About the song
Waylon Jennings – Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Few songs capture the rebellious spirit of outlaw country quite like “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings. Released in 1975 as the opening track of his landmark album Dreaming My Dreams, this song is more than just a tribute to Hank Williams—it’s a bold statement about the changing landscape of country music. With its driving beat, gritty electric guitar, and Jennings’ unmistakable baritone, the track perfectly embodies the outlaw movement that he helped define.
At its core, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a reflection on tradition versus evolution in country music. Jennings, who had grown frustrated with the slick, overly polished sound coming out of Nashville in the 1970s, uses the song to question whether the genre was losing its authenticity. By invoking the name of Hank Williams, one of country’s most legendary figures, Jennings challenges the industry’s direction while paying respect to the past. The lyrics describe the rise of country stars, from “rhinestone suits” to the relentless grind of touring, and ask whether the modern approach still honors the legacy of pioneers like Williams.
Musically, the song is raw and direct, built around a steady, pulsing rhythm and a no-frills arrangement. Unlike the orchestral strings and smooth production that were dominating Nashville at the time, Waylon Jennings strips everything down to its essentials—gritty guitar licks, a steady bassline, and his own commanding voice. It’s a song that doesn’t just talk about breaking the rules; it actively rebels against the industry norms with its very sound.
The impact of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” was significant. It became one of Jennings’ signature songs and a defining anthem of the outlaw country movement, which included legends like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has remained a favorite among country purists and modern artists alike. Its message still resonates today, as country music continues to evolve and redefine itself.
Decades later, Waylon Jennings’ message still rings true: country music should never forget its roots. Whether played on the radio, covered by contemporary artists, or performed live in a honky-tonk, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” remains a powerful reminder of what country music was—and what it should always strive to be.
Video
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, no
I don’t think Hank done it this way, look it
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, 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
