About the song
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels – Kitty Wells’ Groundbreaking Country Classic
Released in 1952, It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels is one of the most important songs in country music history. Performed by Kitty Wells, it became the first song by a solo female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts. This achievement not only made Wells a country music star but also paved the way for future female artists in a genre that had long been dominated by men.
The song was written as a response to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life”, which blamed women for unfaithful relationships. Wells’ lyrics challenged this idea, pointing out that women were often treated unfairly and that men also played a role in broken hearts. Lines like “Too many times married men think they’re still single” delivered a strong and honest message, something rarely heard from female singers at the time.
Musically, It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels follows the traditional country style of the era, featuring a simple melody with steel guitar and a steady rhythm. However, what truly made the song stand out was Kitty Wells’ clear and emotional voice, which carried both sadness and quiet strength. Her heartfelt delivery made the lyrics even more powerful, connecting deeply with listeners.
Despite initial resistance from some radio stations, the song became a massive hit. It proved that female artists had an important voice in country music. Wells’ success with this song opened doors for legends like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton, who followed in her footsteps.
Even today, It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels remains a country music classic. It is a song about fairness, honesty, and standing up for oneself—an anthem that changed country music forever.
Video
Lyrics
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem’ries when I was a trusting wife
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It’s a shame that all the blame is on us women
It’s not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that’s ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
