Introduction
The Ballad of the Honky Tonk Angel: A Song with Two Sides
Waylon Jennings’ “Honky Tonk Angels” might be on your playlist, but it’s actually a clever combination of two classic country songs with a fascinating history. Here’s the story behind the music:
The Original Heartbreak: “The Wild Side of Life” (1952)
The first half of Jennings’ song comes from “The Wild Side of Life,” released in 1952 by Hank Thompson. This song tells the tale of a heartbroken man who blames a “two-timin’ woman” and the honky tonk scene for his woes. It became a massive hit, spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard country chart and solidifying Thompson’s stardom.
The Woman’s Rebuttal: “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” (1952)
“The Wild Side of Life” sparked a cultural firestorm. Kitty Wells, a rising country singer, saw the song as one-sided. She responded with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” later in 1952. This song flipped the script, placing the blame on cheating men who drove women to heartbreak and the honky tonk. It was a bold statement for the time, even getting banned by some radio stations, but it resonated with female listeners. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” became the first No. 1 country hit by a solo female artist, paving the way for future generations of strong women in country music.
A Duet for the Ages: “Honky Tonk Angels” (1981)
Almost three decades later, Waylon Jennings, a country outlaw known for his rebellious spirit, recorded a unique take on this musical conversation. On his album “Leather and Lace” with his wife Jessi Colter, Jennings combined both songs into a duet. Their version seamlessly transitions between the man’s lament and the woman’s perspective, creating a powerful and poignant story of heartbreak and blame. “Honky Tonk Angels” reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving that the conversation about love, loss, and the honky tonk life still resonated with audiences.
So, the next time you hear “Honky Tonk Angels,” remember – it’s not just one song, it’s a conversation about heartbreak, told from two unforgettable perspectives.