Hank Williams Jr. – Family Tradition

About the song

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

In the pantheon of country music legends, few names resonate with the same rebellious spirit and raw authenticity as Hank Williams Jr.. The son of country music icon Hank Williams Sr., Hank Jr. carved his own path, infusing his music with a blend of Southern rock, blues, and outlaw country that resonated with generations of listeners. Among his most celebrated songs is “Family Tradition”, a hard-driving anthem that encapsulates the singer’s unapologetic attitude and deep connection to his musical heritage.

Released in 1979 as the title track of his album, “Family Tradition” quickly became a signature song for Hank Williams Jr.. The song’s opening lines, “Livin’ on the edge, fightin’ for survival / Ain’t no tellin’ what we might do,” set the tone for a track that celebrates the wild side of life and the unbreakable bonds of family.

“Family Tradition” is a deeply personal song for Hank Williams Jr., reflecting on his own upbringing and the legacy of his famous father. The lyrics, written by Williams Jr. himself, are filled with vivid imagery and unapologetic honesty, painting a portrait of a man who is comfortable in his own skin and proud of his roots.

The song’s chorus is a defiant declaration of Hank Williams Jr.’s identity:

Well, I’m a son of a son of a son of a son Of a son of a son of a son of a gun And I’m proud to be a Williams And I’m proud of my family tradition

“Family Tradition” is not just a song about family; it’s a song about the American spirit, the spirit of rebellion, and the spirit of never giving up. It’s a song that has inspired countless listeners to embrace their own individuality and live life on their own terms.

The song’s legacy is further cemented by its enduring popularity. “Family Tradition” has been covered by numerous artists, including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Montgomery Gentry, and it remains a staple of Hank Williams Jr.’s live performances. The song’s message of family, pride, and individuality continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a true classic of country music.

“Family Tradition” is more than just a song; it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder that we should always be true to ourselves, never be afraid to stand up for what we believe in, and cherish the bonds of family. In a world that often tries to conform us to its mold, “Family Tradition” is a defiant anthem that reminds us to embrace our individuality and live life to the fullest.

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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