About the song
“Hey, Good Lookin'” stands as a timeless classic in the realm of country music, originally penned and performed by the legendary Hank Williams in 1951. This iconic song quickly became a staple in Williams’ repertoire, showcasing his distinctive blend of storytelling and musical prowess. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, the track has solidified its place as a cornerstone of American music history.
The genesis of “Hey, Good Lookin'” is rooted in Williams’ adeptness at weaving together playful lyrics with a catchy melody. Inspired by the 1942 Cole Porter song of the same name from the Broadway musical “Something for the Boys,” Williams infused his version with a down-home charm and a hint of suggestive humor. The lyrics cleverly use food-related double entendres to charm the listener, evolving into promises of commitment by the song’s later verses.
Legend has it that Williams penned the song in a mere 20 minutes during a flight with fellow musicians Jimmy Dickens, Minnie Pearl, and Pearl’s husband Henry Cannon. A week later, he recorded it at Castle Studio in Nashville on March 16, 1951. Backed by his Drifting Cowboys band, the recording session also birthed hits like “My Heart Would Know” and “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You),” highlighting Williams’ prolific songwriting ability and his band’s impeccable musicianship.
The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its numerous cover versions over the decades. In 1951, Jo Stafford and Frankie Laine offered a notable duet rendition, while Buckwheat Zydeco and Dwight Yoakam revived it as a spirited duet on Zydeco’s 1990 album “Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire.” The Mavericks also contributed a country-infused cover in 1992, and it found its way into pop culture through a rendition by Spike and C.C. DeVille for the soundtrack of the film “Son in Law” in 1993.
One of the most notable modern interpretations came in 2004 when Jimmy Buffett included a lively rendition on his album “License to Chill.” Featuring a star-studded lineup including Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and George Strait, this rendition climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, marking a fitting tribute to Williams’ enduring legacy.
With its infectious melody and playful lyrics, “Hey, Good Lookin'” continues to resonate with audiences, transcending generations and genres to remain a beloved classic in the vast tapestry of American music. Hank Williams’ legacy lives on through this timeless song, perpetuating its place in the hearts of country music enthusiasts worldwide.
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Lyrics
Say hey, good lookin’ whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ something up with me?
Hey, sweet baby don’t you think maybe
We can find us a brand new recipe?I got a hot rod ford and a two dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There’s soda pop and the dancin’s free
So if you want to have fun come along with meHey, good lookin’ whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ something up with me?I’m free and ready so we can go steady
How’s about saving all your time for me
No more lookin’ I know I been cookin’
How’s about keepin’ steady company?I’m gonna throw my date book over the fence
And find me one for five or ten cents
I’ll keep it ’til it’s covered with age
‘Cause I’m writin’ your name down on every pageSay hey, good lookin’ whatcha got cookin’?
How’s about cookin’ something up with me?