About the song
In the realm of country music, where male voices often dominated the airwaves, Kitty Wells emerged as a groundbreaking force. Her 1952 hit, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” not only shattered gender barriers but also challenged societal norms.
Born in 1929, Wells began her musical journey at a young age, performing in local talent shows and radio programs. Despite her talent, she struggled to gain recognition in the male-dominated industry. However, her persistence and unwavering belief in her abilities eventually paid off.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a bold response to Hank Thompson’s hit, “The Wild Side of Life.” While Thompson’s song blamed women for their own downfall, Wells turned the narrative on its head, asserting that men were equally responsible for the moral decline of women. This powerful message struck a chord with audiences and propelled Wells to stardom.
The song’s lyrics challenged traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Wells’ refusal to accept blame for men’s infidelity was a radical statement for its time. Despite facing backlash and censorship, the song’s popularity soared, and Wells became the first woman to top the Billboard country charts as a solo artist.
Her success paved the way for other female country singers, including Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette. Wells’ legacy as a trailblazer in the country music industry is undeniable. Her groundbreaking song continues to resonate with audiences today, serving as a reminder of the power of female voices and the importance of challenging societal norms.
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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