Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Waylon Jennings' song "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" is a poignant reflection on the evolution of country music and the pressures of the music industry. The lyrics open with a sense of stagnation, highlighting the repetitive nature of the genre with the line, "It's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar." Jennings questions the direction in which country music is heading, suggesting that the genre has been stuck in a rut for years, symbolized by "Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars." This imagery evokes a sense of superficiality and commercialism that Jennings feels has overshadowed the authenticity of the music.

The song's chorus brings in the legendary figure of Hank Williams, often considered the epitome of traditional country music. Jennings recounts advice he received upon arriving in Nashville, where he was assured of his success by following in Hank's footsteps. However, Jennings expresses doubt, repeatedly questioning, "Are you sure Hank done it this way?" This refrain serves as a critique of the modern music industry's practices, contrasting them with the perceived purity and simplicity of Hank Williams' era. Jennings' skepticism suggests that the path to success has become more about image and less about the music itself.

In the latter part of the song, Jennings reflects on his own career, marked by relentless touring and the demands of the industry. He describes the toll it has taken on his life, with lines like "Speeding my young life away" and "Looking at the back side of me." Despite his success, Jennings remains unconvinced that this is the right way to achieve it, questioning whether Hank Williams would have approved of such a lifestyle. The song ends with a sense of longing for a return to the roots of country music, where the focus was on the music and not the trappings of fame.