About the song
I’m Sorry for You, My Friend: A Countrypolitan Lament by Hank Williams
In the pantheon of country music legends, few names resonate with the enduring power of Hank Williams. The Hillbilly Shakespeare, as he was known, wove tales of love, loss, and the human condition with a poetic simplicity that belied his profound understanding of the heart’s complexities. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “I’m Sorry for You, My Friend” stands out as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the essence of Williams’s artistry.
Released in 1952 as the B-side to his honky-tonk stomper “Honky Tonk Blues,” “I’m Sorry for You, My Friend” showcases Williams’s versatility as a songwriter and performer. Gone are the driving rhythms and raucous energy of his uptempo numbers; instead, Williams adopts a gentler pace, his voice imbued with a world-weary empathy that mirrors the song’s melancholic narrative.
The song’s opening lines paint a vivid portrait of a man wrestling with guilt and regret: “You’ve known so long that you were wrong/But still you had your way/You told her lies and alibis/I could never be ashamed of you.” Williams’s voice cracks with emotion as he sings of his friend’s infidelity, his words laced with a mixture of pity and condemnation.
The chorus, a simple yet profound declaration of sympathy, serves as the song’s emotional anchor: “I’m sorry for you, my friend/I’m sorry for the heartache you’ve known/I’m sorry for the road you’ve chosen/And the lies that you’ve been sown.” Williams’s compassionate delivery underscores the genuine concern he holds for his errant friend, even as he acknowledges the consequences of their actions.
As the song progresses, Williams delves deeper into the complexities of their relationship, revealing a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding. He sings of his friend’s “troubled mind” and “wearied soul,” offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil that has led them astray.
The final verse finds Williams offering a glimmer of hope, suggesting that redemption may yet be possible: “There’s still a chance for you, my friend/If you’ll turn the other way/Leave the past behind you/And start a brand new day.” His voice carries a gentle urgency, a plea for his friend to break free from their destructive patterns and embrace a brighter future.
“I’m Sorry for You, My Friend” concludes with a poignant repetition of the chorus, leaving a lasting impression of empathy and understanding. Williams’s masterful storytelling and heartfelt delivery elevate the song beyond mere sentimentality, making it a timeless testament to the power of friendship and the enduring hope for redemption.
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Lyrics
“I’m Sorry For You, My Friend”
You’ve known so long that you were wrong
But still you had your way
You told her lies and alibis
And hurt her more each day
But now your conscience bothers you
You’ve reached your journey’s end
You’re asking me for sympathy
I’m Sorry For You, My Friend.
You laughed inside each time she cried
You tried to make her blue
She tagged along through right and wrong
Because she worshipped you
You know that you’re the one to blame
There’s no use to pretend
Today’s the day you start to pay
I’m Sorry For You, My Friend.Today as she walked arm in arm
At someone else’s side
It made you stop and realize
That time has turned the tide
You should have known you’d be alone
‘Cause cheaters never win
You tried and lost, now pay the cost
I’m Sorry For You, My Friend.