About the song
“Alone and Forsaken,” a poignant country ballad penned by the legendary Hank Williams, stands as a testament to his enduring influence on American music. Though the song was never officially released during Williams’ lifetime, its impact has resonated through the decades, finding its place among his most haunting and revered works. Originally recorded between August 1948 and May 1949 during Williams’ tenure at the Shreveport radio station KWKH, the song was finally released by MGM in 1955, two years after Williams’ death.
The track is characterized by its sparse arrangement, featuring only Williams’ somber vocals and delicate acoustic guitar strumming. This minimalistic approach creates a raw, almost melancholic atmosphere that underscores the song’s central themes of isolation and despair. Unlike Williams’ earlier ballads such as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” which carries a more traditional country feel, “Alone and Forsaken” is set in a minor key and imbued with a darker, folk-like quality that enhances its emotional depth.
In the song, Williams reflects on a love that has faded with time, evoking imagery of once-lush pastures now turned barren. The half-spoken verses convey a deep sense of loss and longing, culminating in a chorus that pleads for divine intervention and understanding. This powerful and evocative expression of loneliness has captured the imagination of many artists, leading to numerous covers across various genres.
Among those who have paid tribute to Williams’ haunting ballad are Bill Darnell, who was the first to record it in 1952, and Floyd Cramer, who offered an instrumental version in 1962. The song has also been interpreted by artists like Chet Atkins, Tony Rice, and Neko Case, each bringing their unique style to the timeless piece. Notably, it was featured in the 2013 video game The Last of Us, which introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, and its influence can be seen in various modern renditions, including those by Dave Matthews and Neil Young.
“Alone and Forsaken” remains a powerful example of Hank Williams’ ability to convey profound emotion through simple yet evocative musical storytelling. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the timeless nature of Williams’ artistry and the universal resonance of his themes.
Video
Lyrics
We met in the springtime when blossoms unfold
The pastures were green and the meadows were gold
Our love was in flower as summer grew on
Her love like the leaves now have withered and gone
The roses have faded, there’s frost at my door
The birds in the morning don’t sing anymore
The grass in the valley is starting to die
And out in the darkness the whippoorwills cry
Alone and forsaken by fate and by man
Oh Lord, if you hear me, please hold to my hand
Oh, please understand
Oh, where has she gone to? Oh, where can she be?
She may have forsaken some other like me
She promised to honor, to love, and obey
Each vow was a plaything that she threw away
The darkness is falling, the sky has turned gray
A hound in the distance is starting to bey
I wonder, I wonder what she’s thinking of
Forsaken, forgotten without any love
Alone and forsaken by fate and by man
Oh Lord, if you hear me, please hold to my hand
Oh, please understand