About the song
Freddy Fender’s version of “Wild Side of Life” is a memorable recording that highlights his talent for blending different musical styles. Released in the mid-1970s, this song is an important part of Fender’s discography and reflects his unique approach to country and Tejano music.
“Wild Side of Life” was originally a hit for Hank Thompson in 1952 and has since become a classic in country music. The song’s lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and regret, expressing the sorrow of a man whose wild ways led to the end of a relationship. Freddy Fender’s rendition pays homage to the original while adding his own distinctive style.
Fender’s version of the song is characterized by his smooth, emotive vocals and his ability to infuse the track with a blend of country and Tejano influences. The arrangement features traditional country instrumentation, such as guitars and fiddles, while also incorporating Fender’s signature Tejano elements. This fusion creates a rich, engaging sound that sets his version apart from others.
The song’s theme of lost love and the consequences of a reckless lifestyle resonates deeply with listeners. Freddy Fender’s heartfelt performance brings a new dimension to the classic, allowing the song to connect with both longtime fans and new audiences.
The release of “Wild Side of Life” by Freddy Fender was well-received and further established his reputation as a versatile artist. His ability to take a classic song and reinterpret it with his own style is a testament to his skill and creativity.
Overall, Freddy Fender’s “Wild Side of Life” remains a cherished part of his musical legacy. The song’s emotional depth, combined with Fender’s unique blend of musical influences, makes it a standout track that continues to resonate with listeners.
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Lyrics
Well, you wouldn’t read my letters if I wrote you
You asked me not to call you on the phone
There’s something I’ve been waiting for to tell you
So I wrote it in the words of this song
You never knew there were honky tonk angels
Or you might have known I’d never make a wife
You walked out on the only one who ever loved you
So I went back to the wild side of life
Now the glamor of the good life always lead me
To the places where the wild liquor flows
I tried to be your one and only angel
But I’m not that kind of angel, heaven knows
I cried so hard the day you went and left me
‘Cause some things you said, they cut me like a knife
What you wanted was another kind of angel
And you should be back to the wild side of life
No, well, I guess I’m just a honky tonk angel
I might have known I’d never make a wife
Well, you left the only one who ever loved you
And I’m back here on the wild side of life
I’m only a honky tonk angel
I might have known I’d never make a wife
You walked out on the only one who ever loved you
And you left me here on the wild side of life