About the song
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” Released in 1975 as the lead single from his pivotal album Dreaming My Dreams, this track wasn’t just a hit; it soared to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became a definitive statement of artistic independence. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a direct challenge to Nashville’s polished conventions, a celebration of authenticity, and a call to forge one’s own path in music and in life.
The lyrics of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” are a pointed critique of the increasingly commercial and sanitized direction country music was taking in the mid-1970s. Jennings, an architect of the Outlaw movement, was pushing back against the Nashville establishment, arguing for a return to the raw, unpolished honesty that defined legends like Hank Williams. Phrases like “Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitar / Where do we take it from here?” and “I don’t think Hank done it this way, no / I don’t think Hank done it this way” serve as both a nostalgic nod to tradition and a sharp rejection of formulaic sounds. The song speaks to the universal struggle of maintaining artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures, urging musicians to stay true to their roots and their unique vision rather than conforming to industry trends. It’s about recognizing that true innovation often comes from breaking the mold, even if it means doing things differently than “the way it’s always been done.” It’s an empowering message for anyone who feels compelled to follow their own drumbeat, professionally or personally.
Waylon Jennings’s vocal performance on “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is absolutely iconic. His voice, with its deep, resonant baritone, its raw edge, and that unmistakable confident swagger, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of defiance and conviction. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the spirit of the Outlaw, making every line feel like a personal challenge to the status quo. There’s a palpable sense of sincerity and a wry smile in his phrasing, perfectly capturing the song’s rebellious yet deeply respectful tone. Jennings’s brilliance lies in his ability to articulate widely felt frustrations within the music industry with such directness and charisma, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal and often rebellious level. It’s a performance that truly solidified his image as the quintessential outlaw.
The musical arrangement of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is classic Outlaw Country at its finest – stripped-down, gritty, and driven by a powerful, mid-tempo groove that’s both raw and incredibly cool. It features Waylon Jennings’s signature Telecaster guitar delivering punchy, no-nonsense riffs, a prominent, driving bass line, and a tight, understated drum beat that provides the perfect rhythmic backbone. The instrumentation is sparse yet incredibly effective, allowing Jennings’s commanding vocals and the song’s potent lyrical message to remain front and center. The production is raw and authentic, eschewing the polished sounds of mainstream Nashville for a more organic, live feel. It’s an arrangement that feels both rebellious and undeniably timeless.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of artistic integrity, individuality, and challenging the status quo are universally understood and passionately felt. It became one of Waylon Jennings’s most iconic and enduring hits, a true signature song that defined an entire movement and cemented his status as a country music legend. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the best way to honor a legacy is to forge your own path and ask, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
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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, 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
