Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Hank Williams Jr. · Rowdy [1981]

It's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar

Where do we take it from here

Rhinestone suits and new shiny cars

We've been the same way for years

We need to change



Somebody told me when I got to Nashville

Son you finally got it made

Old Hank made it here, we're all sure that you will

But I don't think Hank done it this way

I don't think Hank done it this way



Ten years down the road, making one night stands

Speeding my young life away

Tell me one more time just so I understand

Are you sure Hank done it this way

Did Ol' Hank really do it this way?



I've seen the world with a five piece band

Looking at the back side of me

Singing my songs and one of his now and then

But I don't think Hank done 'em this a'way

No I don't think Hank done 'em this a'way



Take it home

Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Released in 1981 on the album Rowdy, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way stands as a defining moment in Hank Williams Jr.'s career. The track captures the artist's bold departure from the traditional sound of his father, embracing a more rock-infused country style that would come to dominate his discography. This recording highlights his willingness to challenge established norms within the genre, blending honky-tonk roots with a heavier, more energetic approach. As a cornerstone of his mid-career evolution, the song reflects a period where he actively reshaped his musical identity, moving away from pure tradition toward a sound that resonated with a new generation of listeners. The work remains a testament to his influence on modern country music and his enduring legacy as a transformative figure in the industry.