About the song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” penned and recorded by Hank Williams in 1949, stands as a poignant testament to the emotional depth and timeless appeal of country music. This classic ballad has resonated across generations and genres, earning acclaim for its lyrical honesty and Williams’ evocative delivery.
Williams originally conceived the song not as a traditional vocal piece but as spoken word, akin to his narrative recordings under the pseudonym Luke the Drifter. The inspiration for the song reportedly came from a title Williams saw on a list of upcoming MGM releases, spurring him to craft lyrics that delve into themes of profound loneliness and heartache.
Recorded on August 30, 1949, at Herzog Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” features a sparse yet emotive arrangement, backed by members of the Pleasant Valley Boys. Zeke Turner on lead guitar, Jerry Byrd on steel guitar, Louis Innis on rhythm guitar, Tommy Jackson on fiddle, and Ernie Newton on bass complement Williams’ vocals, creating a haunting atmosphere that underscores the song’s melancholic narrative.
Upon its release as the B-side to “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It,” the song quickly gained attention despite initial concerns that its somber tone might not appeal to jukebox audiences. It climbed to number four on the country charts, solidifying its place as a significant contribution to Williams’ repertoire and country music as a whole.
Over the years, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” has been covered by numerous artists across various musical styles, attesting to its enduring influence and universal themes of longing and sorrow. Artists like k.d. lang and Bob Dylan have praised its timeless quality, with lang describing it as “one of the most classic American songs ever written” and Dylan reflecting on its ability to evoke powerful emotions even without firsthand experiences.
Recognized for its cultural impact, Rolling Stone placed the song at number 111 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting its significance in shaping the landscape of country music. It also ranked third on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, underscoring its status as a pinnacle of the genre’s emotional storytelling tradition.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” remains a cornerstone of Hank Williams’ legacy, a testament to his ability to articulate profound emotions with simplicity and sincerity. Its enduring popularity ensures that it continues to resonate with listeners, bridging generations through its timeless portrayal of human vulnerability and longing.
Video
Lyrics
Awful pretty song
I think one of the prettiest things that I ever had the pleasure of comin’ up with
I’m So Lonesome, I Could Cry
Hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
I’ve never seen a night so long
And time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
To hide its face and cry
Did you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die?
Like me, he’s lost the will to live
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
That’s a good one
It’s a lonesome song, ain’t it?
Ain’t that lonesome, woo
Now you can’t get any much lonesome right, can you?
Want to whip a will so lonesome it can’t fly
He done got lonesome, man
He needs some company, bad