Click On Title To Link To YouTube's Film Clip Of Hank Williams And The Drifting Cowboys Doing "Cold Cold Heart".
DVD Review
Hank Williams-Honky Tonk Blues, Hank Williams and other artist and commentators, PBS Productions- American Masters Series, 2004
In a May 2009 review of a Hank Williams tribute album, "Timeless" , released in 2003(the 50th Anniversary of his death) I noted the following that is germane to a review of this very informative and balanced PBS "American Masters" production of the life and times of one of the legends of American roots music -country and western branch (and maybe more):
"A musical performer knows that he or she has arrived when they have accumulated enough laurels and created enough songs to be worthy, at least in some record producer's eyes, of a tribute album. When they are also alive to accept the accolades as two out of the four of the artists under review are, which in these cases is only proper, that is all to the good. That said, not all tribute albums are created equally. Some are full of star-studded covers, others are filled with lesser lights that have been influenced by the artist that they are paying tribute to. As a general proposition though I find it a fairly rare occurrence, as I have noted in a review of the "Timeless" tribute album to Hank Williams, that the cover artist outdoes the work of the original recording artist. With that point in mind I will give my "skinny" on the cover artists here."
And that is the essential point that separates the musical greats like Hank Williams from the transitory stars of the day. Over fifty years after his death his songs, heartfelt, tragic, depressive, and on a few occasions whimsical still "speak" to musicians and modern listeners alike. His life`s story, as told here through commentary by those who knew and worked with him, including various members of his "Drifting Cowboys" back-up bands, his widow, his son and grandson Hank II and III respectively, his stepdaughter and various other hometown folks (Montgomery, Alabama although I swear he is a Cajun boy), musical collaborators and music historians unrolls very much like a... Hank Williams ballad. And that again is the point-here is a case where life and art are not so very far apart.
Since the music is what is eternal in this troubled man's life let me finish up here with a reposting of that "Timeless" tribute album review mentioned above. It is that simple yet profound music that gives the essence of the man, his seemingly eternal marriage troubles (and some joys too, I think), his losing battle against drugs and alcohol and his search back for the happier days of his poor boy roots in Alabama after fame and fortune proved too narrow to satisfy whatever was eating at him inside.
"To The Original Honk-Tonk Man
Timeless; A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Hank Williams, various artists, UMG Recordings, 2001
In a review of a Hank Williams anthology in this space ("Gold", a two disc CD of most of the best known songs) noted that I have been listening to a local weekend folk, rock and contemporary music interview show here in Boston for years. The format of the show is to interview, in depth, contemporary well-known singers, songwriters and musicians as well as young unknowns looking to make their mark. One of the questions always asked of each interviewee is about formative influences on their musical development. Although I do not believe that I have ever heard what I would consider a country singer interviewed on the show the name Hank Williams has come up many more times than any other from young and old interviewees alike. That tells the tale of the importance of this man's work, beyond the obvious country influence.
Here some of those well-known musicians mentioned above pay tribute to Hank's influence by covering his songs for a 50th Anniversary of his death edition. A strange occasion for a tribute one might say, although no so for the fast-living, hard-driving, hard drinking Mr. Williams. The likes of Bob Dylan (a subject of many tribute covers himself) on a rocking " Can't Get You Off Of My Mind", Johnnie Cash reciting (recital or maybe, better, talking blues being a Williams speciality) the tearful "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" and Beck on the mournful "You're Cheatin' Heart" do his memory honor with their own interpretations. I would note, however that, unlike a number of other artists such as the above-noted Dylan, that cover versions of Hank's songs do not usually measure up to the verve and imprint on the mind of his original renditions. The great exception here is Lucinda Williams (no relation, as far as I know) whose rendition of "Cold, Cold Heart" captured all the pathos, and more, of that tune. So long, one more time, Honky-Tonk Man. Listen on."
And watch this documentary.
******************
COLD COLD HEART Lyrics
I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream.
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind,and melt your cold cold heart
You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life,to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you,the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
Cool Water Lyrics
All [C] day I've faced the [G7] bar - ren waste
With [C] out the taste of [G7] wa-ter..... cool, [C] wa-ter.
Ole [F] Dan and I, with [G7] throats burned dry ,
and [C] souls that [F] cry
for [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
The [C] nights are cool and [G7] I'm a fool.
Each [C] star's a pool of [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
And [F] with the dawn I'll [G7] wake and yawn
and [C] car-ry [F] on
to [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
The [C] sha - dows sway and [G7] seem to say
To- [C] night we pray for [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter
And [F] way up there He'll [G7] hear our prayer
and [C] show us [F] where
there's [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C]wa-ter.
[C] Keep a-movin' Dan. Don't you [G7] listen to him Dan.
