Kaw-Liga

Hank Williams

About Kaw-Liga

"Kaw-Liga" ( kaw-LY-jə) is a country music song written by Hank Williams and Fred Rose.


Year:
1990
109 
#2

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Kaw-Liga was a wooden Indian
Standin' over by the door
Fell in love with a Chocktaw maid
Over in the Georgia store

Kaw-Liga, ooh
Standin' there, don't never let it show
She don't ever answer, yes or no

And he always wore his Sunday feathers
And carried his old black hawk
Maiden wore her beads and braids
An hoped someday he'd talk

Kaw-Liga, ooh
Standin' there, don't never show a sign
'Cause his heart is made of knotty pine

Poor ol' Kaw-Liga, you ain't never got a kiss
Poor ol' Kaw-Liga, you don't know what you what miss
Is it any wonder that your face is red?
Kaw-Liga, you poor old wooden head

Kaw-Liga was a lonely Indian
Never went nowhere
Heart was set on the Chocktaw maid
Wearin' the long, black hair

Kaw-Liga, ooh
Standin' there, don't never show a sign
'Cause his heart was made of knotty pine

And then one day, a wealthy customer
Bought the Indian maid
Took her oh so far away
And ol' Kaw-Liga stayed

Kaw-Liga, ooh
Standin' there, as lonesome as can be
Ah, just wishin' he were still an ol' pine tree

Poor ol' Kaw-Liga, you just ain't never had no kissin'
Poor ol' Kaw-Liga, hoss, you don't know what you're missin'
Is it any wonder, that your face is red?
Kaw-Liga, you poor, ol' wooden head

Just a head
Just a head

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Hank Williams

Hank Williams (/hæŋk wɪljəmz /; September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one. more »

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Written by: FRED ROSE, HANK WILLIAMS SR.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Kaw-Liga" was written by country music artist Hank Williams Sr. and his friend, Fred Rose. They wrote the song together in 1952.
Inspired by a Native American Theme
The song title "Kaw-Liga" refers to Kawliga, a wooden Indian. The story in the song is about a wooden statue of an Indian chief who falls in love with an "Indian maid over in the antique store" but doesn't ever express his feelings because he always remains stoic and wood-like.
Posthumous Success
Unfortunately, Hank Williams Sr. died on January 1, 1953, before the song was released. "Kaw-Liga" was released posthumously by his record label MGM Records in 1953.
Chart Performance
It topped the country singles charts, where it stayed for an impressive 14 weeks.
Notable Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Kaw-Liga" since its original release. Notably, "Kaw-Liga" was covered by Roy Orbison, Charley Pride, and The Residents, and these versions have achieved their own levels of success.
Unique Sound
The song is famous for its distinctive "Indian tom-tom rhythm," which is a beat that sounds like a drum being played, giving the song a unique sound.
Influential Song
"Kaw-Liga" is considered an influential song in the creation of what we now know as "outlaw country" — a subgenre of country music, which Hank Williams is often credited with helping to create.
Inclusion in Music Compilations
The track was released on the 1953 posthumous Williams album "I Saw the Light" and has since been included in various compilations, showcasing its enduring popularity.
Fascination with Character
The story of 'Kaw-Liga' is thought to reflect Williams' own deep fascination and empathy with the character. Hank's feelings of being a stoic figure, unable or unwilling to express his true feelings, similar to the wooden indian character Kaw-Liga in the song, has allowed many to interpret the song as a metaphor for his own life.
Song Legacy
"Kaw-Liga" remains one of Hank Williams's most popular songs, maintaining its cultural significance in American history and continuing to be played on radio stations across the country.

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