Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings (2024)

Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way

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Lord it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
Where do we take it from here?
Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
It's been the same way for years
We need a change

Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
"Son, you finally got it made"

Old Hank made it here, and we're all sure that you will
But I don't think Hank done it this way, no
I don't think Hank done it this way

Okay!

Ten years on the road, makin' one-night stands
Speedin' my young life away
Tell me one more time, just so's I'll understand
Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Did ol' Hank really do it this way?

Lord, I've seen the world, with a five-piece band
Looking at the back side of me
Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
But I don't think Hank done 'em this way, no
I don't think Hank done 'em this way

Take it home

Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings's song "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" is a commentary on the state of country music at the time. The lyrics describe the frustration of the singer with the lack of progress and creativity in the industry. They ask where they can take the same old tune of fiddle and guitar and call for a change. The song also highlights the commercialization of country music with the mention of rhinestone suits and new shiny cars.

The chorus of the song questions the relevance of Hank Williams Sr. in the modern country music scene. The lyrics state that someone told the singer that he had finally made it in Nashville like how Hank Williams Sr. did. However, the singer doubts this claim as they do not think Hank did it the same way they are doing it now. The song implies that there needs to be a new way of creating country music that is unique and not just following what has already been done.

Overall, "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" speaks to the need for change in the country music industry and challenges the notion that the only way to make it is to follow in the footsteps of those who came before.

Lord it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar
We're tired of the same kind of country music with no new innovation

Where do we take it from here?
What steps do we need to take to create something new and refreshing?

Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars
Country music has become more about the image and appearance of the performer, rather than the music itself

It's been the same way for years
Country music hasn't had any major changes or advancements for a while now

We need a change
It's time to take the genre of country music in a new direction

Somebody told me, when I came to Nashville
I was informed by someone when I first came to Nashville

"Son, you finally got it made"
Someone told me that I had finally made it

Old Hank made it here, and we're all sure that you will
People assume that I'm going to make it big in the same way that Hank Williams did

But I don't think Hank done it this way, no
However, I don't think that following in Hank Williams' footsteps is the right approach

Ten years on the road, makin' one-night stands
I've spent the last ten years traveling and performing in various venues

Speedin' my young life away
I've been living life fast and recklessly

Tell me one more time, just so's I'll understand
Reiterate your point so that I can fully comprehend it

Are your sure Hank done it this way?
Are you certain that Hank Williams' approach to country music is the best way to succeed?

Did ol' Hank really do it this way?
Did Hank Williams make it to the top by strictly following a template?

Lord, I've seen the world, with a five-piece band
I've had the chance to tour the world with a band consisting of five members

Looking at the back side of me
Reflecting on my life and all that I've accomplished

Singing my songs, and one of his now and then
Performing my own music and occasionally covering a Hank Williams song

But I don't think Hank done 'em this way, no
Despite singing some of his songs, I don't believe that following Hank Williams' formula is the right approach for my own music

I don't think Hank done 'em this way
I don't think that Hank Williams had the same approach to music as I do

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