Funeral

Hank Williams

About Funeral

"The Funeral" is a song credited to Hank Williams with words from Will Carleton. It was released as a single under the pseudonym Luke the Drifter by MGM Records in 1950.


Year:
1955
187 
#2

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I was walking in Savannah past a church, decayed and dim
When slowly through the window came a plaintive funeral hymn
My sympathy awakened and a wonder quickly grew
'Til I found myself environed in a little colored pew

Out front a colored couple sat in sorrow nearly wild
On the altar was a casket and in the casket was a child
I could picture him while living, curly hair protruding lips
I'd seen perhaps a thousand in my hurried southern trips

Then rose a sad, old colored preacher from his little wooden desk
With a manner sort of awkward and countenance grotesque
The simplicity and shrewdness in his Ethiopian face
Showed the wisdom and the ignorance of a crushed, undying race

And he said, "Now don't be weepin' for this pretty bit of clay
For the little boy who lived there has done gone and run away
He was doing very finely and he 'ppreciates your love
But his sho nough father wanted him in the big house up above

The Lord didn't give you that baby, by no hundred thousand miles
He just think you need some sunshine and he lent it for a while
And he let you keep and love him 'til your hearts were bigger grown
And these silver tears you're shedding now, are just interest on the loan

Just think my poor dear mourners creeping long on sorrow?s way
What a blessed picnic this here baby got today
Your good fathers and good mothers crowd the little fella round
In the angels 'tender garden of the big plantation ground

And his eyes they brightly sparkle at the pretty things he view
But a tear came and he whispered, "I want my parents too"
Then the angel's chief musicians teach that little boy a song
Says if only they be faithful, they'll soon be comin' 'long

And so my poor dear mourners, let your hearts with Jesus rest
And don't go to criticizn' the one what knows the best
He has give us many comforts He's got the right to take away
To the Lord be praised in glory, now and ever, let us pray

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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: PHARRELL WILLIAMS, MICHAEL AARON EINZIGER, HANS ZIMMER, MELISSA MUIK, JOHNNY MARR, ROBERT BADAMI, ANDREW KAWCZYNSKI, MARK WHERRY

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Origin
"Funeral" is a song written and performed by Hank Williams, who is considered one of the most significant American singer-songwriters of the 20th century.
Genre
The song falls into the classic country genre, where Hank Williams made his mark and set the bar for future musicians.
Release Date
"Funeral" was posthumously released, as Hank Williams died young at the age of 29 in 1953.
Poshumous Release
Even though it was released after Williams' death, many fans and critics agree that "Funeral" beautifully encapsulates his raw and emotive singing style.
Theme
The song "Funeral" touches upon the theme of sorrow and morality, which was quite common in a lot of Williams' music, adding to its emotive depth.
Critical Reception
Although it's not one of his most well-known songs, "Funeral" continues to be appreciated by fans for its lyrical depth and poignancy.
Legacy
Many of Hank Williams' songs, including "Funeral", have been covered by other artists, showcasing his lasting impact on country music.
Sales
Exact sales figures for the song "Funeral" are not readily available, but Hank Williams' music continues to be bought and streamed, demonstrating his enduring popularity.
Personal Life
The themes of sadness and death in "Funeral" may have reflected Williams' troubled personal life, which was marked by alcoholism and other health problems.
Cultural Impact
"Funeral," like many of Hank Williams' songs, holds a prominent place in the American music canon and has made a significant cultural impact.
Recognition
Williams’ contributions to the music industry, including songs like "Funeral," led to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly after his death.
Archives
"Funeral" and other Hank Williams’ songs can be found in the archives of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, preserving his contribution to the genre for future generations.
Production
As with many of his recordings, Hank Williams was likely accompanied by his band, the Drifting Cowboys, for the recording of "Funeral."
Lyrics
The lyrics to "Funeral" are a testament to Williams' storytelling ability, making listeners feel a deep connection to his music.
Influence
The raw emotional quality of songs such as "Funeral" has undeniably influenced many country and folk artists who came after Williams.

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