About the song
“Howlin’ at the Moon” isn’t your typical country ballad. This upbeat 1951 song by the legendary Hank Williams bursts with a different kind of energy – the joyous chaos of newfound love. While Williams is known for his poignant storytelling, “Howlin’ at the Moon” showcases his lighter side, filled with playful humor and a touch of his well-documented love for hunting.
The song’s infectious energy is driven by its fast tempo and Williams’ signature vocals. The lyrics paint a picture of a man completely smitten, driven to the point of “chasing rabbits, pickin’ out rings and Howlin’ at the Moon.” The song’s title becomes a hilarious refrain, punctuated by the distinctive yodeling of fiddler Jerry Rivers, adding a touch of playful theatricality.
Music critics have noted the influence of “Howlin’ at the Moon” on the burgeoning rockabilly genre. Colin Escott, in his biography of Hank Williams, observes how the song’s frenetic energy “tears along,” paving the way for the rock and roll sounds that would soon dominate the music scene.
While the B-side ballad “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” achieved greater chart success, “Howlin’ at the Moon” remains a beloved part of Hank Williams’ legacy. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its joyous celebration of love’s intoxicating power. Even today, it can make listeners tap their feet and smile, a testament to Williams’ ability to capture a range of human emotions with his songwriting.
“Howlin’ at the Moon” serves as a reminder that country music can be more than just heartache and hardship. It can be a space for lighthearted fun and an ode to the exhilarating feeling of being head-over-heels in love.
Video
Lyrics
I know there’s never been a man in the awful shape I’m in
I can’t even spell my name, my heads in such a spin
Today I tried to eat a steak with a big old tablespoon
You got me chasing rabbits, walkin’ on my hands, and howlin’ at the Moon
Well, sug’, I took one look at you and it almost drove me mad
And then I even went and lost what little sense I had
Now I can’t tell the day from night, I’m crazy as a loon
You got me chasing rabbits, pulling out my hair, and howlin’ at the Moon
Some friends of mine asked me to go out on a huntin’ spree
‘Cause there ain’t a hound dog in this state that can hold a light to me
I eat three bones for dinner today, then tried to tree a ‘Coon
You got me chasing rabbits, scratching fleas, and howlin’ at the Moon
I rode my horse to town today and a gas pump we did pass
I pulled ‘im up and I hollered, “Whoa!” And said, “Fill him up with gas”
The man picked up a monkey wrench and wham, he changed my tune
You got me chasing rabbits, spittin’ out teeth, and howlin’ at the Moon
I never thought in this whole world a fool could fall so hard
But honey baby, when I fell, the whole world must have jarred
I think I’d quit my doggish ways if you’d take me for your groom
You got me chasing rabbits, pickin’ out rings, and howlin’ at the Moon