About the song
Kitty Wells Slams Back: A Live Look at “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”
The smoky haze of the honky-tonk, the twang of steel guitars, and the soulful voice of Kitty Wells soaring through the air – this is a snapshot of a legendary performance captured in a live recording of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Released a year after the original single in 1952, this rendition carries the weight of a defiant answer to a society quick to judge women in the music scene.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” wasn’t just a song, it was a groundbreaking statement in the male-dominated realm of country music.
The original, written by J.D. Miller, had actually charmed its way up the charts earlier that year thanks to its clever and catchy chorus. On the surface, it seemed to blame women for their misfortunes, painting them as temptresses who led men astray and eventually ended up heartbroken.
Then came Kitty Wells, a rising star in her own right. Clearly, “Honky Tonk Angel” wasn’t a title she wanted to carry, and she refused to accept the blame.
The live version bursts with a palpable energy. Wells commands the stage, her voice laced with conviction as she turns Miller’s lyrics on their head. “If a fellow, he thinks I’m a jailer / He’s the one that put me here,” she sings, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of men who preyed on women’s vulnerability.
The song is far more than just a defiant retort.
It reflects the struggles and expectations placed upon women in 1950s society. It tackles the double standards, the societal pressures, and the lack of agency given to women navigating the world, especially those who dared to express themselves through music.
Listening to the live version is a reminder of Wells’ impact.
She didn’t shy away from tough topics.
She used her voice to give voice to women whose stories were often silenced. Her song served as an anthem of empowerment, a call for women to claim their agency and rewrite their narratives. The applause in the live recording is more than just appreciation for a performance; it’s a chorus of women and men alike cheering for equality and respect.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” remains a powerful and relevant song today, reminding us that questioning societal norms and challenging injustices is crucial, especially for marginalized voices. Kitty Wells, through her talent and courage, left an indelible mark on country music and continues to inspire generations to fight for a more equitable world.
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