About the song
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells is a classic country song that has left an indelible mark on the genre’s history. Released in 1952, this iconic track not only catapulted Wells to fame but also paved the way for future generations of female country artists. Kitty Wells, born Ellen Muriel Deason, was already a seasoned performer by the time she recorded this song, but it was this particular track that cemented her status as the “Queen of Country Music.”
The song was written by J.D. “Jay” Miller, and it was a response to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” which suggested that unfaithful women were the root cause of broken marriages. In contrast, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” offers a poignant rebuttal, highlighting that men are equally to blame for the demise of relationships. Its lyrics resonated with many listeners, particularly women who felt marginalized and misunderstood by the prevailing cultural narratives of the time.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was included in Kitty Wells’ album of the same name. Upon its release, the song quickly rose to the top of the Billboard country charts, where it held the number one position for six weeks. This success was groundbreaking, as it marked the first time a female solo artist had achieved such a feat in the country music genre. The song’s popularity extended beyond the charts, earning Wells a revered place in the annals of country music history.
Over the years, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” has been covered by numerous artists, further testifying to its enduring appeal. Kitty Wells’ trailblazing achievement with this song not only challenged societal norms but also inspired countless female artists to pursue their dreams in the male-dominated world of country music. To this day, the song remains a powerful testament to Wells’ legacy and the transformative power of music.
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Lyrics
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem’ries when I was a trusting wife
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It’s a shame that all the blame is on us women
It’s not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that’s ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong