About the song
Have you ever heard a song that just sticks with you? A tune that seems to speak right to your soul? If you’re a fan of classic country music, then chances are you’ve heard Kitty Wells’ groundbreaking hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Released in 1952, this song wasn’t just a chart-topper – it was a cultural phenomenon that challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for countless female country singers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Honky Tonk Angels? What’s that all about?” Well, let me break it down for you. In the mid-20th century, country music was dominated by male artists who often portrayed women in a rather stereotypical light. Songs typically focused on heartbroken cowboys and cheating lovers, leaving little room for female perspectives. That’s where Kitty Wells came in.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a bold and direct response to these traditional narratives. The song was written as a retort to Hank Thompson’s hit, “The Wild Side of Life,” which blamed women for the breakdown of relationships. Kitty Wells, with her powerful vocals and unwavering conviction, flipped the script. She argued that it was often the men who were at fault, and that women were simply victims of circumstances.
The lyrics are simple yet profound. They paint a vivid picture of a woman who has been hurt by a man’s infidelity. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, she stands up for herself and challenges the societal norms that placed all the blame on women. It’s a message that resonated deeply with listeners, both male and female.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was more than just a song; it was a feminist anthem before the term even existed. Kitty Wells became a trailblazer, proving that women could be successful in the male-dominated world of country music. Her song opened doors for countless female artists who followed in her footsteps, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and many more.
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
