About the song
Waylon Jennings and “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. It was released in August 1975 as the first single from the album Dreaming My Dreams. The song was Jennings’ fourth number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart as a solo artist.
The song is a tribute to Jennings’ longtime hero and friend, Hank Williams. Jennings had a deep admiration for Williams, and he was often compared to the singer early in his career. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a reflection on Jennings’ own career and his place in the country music tradition.
The song begins with Jennings asking the question, “Are you sure Hank done it this way?” He then goes on to list some of the ways in which he has followed in Williams’ footsteps, such as living on the road, playing honky-tonks, and singing about real life. However, Jennings also acknowledges that he has done things his own way, such as wearing long hair and refusing to conform to the Nashville establishment.
The song’s chorus is a powerful statement of Jennings’ independence and individuality. He sings, “I don’t think Hank done it this way, but I’m doin’ it my way.” This line has become an anthem for country music outlaws, and it is a reminder that Jennings was always willing to march to the beat of his own drum.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a tribute to one of the greatest country music singers of all time, and it is a personal statement from one of the most iconic figures in outlaw country music.
Some additional information about the song:
- The song was written by Jennings and his longtime collaborator, Shel Silverstein.
- The song was produced by Jack Clement.
- The song was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
- The song was released on the RCA Records label.
- The song was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2009.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the song:
- The song is a tribute to Hank Williams, one of the greatest country music singers of all time.
- The song is a personal statement from Waylon Jennings, one of the most iconic figures in outlaw country music.
- The song is about independence, individuality, and doing things your own way.
- The song is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time.
Video
Lyrics
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”
Lord it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
Where do we take it from here?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
It’s been the same way for years
We need to changeSomebody told me when I came to Nashville
Son you finally got it made
Old Hank made it here, we’re all sure that you will
But I don’t think Hank done it this way, no
I don’t think Hank done it this way, okayTen years on the road, making one night stand
Speeding my young life away
Tell me one more time just so I’ll understand
Are 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 band
Looking at the back side of me
Singing my songs, one of his now and then
But I don’t think Hank done ’em this way, no
I don’t think Hank done ’em this way, take it home