About the song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” isn’t just a song; it’s a cornerstone of country music. Written and recorded by the legendary Hank Williams in 1949, the song laid bare the raw emotions of heartache and loneliness that would become a hallmark of the genre.
The origins of the song are shrouded in a touch of mystery. While credited solely to Williams, some accounts suggest he drew inspiration from a title on a list of upcoming MGM releases. Another theory claims the lyrics were penned by a young songwriter named Paul Gilley, though this remains largely disputed. Regardless of its authorship, the song undeniably captured a universal feeling of despair.
Despite its melancholic nature, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” wasn’t initially considered a hit. Released as the B-side to a more upbeat song, it defied expectations and climbed to number four on the country charts in 1949. This success cemented the song’s place as a cornerstone of Williams’ legacy. Artists like k.d. lang and Bob Dylan have spoken to the song’s profound impact, praising its raw honesty and ability to evoke deep emotions. Rolling Stone ranked it not only among the greatest country songs of all time but also one of the greatest songs ever written, a testament to its enduring power.
The song’s influence extends far beyond Williams’ original recording. Countless artists, from B.J. Thomas to Jerry Lee Lewis, have covered it, each adding their own interpretation to the timeless lament. These diverse renditions showcase the song’s adaptability and ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is more than just a song; it’s a cry of the heart that transcends musical styles and eras. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect with our deepest emotions, offering solace and a voice to the lonesome soul.
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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