About the song
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a pivotal country music song by Waylon Jennings, released in August 1975 as the lead single from his album “Dreaming My Dreams.” Known for its sharp critique of the evolving trends in country music during the 1970s, the song marked Jennings’ fourth number one hit on the country charts as a solo artist, maintaining the top spot for a week and spending a total of sixteen weeks on the chart.
At its core, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” serves as both a homage to the legendary Hank Williams Sr. and a commentary on the commercialization of country music. Jennings reflects on Williams’ influence, questioning whether today’s country stars uphold the authenticity and rawness that characterized Williams’ era. He contrasts this with the glitzy, polished image of contemporary country artists who sport “rhinestone suits” and drive “new shiny cars,” implying a departure from the genre’s roots and values.
The song’s B-side, “Bob Wills is Still the King,” further reinforces Jennings’ reverence for country music’s heritage. A tribute to Bob Wills, an influential figure in western swing music, this track didn’t chart independently but gained substantial airplay and remains a staple on classic country radio stations.
Critically, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” resonated deeply within the country music community and beyond. It not only celebrated the legacy of Hank Williams Sr. but also sparked introspection about the direction of the genre. Jennings’ bold lyrics and uncompromising stance cemented the song’s reputation as a anthem of the outlaw country movement—a subgenre known for its rejection of Nashville’s conventional norms and its embrace of a more rebellious, authentic sound.
Over the years, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” has endured as a defining moment in Jennings’ career and in country music history. Its enduring popularity underscores its relevance, serving as a reminder of the ongoing debate between tradition and innovation within the genre. The song’s impact continues to influence artists and listeners alike, reaffirming its status as a classic and timeless piece of country music.
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Lyrics
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 a change
Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
“Son, you finally got it made
Old Hank made it here, and we’re all sure that you will”
But I don’t think Hank done it this way
I don’t think Hank done it this way, okay
Ten years on the road, makin’ one-night stands
Speedin’ 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, and one of his now and then
But I don’t think Hank done ’em this way, no
I don’t think Hank done it this way
Take it home