You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)
Hank Williams Jr. · The Early Years, Part One [1986]
Packin' and unpackin' all of your junk
Your daddy's mad, done got peeved
You're gonna change or I'm gonna leave
This ain't right and that is wrong
Just keep naggin' me all the day long
It's gotta stop, I don't mean please
You're gonna change or I'm gonna leave
You're gonna change your way of livin'
Change the things you do
Stop doin' all the things that you oughten too
Your daddy's gone mad, he's done got peeved
You're gonna change or you're gonna have to leave
Every time you get mad
You pack your rags and go back to dad
Tell him lies he don't believe
You're gonna change or I'm a-gonna leave
Only way to keep a woman happy
Make her do what's right
Love her every mornin', bawl her every night
Your daddy's mad, he's done got peeved
You're gonna change or I'm gonna leave
You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)
Hank Williams Jr.'s 'You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)' stands as a defining track from his 1986 album 'The Early Years, Part One.' Recorded during the height of his outlaw country and rockabilly revival, the song captures the raw, unfiltered energy that characterized his mid-career output. With its driving rhythm and Williams' signature vocal delivery, the recording exemplifies the genre-blending approach he pioneered, merging traditional country structures with rock instrumentation. Released alongside hits like 'Lawyers, Guns, And Money,' the track reinforces his reputation as a master of the honky-tonk sound, delivering a message of relationship resilience that resonated deeply with audiences of the era. It remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to craft memorable songs that balance personal narrative with broad musical appeal.