About the song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” penned and performed by the legendary Hank Williams in 1949, stands as an enduring masterpiece in American country music. Williams, a prolific singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt compositions, recorded the song at Herzog Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 30, 1949. Backed by the Pleasant Valley Boys and featuring instrumental talents like Zeke Turner and Jerry Byrd, Williams imbued the track with raw emotional power that resonates to this day.
The genesis of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” has sparked some controversy over its authorship. While Williams is credited with its creation, there have been claims suggesting that Paul Gilley, a young Kentuckian, may have penned the lyrics and sold them to Williams. Regardless of its origins, the song was released as the B-side to “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It,” a decision influenced by the commercial preferences of the time. Despite this, the song reached number four on the country chart in 1949, showcasing its immediate impact and enduring appeal.
Critically acclaimed and deeply influential, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” has been celebrated for its poignant lyrics and Williams’s evocative delivery. In the documentary “The Road to Nashville,” k.d. lang described it as “one of the most classic American songs ever written,” while Bob Dylan reflected on its universal emotional resonance. Rolling Stone ranked it at number 111 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, underscoring its cultural significance.
The song’s influence extends beyond country music, as evidenced by numerous covers by artists across genres. B.J. Thomas and the Triumphs brought it to the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966, while Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis also offered their interpretations. Its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics have made it a favorite for artists seeking to showcase their vocal prowess and emotional depth.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” continues to captivate listeners and inspire musicians, cementing its place as a timeless testament to Hank Williams’s unparalleled storytelling and musical legacy. Its inclusion in various media, including the science-fiction series “The Expanse,” further highlights its enduring relevance in contemporary culture. As a song that transcends time and genre, it remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to evoke profound emotions and connect us across generations.
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Lyrics
Awful pretty song
I think one of the prettiest things that I ever had the pleasure of comin’ up with
I’m So Lonesome, I Could Cry
Hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
I’ve never seen a night so long
And time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
To hide its face and cry
Did you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die?
Like me, he’s lost the will to live
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
That’s a good one
It’s a lonesome song, ain’t it?
Ain’t that lonesome, woo
Now you can’t get any much lonesome right, can you?
Want to whip a will so lonesome it can’t fly
He done got lonesome, man
He needs some company, bad