Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
by
- Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
- Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
- Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.
Without a doubt, Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” has one of the most lovesick lyrics in all of country music.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” was released as a mere B-side to the up-tempo “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” because it was deemed more radio-friendly than melancholy ballads. Still, the single reached No. 4 on the country chart in 1949.
The song has then become closely identified with Williams’s musical legacy and has been widely praised. In the documentary The Road to Nashville in 2003, singer k.d. lang said, “‘I think ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry'” is one of the most classic American songs ever written, truly. Beautiful song.”
On the other hand, Bob Dylan recalled in his autobiography, “Even at a young age, I identified with him. I didn’t have to experience anything that Hank did to know what he was singing about. I’d never heard a robin weep, but could imagine it, and it made me sad.”
Rolling Stone ranked “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” No. 111 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time – it’s the oldest song on that list. It was also ranked No. 3 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.
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