Introduction:
In 1975, a tremor ran through the polished veneer of Nashville’s country music scene. Waylon Jennings, a rising star with a rebellious spirit, unleashed a song that would become an anthem for those yearning for a return to the genre’s raw roots. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a declaration of artistic independence and a critique of the industry’s growing emphasis on slick production and pop sensibilities.
Jennings, a self-proclaimed outlaw of country music, was no stranger to challenging the status quo. Throughout the early 1970s, he had carved a niche for himself alongside artists like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, championing a sound that harkened back to the hard-living, emotionally charged country music of Hank Williams Sr. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” became the opening salvo of Jennings’ landmark album, “Dreaming My Dreams,” and served as a potent statement of his artistic vision.
The song, written by Jennings himself, is a poignant reflection on the changing face of country music. The opening lines, “Somebody told me when I came to Nashville / ‘Son, you finally got it made! Old Hank made it here, we’re all sure that you will,'” establish the pressure to conform to the established formula for success. However, Jennings quickly throws doubt on this approach, declaring, “But I don’t think Hank done it this way, no / I don’t think Hank done it this way, okay.” This simple yet powerful refrain becomes the song’s core, questioning whether the polished, formulaic country music being churned out by Nashville truly reflected the legacy of the genre’s pioneers like Hank Williams Sr.
Produced by the legendary Jack Clement, known for his stripped-down, raw recording style, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” perfectly embodies the outlaw country aesthetic. The prominent Telecaster guitar, a staple of the Bakersfield sound that Jennings championed, drives the rhythm, while the lyrics paint a picture of a simpler, more honest form of country music. There are no grand orchestral flourishes or sugary vocals; instead, the song relies on Jennings’ signature gravelly voice and a tight band to convey its message.
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” proved to be a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. More importantly, it resonated with a generation of fans hungry for a more authentic country sound. The song became an emblem of the outlaw country movement, inspiring countless artists to embrace a rougher, more rebellious approach to the genre. Even today, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” remains a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic integrity and the fight against homogenization in the music industry.