Introduction
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is a poignant reflection on the changing face of country music, penned by Waylon Jennings in 1975. It serves as a poignant anthem for the outlaw country movement, a subgenre that emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the increasingly polished and commercialized Nashville sound.
Jennings, a central figure in this movement, penned the song while on tour with Willie Nelson. Inspired by the legendary Hank Williams, Jennings lamented the direction country music had taken, straying from its roots in honky-tonk and storytelling. The song’s lyrics express a longing for a simpler time, when country music was more authentic and rebellious.
The song’s title itself became a rallying cry for artists who sought to reclaim the spirit of traditional country music. It was a critique of the Nashville establishment, which Jennings and his contemporaries felt had stifled creativity and authenticity. “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” became a cornerstone of the outlaw country movement, solidifying its identity and influencing a generation of artists.