About the song
In 1952, the country music world witnessed a lyrical showdown. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” a song by Kitty Wells, emerged as a powerful response to Hank Thompson’s hit, “The Wild Side of Life.” This wasn’t just a musical exchange; it was a battle of perspectives, a fight for female agency in a male-dominated genre.
“The Wild Side of Life” expressed a man’s regret over a woman leaving him for another. The blame, however, fell squarely on the woman, labeled a “honky tonk angel.” Kitty Wells, with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” wouldn’t stand for it.
Using the same melody but with a more upbeat tempo, Wells delivered a scathing rebuttal. She challenged the notion that women were solely responsible for their downfalls. Her lyrics pointed the finger at the “too many times married men” who strayed, leaving a trail of heartbroken women in their wake.
This bold statement was revolutionary for its time. Country music, in the early 1950s, was a conservative space with limited female representation. Wells’ song, with its unapologetic defense of women, ruffled feathers. The song was banned by radio networks and deemed unfit for prestigious stages like the Grand Ole Opry.
But the public resonated with Wells’ message. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” became a chart-topping sensation, making Wells the first solo female artist to achieve that feat. More importantly, it paved the way for a new era in country music, one where women could express their perspectives and challenge societal norms.
The song’s legacy extends far beyond the charts. It’s a landmark moment in feminist history, a testament to the power of using music as a platform for social change. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” continues to inspire generations of female artists, reminding them that their voices deserve to be heard. So, the next time you hear this song, remember Kitty Wells, the courageous pioneer who dared to challenge the status quo and sing for a new generation of honky tonk angels.
Video
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