Introduction
The first time I heard Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, I was struck not just by its driving rhythm but by the raw honesty in Waylon Jennings’ voice. It wasn’t just a song; it was a statement—a challenge to the glossy, commercialized version of country music that was taking over Nashville. Jennings wasn’t just reminiscing about Hank Williams; he was questioning whether the industry had lost its way.
About the Composition
- Title: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
- Composer: Waylon Jennings
- Release Date: August 1975
- Album: Dreaming My Dreams
- Genre: Outlaw Country
Background
By the mid-1970s, Nashville’s country music scene had become polished, predictable, and commercially driven. Waylon Jennings was at the forefront of the outlaw country movement, rebelling against the industry’s rigid control over artists. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way was born out of his frustration, written on the back of an envelope in a moment of reflection. The song pays homage to Hank Williams Sr. while simultaneously critiquing the modern country music industry for straying from its roots.
When the song was released in 1975, it quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It became an anthem for artists who refused to conform, solidifying Jennings’ status as a pioneer of outlaw country. (Wikipedia)
Musical Style
With only two chords driving the entire song, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way relies on its simplicity and rhythm to create impact. The steady drumbeat and electrified, stripped-down guitar riffs give it a rebellious, no-nonsense feel. Jennings’ deep, gravelly voice carries the weight of a man who has seen the industry change before his eyes.
The song’s arrangement mirrors its message—raw, straightforward, and unapologetic. It feels like an old-school country song but with an attitude that set it apart from the slick productions of 1970s Nashville.
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics are both nostalgic and accusatory. Jennings repeatedly asks, “Are you sure Hank done it this way?”, pointing to the disconnect between modern country stars and the genre’s traditional roots. He paints a picture of the industry’s increasing obsession with glamour—mentioning “rhinestone suits” and “new shiny cars” that symbolize a departure from the rough, working-class authenticity that country music once embodied.
Rather than just romanticizing the past, the song calls out the present, urging country musicians to look at where they’re headed and question whether it aligns with the genre’s legacy.
Performance History
Following its release, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way became a staple in Jennings’ live performances. It resonated deeply with fans and fellow musicians alike, many of whom saw it as a rallying cry for artistic freedom.
Over the years, the song has been covered by multiple artists, including Alabama, Clint Black, and even British alternative rock icon Morrissey. Its enduring appeal proves that Jennings’ message is just as relevant today as it was in 1975. (Wikipedia)
Cultural Impact
The song played a significant role in shaping the outlaw country movement, inspiring artists to push back against Nashville’s rigid standards. Jennings, along with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash, proved that country music didn’t have to fit into a polished, predictable mold to be successful.
Beyond country music, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way has appeared in various films, TV shows, and even video games such as Grand Theft Auto V, introducing new generations to its rebellious spirit.
Legacy
Decades later, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way remains a timeless critique of the music industry. It serves as a reminder that authenticity should always come before commercial success. Newer artists in country and beyond continue to cite Jennings as an influence, and the song still sparks discussions about the balance between innovation and tradition in music.
Conclusion
More than just a song, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way is a manifesto for artistic integrity. If you’ve never heard it before, I encourage you to listen—let Jennings’ voice and message sink in. And if you’re looking for a different take, The Highwaymen (Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson) deliver a powerful live version worth checking out
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