About the song
A Country Rebel Yells: “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
In 1975, a song titled “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” roared onto the country music scene, courtesy of the legendary Waylon Jennings. This wasn’t your typical, polished Nashville fare. Jennings, a pioneer of the outlaw country movement, was known for his raw vocals, unconventional sound, and rebellious spirit. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”, written entirely by Jennings himself, became an anthem for this new wave of country music, challenging the industry’s established norms.
The song pays homage to Hank Williams, a revered figure in country music history. Williams, who passed away tragically young in 1953, left behind a legacy of raw emotion and storytelling in his music. However, by 1975, the Nashville music machine had transformed Williams’ sound into a more polished, commercially viable product. Jennings, through “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”, questioned this sanitization.
The song opens with a sense of jaded reflection. Jennings, a seasoned artist by this point, reflects on the struggles of a young musician trying to break into the industry. He mentions “ten years on the road making one-night stands,” a testament to the relentless grind often faced by aspiring country artists. He contrasts this with the image of a more glamorous Nashville, where success seems readily available.
The central question, posed repeatedly throughout the song, is “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”. Jennings seems to doubt that the established path, with its emphasis on glitz and commercial appeal, would have been Williams’ chosen route. He implies that the true essence of country music lies in its authenticity, rawness, and connection to the struggles of everyday people.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” wasn’t just a questioning tribute; it was a declaration of independence. The song became a rallying cry for artists who felt stifled by Nashville’s rigid formula. It resonated with audiences who craved a return to country music’s roots. The song itself, with its driving tempo, electric guitar riffs, and Jennings’ signature growl, embodied the outlaw spirit – a stark contrast to the smoother sounds dominating the charts.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Jennings’ position as a leader of the outlaw movement. The song’s legacy extends beyond its chart success. It remains a powerful statement about artistic integrity and the importance of staying true to one’s roots, even in the face of commercial pressures. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is more than a song; it’s a battle cry for authenticity in the ever-evolving world of country music.