Introduction
The first time I heard Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way by Waylon Jennings, I was struck by its raw honesty and rebellious spirit. It felt less like a song and more like a statement—a challenge to the country music industry. Jennings wasn’t just singing; he was questioning, reflecting, and urging country music to remember its roots.
About the Composition
- Title: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
- Composer: Waylon Jennings
- Premiere Date: August 1975
- Album: Dreaming My Dreams
- Genre: Outlaw Country
Background
By the mid-1970s, Nashville’s country music scene had become highly commercialized, with polished productions and a slick, radio-friendly sound. Waylon Jennings, one of the leaders of the “outlaw country” movement, resisted this trend. He wanted creative control over his music, breaking away from the industry’s rigid structures.
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way was born out of this frustration. Written on the back of an envelope, the song reflects Jennings’ concerns about the direction of country music. He uses Hank Williams Sr. as a symbol of the genre’s original, unfiltered essence. The song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving that listeners resonated with his message.
Musical Style
The song features a steady, repetitive beat, emphasizing its conversational tone. Unlike traditional country ballads, it lacks a conventional chorus, creating a sense of continuous reflection. The raw electric guitar and drum-driven sound distinguish it from the glossy productions of mainstream country at the time. Jennings’ deep, commanding voice delivers the lyrics with a mix of authority and frustration, making it clear that he wasn’t just singing—he was making a statement.
Lyrics
The lyrics challenge the industry’s evolving landscape, contrasting the simpler, heartfelt music of Hank Williams Sr. with the glamorous, image-driven country scene of the 1970s. Lines like “Lord, it’s the same old tune, fiddle and guitar / Where do we take it from here?” show Jennings’ skepticism about the genre’s future.
Through the recurring question, “Are you sure Hank done it this way?” Jennings invites both artists and listeners to reflect on the commercialization of country music. The song’s themes of authenticity, tradition, and rebellion still resonate today.
Performance History
Following its release, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way became a staple in Jennings’ live performances. The song was covered by various artists, including Alabama, Clint Black, and even Morrissey, demonstrating its cross-genre appeal. Alabama’s version, featured on The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume One, brought the song to a new generation of listeners.
Cultural Impact
Beyond being a hit song, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way became an anthem for the outlaw country movement. It has been featured in several films and television shows, including Crazy Heart, which explores the struggles of a fading country star. The song also appears in the video game Grand Theft Auto V, solidifying its presence in pop culture.
Legacy
Decades after its release, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way remains relevant. Its message about artistic integrity and the commercialization of music continues to spark conversations. The song serves as a reminder to musicians to stay true to their roots, even in an industry that often prioritizes profit over authenticity.
Conclusion
Waylon Jennings didn’t just write a song—he started a conversation. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way challenges listeners to think about the evolution of country music and whether it has stayed true to its heritage. If you want to experience the depth of this song, I highly recommend listening to both Jennings’ original version and Alabama’s cover, each offering a unique perspective on this country classic
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