About the song
Waylon Jennings’s “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” Now, for those of us who’ve lived through the various shifts and turns in the music world, this track isn’t just a song; it’s a statement, a manifesto, and a brilliant piece of musical commentary all rolled into one.
Released in 1975, right in the thick of the Outlaw Country movement, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” became an anthem for a generation of artists—and fans—who felt that Nashville had strayed too far from its roots. Waylon, with his signature deep baritone and no-nonsense delivery, wasn’t just singing lyrics; he was voicing a collective frustration. The “Hank” in question, of course, is the legendary Hank Williams, the undisputed king of country music, whose raw, unvarnished style stood in stark contrast to the polished, often saccharine sound that had begun to dominate the airwaves in the 60s and early 70s.
What makes this song so enduring, especially for an audience that appreciates depth and authenticity, is its biting wit and its profound question about artistic integrity. Waylon wasn’t just criticizing; he was challenging. He was asking if the music being made still held the spirit, the grit, and the truth of the pioneers who built the genre. Lines like “Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and steel guitar / Where do we go from here, Lord, it’s gettin’ harder and harder” perfectly capture the weariness with formulaic approaches and the longing for something real. It’s a lament for lost authenticity, wrapped in a rollicking, unapologetically country package.
Musically, the track is pure Outlaw brilliance. It’s got that undeniable groove, that driving rhythm section, and the interplay of electric guitar and steel that feels both traditional and rebelliously fresh. It’s raw, a bit rough around the edges, and utterly compelling. It doesn’t sound like it was meticulously crafted in a pristine studio; it sounds like it came straight from a smoky honky-tonk, a testament to the live, unvarnished sound that Waylon and his contemporaries championed. His vocal performance is just as significant; there’s a world-weariness in his voice, but also an undeniable conviction and power that makes every word hit home.
In essence, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” isn’t just a great Waylon Jennings song; it’s a cornerstone of country music history. It’s a reminder that true art often comes from challenging the status quo, from asking tough questions, and from daring to be different. For those of us who value the soul and history of country music, this song continues to resonate, reminding us to always look for the genuine article, just as Waylon did.
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
