About the song
“Cold, Cold Heart” is a poignant song that stands as a timeless classic in both country and pop music. Written and first recorded by the legendary Hank Williams, this song blends the heartfelt strains of honky-tonk with the sophistication of the Great American Songbook.
Hank Williams, renowned for his profound contributions to country music, crafted “Cold, Cold Heart” with a melody adapted from T. Texas Tyler’s 1945 hit, “You’ll Still Be in My Heart.” The inspiration for this blues ballad came during a deeply personal and troubled time for Williams. After a difficult visit to his wife Audrey in the hospital, Williams channeled his emotional pain into this song. Audrey’s illness, stemming from a home abortion she had kept secret from Hank, added a layer of personal anguish that fueled the song’s creation.
The song was recorded on December 21, 1950, at Castle Studio in Nashville, where Williams was accompanied by his Drifting Cowboys band. Despite its initial release as the B-side of another single, “Cold, Cold Heart” quickly captured the hearts of listeners and became a major hit, reaching number one on the country charts.
Hank Williams’ performance of “Cold, Cold Heart” was notably featured on his Mother’s Best radio shows and on The Kate Smith Evening Hour, showcasing his remarkable stage presence despite his personal struggles with alcoholism. This song’s impact extended beyond country music, eventually becoming a pop hit for Tony Bennett, demonstrating the crossover appeal of country music.
Williams’ influence as a songwriter is undeniable. He not only popularized country music on a national scale but also paved the way for its acceptance in the pop music industry. As noted in the liner notes of a compilation album, Hank Williams was a pioneer in bridging the gap between country and pop, marking a significant milestone in American music history.
Video
Lyrics
Alright, we gonna start things off this mornin’ for ends with a brand-new song
Just been released on MGM Records
One of my favorites, I wrote this new couple of months ago
Fellas, let’s do a little bit of “Cold Cold Heart”
I tried so hard my dear to show that you’re my every dream
Yet you’re afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold-cold heart?
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is payin’ now for things I didn’t do
In anger, unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold-cold heart?
You’ll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love, yet you’re afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life? To try it just ain’t smart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold-cold heart?
There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can’t I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold-cold heart?
That’s a good one
Yes sir, that’s a-that’s stone down-good- (“Cold Cold Heart”), yes sir