He's the [C] devil, not a man.
He [G7] spreads the burnin' sand with [C] wa-ter.
Say [F] Dan can't you see that [G7] big green tree,
where the [F] water's runnin' free.
It's [G7] waiting there for you and [C] me
and [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
Dan's [C] feet are sore he's [G7] yearnin' for
Just [C] one thing more than [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
Like [F] me I guess he'd [G7] like to rest
where [C] there's no [F] quest
for [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
HALF AS MUCH Lyrics
Written by Curley Williams 1952
Used by permission of Brent L. Weldon, Curley's grandson
If you love me half as much as I love you
You wouldn't worry me half as much as you do
You're nice to me when there's no one else around
You only build me up to let me down
If you missed me half as much as I miss you
You wouldn't stay away half as much as you do
I know that I would never be this blue
If you only loved me half as much as I love you
repeat both verses
Hey Good Lookin' 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 could find us a brand new recepie
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 wanna have fun come along with me
Say hey good lookin'
whatcha got cookin'
how's about cookin' something up with me
[ steel - fiddle - steel ]
I'm free and ready
so we can go steady
how's about savin' all your time for me
No more lookin'
I know I've been tooken
how's about keepin' steady company
I'm gonna throw my datebook over the fence
and find me one for five or ten cents
I'll keep it till it's covered with age
cause I'm writin' your name down on every page
Hey good lookin,whatcha got cookin
how's about cookin something up
how's about cookin something up
how's about cookin something up with meee
HONKY TONKIN' Lyrics
Words and music by Hank Williams, Sr.
When [G] you are sad and lonely and have no place to go
come to see me baby, and bring along some dough
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' [D7] 'round this [G] town.
When you and your baby have a fallin' out
Just call me up sweet mama and we'll go steppin' out
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
We're goin' to the city - to the city fair
If you go to the city then you will find me there
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
Repeat first verse
I'm a Long Gone Daddy Lyrics
All you want to do is sit around and pout
And now I got enough and so I'm getting out
I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
I'm a long gone daddy I don't need you anyhow
I been in the doghouse so doggone long
That when I get a kiss I think that something's wrong
(chorus)
I'll go find a gal that wants to treat me right
You go get yourself a man that wants to fight
(chorus)
You start your jaws a-wagging and it never stop
You never shut your mouth until I blow my top
(chorus)
I remember back when you were nice and sweet
Things have changed, you'd rather fight than eat
(chorus)
I'm a-gonna do some riding on the midnight train
I'm taking everything except my ball and chain
(chorus)
JAMBALAYA Lyrics
1. [D]Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh [A]my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the [D]bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have good fun on the [D]bayou
CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a file [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
2. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
3. [D]Thibodeaux, Fontenot, the place is [A]buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the [D]dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
REPEAT CHORUS
4. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
FINAL CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a file [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a [A]gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a [A]gun, we'll have big [A7]fun on the b[D]ayou.
YOU WIN AGAIN Lyrics
Recorded by Hank Williams, Sr.
Words and music by Hank Williams, Sr.
1st Verse:
[E] The [B7] news is [E] out - all over [A] town
That you've been [E] seen - a-runnin' [B7] 'round
I know that [E] I - should leave, but [A] then
I just can't [E] go - YOU [B7] WIN A- [E] GAIN.
1st Bridge:
This heart of [A] mine - could never [E] see
What ev'rybod - y knew but [B7] me
Just trusting [E] you - was my great [A] sin
What can I [E] do - YOU [B7] WIN A- [E] GAIN.
2nd Verse:
I'm sorry for - your victim now
'Cause soon his head - like mine will bow
He'll give his heart - but all in vain
And someday say - YOU WIN AGAIN.
2nd Bridge:
You have no heart - you have no shame
You take true love - and give the blame
I guess that I - should not complain
I love you still - YOU WIN AGAIN.
YOUR CHEATIN' HEART Lyrics
Your cheatin' heart,
Will make you weep,
You'll cry and cry,
And try to sleep,
But sleep won't come,
The whole night through,
Your cheatin heart, will tell on you...
