About the Song
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” emerges as a poignant musical composition, penned and recorded by the illustrious American country music singer-songwriter, Hank Williams, in the year 1949. This soulful ballad has resonated across the musical spectrum, finding itself enveloped in diverse renditions by a myriad of musicians.
Quotations from various sources attribute Williams with the intention of crafting the song initially for spoken word delivery rather than singing, a departure he had explored in several of his Luke the Drifter recordings. Colin Escott’s comprehensive biography, “Hank Williams: A Biography,” delves into the genesis of the song, attributing its inspiration to a different song title Williams stumbled upon in a roster of upcoming MGM record releases. The recording session unfolded on August 30, 1949, within the hallowed confines of Herzog Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Williams found accompaniment from the adept members of the Pleasant Valley Boys, including Zeke Turner on lead guitar, Jerry Byrd on steel guitar, Louis Innis on rhythm guitar, alongside Tommy Jackson on fiddle and Ernie Newton on bass.
The annals of music history carry whispers of controversy surrounding the song’s authorship. Music journalist Chet Flippo and Kentucky historian W. Lynn Nickell posit an intriguing narrative, suggesting that a 21-year-old Kentuckian named Paul Gilley might have penned the lyrics. Allegedly, Gilley sold the lyrics and rights to Williams, allowing the maestro to claim credit. Gilley, purportedly the lyricist behind “Cold, Cold Heart” and other country hits, met a tragic end by drowning at the tender age of 27. It is crucial to note that these claims remain contested within the musical discourse.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” emerged into the world as the B-side counterpart to the bluesy “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It,” a strategic move attributing to the prevailing belief that up-tempo tunes were more fitting for jukebox consumption than somber ballads. Despite this positioning, the single ascended to the fourth spot on the country chart in 1949.[8]
The song has become an integral part of Hank Williams’s musical legacy, revered by both artists and critics alike. In the 2003 documentary, “The Road to Nashville,” the esteemed singer k.d. lang hailed it as “one of the most classic American songs ever written.” Bob Dylan, in his autobiography, shared a personal connection, stating, “Even at a young age, I identified with him. I didn’t have to experience anything that Hank did to know what he was singing about.” The poignant expression in tracks like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” resonated deeply, shaping the landscape of country music and influencing subsequent artists from George Jones and Willie Nelson to Gram Parsons and Dwight Yoakam.
The laurels bestowed upon this melancholic masterpiece are further underscored by Rolling Stone’s recognition. The venerable publication ranks it at an esteemed position number 111 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” marking it as the oldest song on the list. Additionally, it secures the third spot on the coveted “100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.”