About the song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is a landmark song in American country music, penned and originally recorded by the legendary Hank Williams in 1949. This poignant ballad about profound loneliness struck a chord with audiences then and continues to resonate today.
The song’s origins hold a touch of mystery. While credited to Williams, some accounts suggest he initially envisioned it as a spoken-word piece, similar to his “Luke the Drifter” recordings. Inspiration reportedly came from a title on a list of upcoming MGM releases, sparking the raw emotions that flow through the lyrics. Backed by seasoned musicians like Jerry Byrd on steel guitar and Tommy Jackson on fiddle, Williams poured his soul into the recording at Herzog Studio in Cincinnati.
There’s a debate surrounding the authorship. Music journalist Chet Flippo and historian W. Lynn Nickell credit Kentucky native Paul Gilley with writing the lyrics, claiming he sold them to Williams. However, this assertion hasn’t gained widespread acceptance.
Despite its initial release as a B-side, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” transcended expectations. It rose to number four on the country charts in 1949, solidifying its place in Williams’ legacy. The song’s impact extends far beyond its chart success. Artists like k.d. lang and Bob Dylan have spoken of its profound influence, praising its heartfelt expression of raw emotion. Rolling Stone magazine lauded it for its groundbreaking honesty, a quality that continues to define country music. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” even landed a spot on their prestigious “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list, solidifying its place in American music history.
The song’s enduring popularity is further evidenced by the numerous covers it has inspired. From B.J. Thomas’s version reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 to unexpected renditions by athletes like Terry Bradshaw, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” has proven its adaptability and timeless appeal.
Whether shrouded in a bit of authorship mystery or not, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” remains a powerful testament to the human experience of loneliness. Its raw honesty and poignant delivery continue to move listeners, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of country music and a timeless American song.
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Lyrics
Awful pretty song
I think one of the prettiest things that I ever had the pleasure of comin’ up with
I’m So Lonesome, I Could Cry
Hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
I’ve never seen a night so long
And time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
To hide its face and cry
Did you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die?
Like me, he’s lost the will to live
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I’m so lonesome, I could cry
That’s a good one
It’s a lonesome song, ain’t it?
Ain’t that lonesome, woo
Now you can’t get any much lonesome right, can you?
Want to whip a will so lonesome it can’t fly
He done got lonesome, man
He needs some company, bad