One of Hank Williams’ greatest spoken word pieces and quite a punch in the gut. But also pretty fitting as we approach Good Friday. Williams understood the leveled-playing field of suffering better than anyone (ht DB):
You’ll meet many just like me upon life’s busy street
With shoulders stooped and heads bowed low and eyes that stare in defeat
Or souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts
Where a living death is all that’s left for men with broken hearts
You have no right to be the judge to criticize and condemn
Just think but for the grace of God it would be you instead of him
One careless step a thoughtless deed and then the misery starts
And to those who weep death comes cheap these men with broken hearts
Oh so humble you should be when they come passing by
For it’s written that the greatest men never get too big to cry
Some lose faith in love and life when sorrow shoots her darts
And with hope all gone they walk alone these men with broken hearts
You’ve never walked in that man’s shoes or saw things through his eyes
Or stood and watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies
Some were paupers some were kings and some were masters of the arts
But in their shame they’re all the same these men with broken hearts
Life sometimes can be so cruel that a heart will pray for death
God why must these living dead know pain with every breath
So help your brother along the road no matter where he starts
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COMMENTS
2 responses to “Men With Broken Hearts – Hank Williams via Elvis”
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Amazing song! It always makes me think of Dave Browder, who first played it to me on highway 17N on the way to visit Fitz/Yoda a few years ago.
note: if you don't know who Dave Browder or Fitz are, please come to the conference in two weeks, where they will both be present and in full effect.
what did Elvis and Hank williams have common?
1) loved their mothers Elvis – gladys & Hank’s – Lillian?
2) both taught guitar from black man?
3.) both used drugs ?
4.)sang with twang probarbly from R/B Rockbilly?
5)Had wife or G’f always had Spare on the side?
6) if they got gal pg theyd fix the problems lol?
7) Womanizers loved women -cheat in heartbeat lol
8)both raised poor made it to the top?
9) both had soft spot for their baby ?
10) both sang hymms religious songs?
11)both had unique style got from something?
12)both start out play on the road at gigs?
13)Both was not racist would be friends with blacks?
14)Both were southern men born in South?
15)Both Had friends Enjoy partying Goof around?
16)Both had Hot Tempers could get upset easy?
17)Both was not afraid violence react accordingly?
18)Both loved their _ _ _ Enjoy use them?
19)Both were known to the authorities ?
20)Both let outside influences lead astray?
21)Both loved Southern Food (wholesome)
22)Both lived Shanty with no Electricity?
23)Both loved Flashy clothes enjoy wear them?
24)Both took care of their Wives/Ex with $$$?
25)Both enjoy going Fish use bait?
26)Both Enjoy Nitelife Partying all hours til dawn?
27)Both had Friends drove places for them?
28)Both are Legends print books/media?
29) Both played at Grand Ole Opry?
30)Both had a Daughter?https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/04/18/177733297/ricin-suspect-described-as-conspiracist-elvis-impersonator
31)Both Legendary Records ?
32) Hank 53 & Elvis 54?
33) Elvis sang Hank williams Songs?
34) Ex/Wives Jealous of their Men’s other Women?