal moment in country music history. The song resonated with many traditional country fans who felt the genre was losing its authenticity. It became an anthem for the outlaw country movement, a subgenre that championed raw emotion, storytelling, and a rebellious spirit over commercial polish. Artists like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash all embraced the outlaw sound, and Jennings became its leading figure.
The song’s impact went beyond the music itself. It sparked a debate about the direction of country music, with some arguing for a return to tradition and others embracing the evolution of the genre. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” helped solidify Waylon Jennings’ place as a legend, an artist who wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for what he believed in.
Conclusion
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is more than just a catchy country song. It’s a time capsule, capturing a moment of transition in country music history. The song remains a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic integrity and the fight to preserve the soul of a genre. While the debate over what constitutes “true” country music continues, Jennings’ song serves as a benchmark, a reminder of the genre’s roots and the enduring power of a well-crafted critique delivered with a wink and a defiant snarl.