About the song
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” Released in 1975 as a single from his groundbreaking album Dreaming My Dreams, this track wasn’t just a hit; it was an anthem, rocketing to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a timeless testament to carving your own path, questioning the status quo, and staying true to your roots in the face of commercial pressures. It became a rallying cry for the burgeoning Outlaw Country movement and a defining piece in Waylon Jennings’s legendary career.
The lyrics of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” penned entirely by Waylon Jennings himself, serve as a direct, almost confrontational challenge to the Nashville music establishment of the mid-1970s. At a time when country music was becoming increasingly polished and pop-oriented, Jennings looked back to the raw, authentic spirit of pioneers like Hank Williams Sr. The core question, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” isn’t just a rhetorical query; it’s a pointed critique, asking whether the current crop of artists and producers were truly honoring the traditions and integrity of the music that came before them. The song champions honesty, hard living, and genuine storytelling over slick production and manufactured images. Phrases like “Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitar / Where do we go from here, are you sure Hank done it this way?” and “Ten years ago, they was a pickin’ and a grinnin’ / Now they’re tellin’ jokes and they’re doin’ their thing” perfectly capture this blend of weary observation, defiant questioning, and a deep reverence for country music’s soulful origins. The song speaks to the universal human experience of questioning authority, fighting for authenticity, and staying true to one’s convictions, even when it’s the harder road. It’s about the raw, visceral truth of artistic integrity, the courage to buck trends, and the powerful allure of a genuine voice. It resonates deeply with anyone who believes in staying true to themselves and their principles.
Waylon Jennings’s vocal performance on “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is nothing short of iconic and perfectly embodies the song’s rebellious and authentic spirit. His voice, with its distinctive outlaw growl, its effortless phrasing, and its remarkable ability to convey both weary cynicism and unshakeable conviction, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine defiance and raw power. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the lone wolf, the truth-teller, making the listener feel every nuance of his frustration, his unwavering commitment to his art, and the quiet pride he takes in his independent path. There’s a perfect blend of his signature conversational delivery in the verses, almost like he’s laying down the law, building to a powerful, resonant, and utterly memorable affirmation in the chorus. Jennings’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a philosophical and confrontational narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking control of his voice. It is a masterclass in conveying artistic integrity with rugged confidence and undeniable charisma.
The musical arrangement of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a pristine example of the burgeoning Outlaw Country sound, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and Waylon Jennings’s definitive vocal. It typically features a prominent, driving electric guitar riff that establishes a gritty, no-nonsense foundation, complemented by a raw, often distorted bassline and a powerful, unfussy drum beat that gives the song its undeniable swagger. The instrumentation is sparse yet incredibly effective, prioritizing rhythm and attitude over Nashville’s then-current polished sheen. The absence of lush strings or syrupy harmonies is deliberate, reinforcing the song’s rebellious message. The production is clean but rugged, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Waylon Jennings’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable authenticity. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and universally defiant, perfectly suited for a heartfelt challenge to the establishment.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of authenticity, artistic integrity, and challenging the mainstream are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Waylon Jennings’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that further cemented his legacy as a pioneer of the Outlaw movement and a tireless advocate for the soul of country music. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the most important question you can ask is, “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 to changeSomebody told me when I came to Nashville
Son you finally got it made
Old Hank made it here, 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, okayTen years on the road, making one night stand
Speeding 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
