About the song
“Hey Good Lookin'” by Hank Williams is a timeless and infectiously cheerful country swing classic that perfectly encapsulates the optimistic spirit of post-war America. Released in 1951, this track stands as a testament to Williams’s exceptional songwriting talent and his charismatic delivery, becoming one of his most enduring and widely recognized hits. It’s more than just a catchy tune; it’s a vibrant snapshot of a bygone era, brimming with playful flirtation and a lighthearted approach to romance.
The song’s lyrics, written by Hank Williams himself, are a masterclass in simple yet effective storytelling. The narrator’s direct and playful advances towards an attractive individual are delivered with a charming confidence that is both endearing and timeless. Lines like “Hey good lookin’, whatcha got cookin’?” and “How’s about holdin’ hands?” are instantly recognizable and evoke a sense of innocent flirtation. Williams’s vocal delivery, marked by its clear tenor, lively phrasing, and subtle yodels, enhances the song’s upbeat and infectious quality. There’s an undeniable joy in his voice that makes the listener tap their feet and smile.
Hank Williams’s vocal style, characterized by its clear, slightly nasal tenor and his distinctive country twang, imbues the song with a sense of authenticity and genuine charm. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he embodies the playful and confident suitor, conveying the lightheartedness of the situation with a palpable sense of sincerity. The instrumentation, typically featuring a lively fiddle, a walking bass line, a swinging rhythm guitar, and often a steel guitar, creates a vibrant and danceable sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s cheerful theme. The simple yet effective arrangement allows Williams’s voice and the infectious melody to take center stage.
The enduring appeal of “Hey Good Lookin'” lies in its universal themes of attraction and the simple pleasures of courtship. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it instantly accessible, while the clever and concise lyrics tell a complete and engaging story in a short amount of time. It’s a song that transcends generations, still sounding as fresh and enjoyable today as it did over seventy years ago.
“Hey Good Lookin'” is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless celebration of simple romance and cheerful optimism, a testament to Hank Williams’s enduring talent as a songwriter and performer. Its infectious energy and timeless charm continue to make it a beloved classic in the American songbook.
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Lyrics
Say hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
Hey, sweet baby – don’t you think maybe
We can find us a brand new recipe?I got a hot rod Ford, and a two dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There’s soda pop and the dancing’s free
So if you wanna have fun, come along with meSay hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?I’m free and ready, so we can go steady.
How’s about saving all your time for me?
No more lookin’ – I know I been tookin’
Hows about keepin’ steady company?I’m gonna throw my date book over the fence
And buy me one for five or ten cents
I’ll keep it till it’s covered with age
Cause I’m writin’ your name down on every pageSay hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
