Family Tradition
Hank Williams Jr. · That's How They Do It In Dixie: The Essential Coll [2006]
Have always been a real close family,
But lately some of my kinfolks
Have disowned a few others and me
I guess it's because
I kind of changed my direction
Lord I guess I went and broke their family tradition
They get on me and want to know Hank
Why do you drink?
Hank why do you roll smoke?
Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?
Over and over
Everybody makes my prediction
So if I get stoned, I'm just carrying on
An old family tradition
I am very proud
Of my daddy's name
All though his kind of music
And mine ain't exactly the same
Stop and think it over
Put yourself in my position
If I get stoned and sing all night long its a family tradition
Don't ask me,
Hank why do you drink?
Hank, why do you roll smoke?
Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?
If I'm down in a honky-tonk
And some ole slick's trying to give me friction
I'll say leave me alone
I'm singing all night long
It's a family tradition
Lord I have loved some ladies
And I have loved Jim Beam
And they both tried to kill me in 1973.
When that doctor asked me,
Son how did you get in this condition?
I said, hey sawbones,
I'm just carrying on an ole family tradition
So don't ask me,
Hank why do you drink?
Hank, why do roll smoke?
Why must you live out the songs that you wrote?
Stop and think it over,
Try and put yourself in my unique position
If I get stoned and sing all night long, its a family tradition!
Family Tradition
Hank Williams Jr.'s "Family Tradition" stands as a defining track from his 2006 compilation, "That's How They Do It In Dixie: The Essential Collection." Rooted in the honky-tonk and country rock traditions of his father, Hank Williams, the song reflects the artist's lifelong dedication to preserving and evolving the musical heritage of the American South. With its signature twang and driving rhythm, the recording captures the raw energy of live performance that characterized Williams Jr.'s career. The track serves as a testament to his role as a custodian of country music history while simultaneously pushing the genre forward with his own distinct vocal style and songwriting approach. It remains a staple in his discography, embodying the themes of lineage and regional identity that permeate his work.