About the song
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells is a groundbreaking country song that made waves upon its release in 1952. This track, penned by J.D. “Jay” Miller, addresses the double standard often applied to women in relationships and is considered one of the first feminist anthems in country music.
Featured on Kitty Wells’ album “Kitty Wells’ Golden Favorites,” this song quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Its bold lyrics and Wells’ emotive delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it a commercial success despite facing backlash from some radio stations for its controversial subject matter.
The song’s title and lyrics are a response to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life,” which suggests that women are to blame for men’s infidelity and wild behavior. Wells’ response challenges this notion, asserting that it’s not God who creates “honky tonk angels,” but rather the men who lead them astray.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” sparked discussions about gender roles and morality in the conservative landscape of 1950s America. Despite facing censorship and criticism, it became one of Kitty Wells’ signature songs and a defining moment in her career.
Kitty Wells, often referred to as the “Queen of Country Music,” paved the way for female artists in the genre with her pioneering contributions. Her courage to address taboo subjects and her powerful voice left an enduring impact on country music, inspiring generations of artists to follow in her footsteps.
As a trailblazer for women in country music, Kitty Wells’ legacy is immortalized through songs like “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” which continue to resonate with listeners and remind us of the enduring power of music to challenge social norms and spark important conversations.
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