Wednesday, 13 November 2019

[dcab-l] Hank Williams: "You Win Again" Live at Cactus Flats

Music Lovers & Songwriters:

 

"You Win Again" is a 1952 Hank Williams original.  This blues ballad deals with despair

toward a wife.  The song is widely covered, including versions by Ray Charles, Jerry Lee

Lewis, Roy Orbison, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.

 

It was recorded July 11, 1952—one day after his divorce from Audrey.  Like "Cold, Cold

Heart," the song was likely inspired by his tumultuous relationship with her.

 

The original title was "I Lose Again", but was reversed by producer Fred Rose.  The

opening line "The news is out all over town," tells of an utterly defeated man who can’t

leave his love despite her infidelities.  It was recorded at Castle Studio in Nashville with

Jerry Rivers (fiddle), Don Helms (steel guitar), and Harold Bradley (rhythm guitar).  It is

speculated that Chet Atkins played lead guitar and Ernie Newton played bass. 

 

It was released as the B-side to "Settin' the Woods on Fire," because up-tempo,

danceable numbers were preferable as A-sides for radio and jukebox play.  Nonetheless,

it peaked at number ten on the Most Played in C&W Juke Boxes chart for one week.

 

There is the saying in country music: “That ain’t the way Hank done it” , and indeed, my

version is nothing like his.  Great writer, great song, but I had to sing from my own heart. 

 

Musicians:

 

   John Brunschwyler              Banjo

   Ed Schaeffer                       Lead Vocal, All Guitars, Bass

   Garrett Wren                      Mandolin

   Barb Diederich                    Bass

 

To listen, click below:

 

http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html

 

Enjoy!

Ed

 

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