When tears come down,
Like falling rain,
You'll toss around,
And call my name,
You'll walk the floor,
The way I do,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
Your cheatin' heart,
Will pine some day,
And crave the love,
You threw away,
The time will come,
When you'll be blue,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
When tears come down,
Like falling rain,
You'll toss around,
And call my name,
You'll walk the floor,
The way I do,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
DVD Review
Hank Williams-Honky Tonk Blues, Hank Williams and other artist and commentators, PBS Productions- American Masters Series, 2004
In a May 2009 review of a Hank Williams tribute album, "Timeless" , released in 2003(the 50th Anniversary of his death) I noted the following that is germane to a review of this very informative and balanced PBS "American Masters" production of the life and times of one of the legends of American roots music -country and western branch (and maybe more):
"A musical performer knows that he or she has arrived when they have accumulated enough laurels and created enough songs to be worthy, at least in some record producer's eyes, of a tribute album. When they are also alive to accept the accolades as two out of the four of the artists under review are, which in these cases is only proper, that is all to the good. That said, not all tribute albums are created equally. Some are full of star-studded covers, others are filled with lesser lights that have been influenced by the artist that they are paying tribute to. As a general proposition though I find it a fairly rare occurrence, as I have noted in a review of the "Timeless" tribute album to Hank Williams, that the cover artist outdoes the work of the original recording artist. With that point in mind I will give my "skinny" on the cover artists here."
And that is the essential point that separates the musical greats like Hank Williams from the transitory stars of the day. Over fifty years after his death his songs, heartfelt, tragic, depressive, and on a few occasions whimsical still "speak" to musicians and modern listeners alike. His life`s story, as told here through commentary by those who knew and worked with him, including various members of his "Drifting Cowboys" back-up bands, his widow, his son and grandson Hank II and III respectively, his stepdaughter and various other hometown folks (Montgomery, Alabama although I swear he is a Cajun boy), musical collaborators and music historians unrolls very much like a... Hank Williams ballad. And that again is the point-here is a case where life and art are not so very far apart.
Since the music is what is eternal in this troubled man's life let me finish up here with a reposting of that "Timeless" tribute album review mentioned above. It is that simple yet profound music that gives the essence of the man, his seemingly eternal marriage troubles (and some joys too, I think), his losing battle against drugs and alcohol and his search back for the happier days of his poor boy roots in Alabama after fame and fortune proved too narrow to satisfy whatever was eating at him inside.
"To The Original Honk-Tonk Man
Timeless; A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Hank Williams, various artists, UMG Recordings, 2001
In a review of a Hank Williams anthology in this space ("Gold", a two disc CD of most of the best known songs) noted that I have been listening to a local weekend folk, rock and contemporary music interview show here in Boston for years. The format of the show is to interview, in depth, contemporary well-known singers, songwriters and musicians as well as young unknowns looking to make their mark. One of the questions always asked of each interviewee is about formative influences on their musical development. Although I do not believe that I have ever heard what I would consider a country singer interviewed on the show the name Hank Williams has come up many more times than any other from young and old interviewees alike. That tells the tale of the importance of this man's work, beyond the obvious country influence.
Here some of those well-known musicians mentioned above pay tribute to Hank's influence by covering his songs for a 50th Anniversary of his death edition. A strange occasion for a tribute one might say, although no so for the fast-living, hard-driving, hard drinking Mr. Williams. The likes of Bob Dylan (a subject of many tribute covers himself) on a rocking " Can't Get You Off Of My Mind", Johnnie Cash reciting (recital or maybe, better, talking blues being a Williams speciality) the tearful "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" and Beck on the mournful "You're Cheatin' Heart" do his memory honor with their own interpretations. I would note, however that, unlike a number of other artists such as the above-noted Dylan, that cover versions of Hank's songs do not usually measure up to the verve and imprint on the mind of his original renditions. The great exception here is Lucinda Williams (no relation, as far as I know) whose rendition of "Cold, Cold Heart" captured all the pathos, and more, of that tune. So long, one more time, Honky-Tonk Man. Listen on."
And watch this documentary.
******************
COLD COLD HEART Lyrics
I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream.
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind,and melt your cold cold heart
You'll never know how much it hurts to see you sit and cry
You know you need and want my love yet you're afraid to try
Why do you run and hide from life,to try it just ain't smart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
There was a time when I believed that you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you,the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
Cool Water Lyrics
All [C] day I've faced the [G7] bar - ren waste
With [C] out the taste of [G7] wa-ter..... cool, [C] wa-ter.
Ole [F] Dan and I, with [G7] throats burned dry ,
and [C] souls that [F] cry
for [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
The [C] nights are cool and [G7] I'm a fool.
Each [C] star's a pool of [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
And [F] with the dawn I'll [G7] wake and yawn
and [C] car-ry [F] on
to [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
The [C] sha - dows sway and [G7] seem to say
To- [C] night we pray for [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter
And [F] way up there He'll [G7] hear our prayer
and [C] show us [F] where
there's [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C]wa-ter.
[C] Keep a-movin' Dan. Don't you [G7] listen to him Dan.
He's the [C] devil, not a man.
He [G7] spreads the burnin' sand with [C] wa-ter.
Say [F] Dan can't you see that [G7] big green tree,
where the [F] water's runnin' free.
