About the song
In the world of country music, there are songs that transcend time and leave a lasting impact on the genre. One such song is “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” a 1952 country classic written by J. D. “Jay” Miller and recorded by the legendary Kitty Wells. This song is not only a masterpiece of country music but also a powerful statement about the role of women in society.
The song was written as an answer to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” which told the story of a man who regretted his bride-to-be leaving him for another man. In response, Kitty Wells wrote “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” a song that blamed unfaithful men for creating unfaithful women. The song’s message was clear: women are not the sole perpetrators of infidelity, but rather, they are often the victims of men’s actions.
The song’s impact was significant, as it became the first No. 1 Billboard country hit for a solo woman artist. This achievement not only established Wells as a major star in country music but also paved the way for other women artists, including Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Jean Stafford. The song’s message of empowerment and defiance also inspired a new generation of women to take control of their own lives and destinies.
In 1998, the 1952 recording of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring impact on the music industry. The song was also preserved by the National Recording Registry in 2007, ensuring that its legacy would be preserved for generations to come.
The song’s history is a fascinating one, with Kitty Wells recording it at her first session with Decca Records in 1952. The song’s message was clear: women are not the sole perpetrators of infidelity, but rather, they are often the victims of men’s actions. The song’s uptempo melody and Wells’ powerful vocals made it an instant hit, and it remains one of the most iconic country songs of all time.
In conclusion, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a country music classic that continues to inspire and empower women to this day. Its message of defiance and empowerment is a powerful reminder that women are not the sole perpetrators of infidelity, but rather, they are often the victims of men’s actions. The song’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.
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Lyrics
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem’ries when I was a trusting wife
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It’s a shame that all the blame is on us women
It’s not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that’s ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong