About the song
“Hey, Good Lookin’,” a song synonymous with country music legend Hank Williams, isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a piece of musical history. Released in 1951, the song continues to captivate audiences with its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm. But the story behind “Hey, Good Lookin'” is just as interesting as the song itself.
The song’s origins are surprisingly quick. While traveling by plane with fellow musicians, Williams, inspired by helping his friend Jimmy Dickens score a hit, penned “Hey, Good Lookin'” in a mere 20 minutes! The playful lyrics, a double entendre-laced invitation to cook something up together, showcase Williams’s talent for weaving humor into a seemingly straightforward pick-up line.
However, “Hey, Good Lookin'” transcends a simple flirtation. As the song progresses, the lyrics hint at a deeper desire for commitment, with the singer proposing “keepin’ steady company” and throwing away his date book. This shift reflects a broader societal shift in the early 1950s, where the concept of steady dating was gaining popularity.
The recording itself, made at Castle Studio in Nashville, presented a curious mix. Backed by his band, the Drifting Cowboys, Williams delivered the song with a near-dour tone, contrasting with the upbeat lyrics referencing hot rods, soda pops, and dance sprees. This juxtaposition, as music historian Colin Escott notes, hinted at the nascent rock ‘n’ roll spirit simmering beneath the surface of the song’s traditional country sound.
“Hey, Good Lookin'” quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the country charts in 1951. Its enduring legacy is further cemented by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and its placement on CMT’s 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music list. The song has also been covered by a diverse range of artists, proving its universal appeal.
While the origins of “Hey, Good Lookin'” might be rooted in a quick attempt to help a friend, the song’s enduring popularity speaks volumes about Hank Williams’s songwriting prowess. The song’s playful lyrics, its subtle shift towards themes of commitment, and its unique blend of traditional country and nascent rock ‘n’ roll spirit all contribute to its timeless charm. “Hey, Good Lookin'” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a window into the musical evolution of a bygone era, delivered with a playful wink.
Video
Lyrics
Say hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
Hey, sweet baby – don’t you think maybe
We can find us a brand new recipe?I got a hot rod Ford, and a two dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There’s soda pop and the dancing’s free
So if you wanna have fun, come along with meSay hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?I’m free and ready, so we can go steady.
How’s about saving all your time for me?
No more lookin’ – I know I been tookin’
Hows about keepin’ steady company?I’m gonna throw my date book over the fence
And buy me one for five or ten cents
I’ll keep it till it’s covered with age
Cause I’m writin’ your name down on every pageSay hey, good lookin’ – what ya got cookin’?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?