It's [G7] waiting there for you and [C] me
and [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
Dan's [C] feet are sore he's [G7] yearnin' for
Just [C] one thing more than [G7] wa-ter.... cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
Like [F] me I guess he'd [G7] like to rest
where [C] there's no [F] quest
for [C] wa-ter.... [G7] cool, clear [C] wa-ter.
HALF AS MUCH Lyrics
Written by Curley Williams 1952
Used by permission of Brent L. Weldon, Curley's grandson
If you love me half as much as I love you
You wouldn't worry me half as much as you do
You're nice to me when there's no one else around
You only build me up to let me down
If you missed me half as much as I miss you
You wouldn't stay away half as much as you do
I know that I would never be this blue
If you only loved me half as much as I love you
repeat both verses
Hey Good Lookin' 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 could find us a brand new recepie
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 wanna have fun come along with me
Say hey good lookin'
whatcha got cookin'
how's about cookin' something up with me
[ steel - fiddle - steel ]
I'm free and ready
so we can go steady
how's about savin' all your time for me
No more lookin'
I know I've been tooken
how's about keepin' steady company
I'm gonna throw my datebook over the fence
and find me one for five or ten cents
I'll keep it till it's covered with age
cause I'm writin' your name down on every page
Hey good lookin,whatcha got cookin
how's about cookin something up
how's about cookin something up
how's about cookin something up with meee
HONKY TONKIN' Lyrics
Words and music by Hank Williams, Sr.
When [G] you are sad and lonely and have no place to go
come to see me baby, and bring along some dough
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' [D7] 'round this [G] town.
When you and your baby have a fallin' out
Just call me up sweet mama and we'll go steppin' out
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
We're goin' to the city - to the city fair
If you go to the city then you will find me there
And we'll go Honky Tonkin', Honky Tonkin'
Honky Tonkin', Honey Baby
We'll go Honky Tonkin' 'round this town.
Repeat first verse
I'm a Long Gone Daddy Lyrics
All you want to do is sit around and pout
And now I got enough and so I'm getting out
I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
I'm a long gone daddy I don't need you anyhow
I been in the doghouse so doggone long
That when I get a kiss I think that something's wrong
(chorus)
I'll go find a gal that wants to treat me right
You go get yourself a man that wants to fight
(chorus)
You start your jaws a-wagging and it never stop
You never shut your mouth until I blow my top
(chorus)
I remember back when you were nice and sweet
Things have changed, you'd rather fight than eat
(chorus)
I'm a-gonna do some riding on the midnight train
I'm taking everything except my ball and chain
(chorus)
JAMBALAYA Lyrics
1. [D]Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh [A]my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the [D]bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have good fun on the [D]bayou
CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a file [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
2. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
3. [D]Thibodeaux, Fontenot, the place is [A]buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the [D]dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh [A]my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the [D]bayou.
REPEAT CHORUS
4. Instrumental Verse (Country Fiddle solo)
FINAL CHORUS:
[D]Jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a file [A]gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher a[D]mio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be [A]gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a [A]gun, we'll have big fun on the b[D]ayou.
Son of a [A]gun, we'll have big [A7]fun on the b[D]ayou.
YOU WIN AGAIN Lyrics
Recorded by Hank Williams, Sr.
Words and music by Hank Williams, Sr.
1st Verse:
[E] The [B7] news is [E] out - all over [A] town
That you've been [E] seen - a-runnin' [B7] 'round
I know that [E] I - should leave, but [A] then
I just can't [E] go - YOU [B7] WIN A- [E] GAIN.
1st Bridge:
This heart of [A] mine - could never [E] see
What ev'rybod - y knew but [B7] me
Just trusting [E] you - was my great [A] sin
What can I [E] do - YOU [B7] WIN A- [E] GAIN.
2nd Verse:
I'm sorry for - your victim now
'Cause soon his head - like mine will bow
He'll give his heart - but all in vain
And someday say - YOU WIN AGAIN.
2nd Bridge:
You have no heart - you have no shame
You take true love - and give the blame
I guess that I - should not complain
I love you still - YOU WIN AGAIN.
YOUR CHEATIN' HEART Lyrics
Your cheatin' heart,
Will make you weep,
You'll cry and cry,
And try to sleep,
But sleep won't come,
The whole night through,
Your cheatin heart, will tell on you...
When tears come down,
Like falling rain,
You'll toss around,
And call my name,
You'll walk the floor,
The way I do,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
Your cheatin' heart,
Will pine some day,
And crave the love,
You threw away,
The time will come,
When you'll be blue,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
When tears come down,
Like falling rain,
You'll toss around,
And call my name,
You'll walk the floor,
The way I do,
Your cheatin' heart, will tell on you...
