“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a pioneering country music song performed by Kitty Wells. Released in 1952, it marked a significant moment in music history as it became the first number-one Billboard country hit by a solo female artist. Kitty Wells’ rendition challenged societal norms and provided a voice for women in a predominantly male genre, offering a counter-narrative to the themes commonly found in country music at the time.
The song emerged during a period when traditional values were often reflected in popular music. Kitty Wells’ performance not only showcased her vocal prowess but also brought attention to the double standards faced by women, making it an anthem for female empowerment in country music. The success of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” paved the way for future female artists in the genre, establishing Wells as a trailblazer in the country music industry.
About The Composition
- Title: It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
- Composer: J. D. “Jay” Miller
- Premiere Date: 1952
- Album/Opus/Collection: Anthology
- Genre: Country
Background
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was written by J. D. “Jay” Miller as a response to the Hank Thompson song “The Wild Side of Life,” which portrayed women in a negative light. Miller’s lyrics offered a rebuttal, suggesting that societal pressures and the actions of men were responsible for leading women astray. Kitty Wells was initially hesitant to record the song, fearing it might be too controversial, but its release became a turning point in her career.
The song was an immediate success, topping the Billboard country charts and selling over 800,000 copies. It resonated with many listeners, particularly women who felt represented by its message. This success challenged the prevailing norms within the music industry and demonstrated the commercial viability of songs with feminist themes.
Musical Style
The musical style of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is grounded in traditional country music, featuring a simple yet effective arrangement that highlights Kitty Wells’ expressive vocal delivery. The instrumentation typically includes acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and upright bass, creating a sound that is both classic and timeless. The song’s melody is straightforward, allowing the poignant lyrics to take center stage.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” convey a powerful message about gender roles and blame within relationships. The song argues against the notion that women are solely responsible for the breakdown of relationships, instead pointing to the behavior and expectations of men. This theme of empowerment and accountability was groundbreaking for its time and resonated with audiences who felt marginalized by traditional narratives.
Performance History
Kitty Wells’ performance of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a defining moment in her career. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, who featured it in their collaborative album “Honky Tonk Angels” in 1993. Each rendition brings its unique flavor while paying homage to Wells’ original interpretation.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” extends beyond its chart success. It challenged the portrayal of women in country music and inspired future generations of female artists to explore themes of empowerment and equality. The song has appeared in various media and has been referenced in discussions about gender and music, cementing its status as a cultural milestone.
Legacy
Today, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is regarded as a classic of the country music genre. Its influence is evident in the careers of countless female country artists who followed in Kitty Wells’ footsteps. The song’s message continues to resonate, reminding listeners of the importance of challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality in all areas of life.
Conclusion
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” remains a powerful testament to the role of music in shaping cultural narratives and challenging societal norms. Kitty Wells’ groundbreaking performance opened doors for women in country music and continues to inspire artists today. I encourage readers to explore this classic track and delve deeper into the stories of the women who have shaped the genre.
Video
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