About the song
Kitty Wells’ “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a timeless country music classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1952, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Country & Western chart, solidifying Wells’ status as one of the most influential female country singers of her generation.
The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a catchy melody and Wells’ distinctive, soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of female empowerment, social commentary, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its powerful chorus, in which Wells sings, “It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels, it was men who put them there.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of blaming men for women’s vices.
The song’s production is simple yet effective, with Wells’ vocals taking center stage. The arrangement allows her voice to shine, while the instrumental accompaniment provides a solid foundation for the song.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a groundbreaking song that challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for future generations of female country singers. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and Wells’ powerful performance have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Wells’ talent and her ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
Video
Lyrics
As I sit here tonight, the jukebox’s playing
The tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem’ries when I was a trusting wife
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
It’s a shame that all the blame is on us women
It’s not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that’s ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was’t God who made honky-tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they’re still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong