About the song
Kitty Wells, a pioneering figure in country music, often referred to as the “Queen of Country Music,” released her iconic single, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” in 1952. This song, a bold and defiant anthem, marked a turning point in the genre, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Wells’s lyrics, penned by her husband, Johnnie Wright, offered a powerful counterpoint to the stereotypical portrayal of women in country music, often relegated to passive roles of heartbreak and longing. In “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” Wells flips the script, asserting that women are not solely responsible for their own misfortunes, but are often driven to unconventional paths by societal pressures, unfaithful partners, and economic hardship.
The song begins with a poignant question: “Have you ever heard a story of a mother and a child?” Wells then proceeds to tell a tale of a young woman who, faced with a broken home and a lack of opportunities, turns to the world of honky-tonks and bars. The song’s chorus, “It wasn’t God who made honky-tonk angels, it was you men who put them there,” delivers a powerful message of accountability, suggesting that men bear a significant responsibility for the challenges faced by women.
Wells’s delivery is both passionate and empathetic, capturing the raw emotion and vulnerability of the song’s protagonist. Her voice, rich and resonant, conveys a sense of strength and resilience, even in the face of adversity. The song’s simple, yet effective melody, combined with Wells’s heartfelt performance, has made it a timeless classic.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” not only resonated with audiences of its time but continues to be a powerful and relevant statement. Wells’s song challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female country artists, who have been inspired by her courage and tenacity.
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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