About The Song
Released in 1952, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells became one of her most iconic songs and a groundbreaking moment for women in country music. Written by J.D. Miller, the song takes a bold stand in addressing the double standards and judgment women faced in the country music scene at the time. Wells’ song not only marked her as a trailblazer but also earned her the title of the first female superstar in country music. With its powerful message, distinctive melody, and Wells’ clear, expressive voice, the song continues to resonate as an anthem of empowerment and self-expression.
In “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”, the narrator responds to a common judgmental view at the time—one that blamed women for frequenting honky tonk bars and leading lives deemed immoral. The song’s central message is a defense of these women, arguing that it wasn’t God who made them into honky tonk angels but rather the circumstances of their lives, such as broken relationships and neglect. The lyrics, “It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels / As you said in the words of your song,” directly challenge a popular male-centered narrative in country music, giving voice to women who had long been overlooked or judged harshly. It’s a powerful rebuttal to societal norms, asserting that women had their own reasons for living the way they did.
Musically, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” features a traditional honky tonk arrangement, with steel guitar, fiddle, and acoustic guitar driving the upbeat tempo. The instrumentation gives the song an undeniable rhythmic energy, while the simple yet poignant melody mirrors the straightforward, unapologetic message of the lyrics. Kitty Wells’ voice is filled with clarity, strength, and sincerity, allowing the message of the song to come across with both conviction and dignity. Her delivery imbues the song with an air of self-assurance, making it clear that she is speaking for the women whose stories were often silenced or misunderstood.
The chorus of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is direct and memorable, with the repeated line, “It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels.” This refrain encapsulates the song’s central argument and highlights the narrator’s defiance in the face of judgment. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the point, making it both a proclamation and a challenge to the traditional narratives surrounding women’s roles in society, especially in the context of country music.
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Country & Western chart and making Kitty Wells a household name in the country music world. The song made her the first woman to achieve such a success in country music and broke down barriers for future female artists. It also marked the beginning of Wells’ legacy as a voice of empowerment for women in a genre that was traditionally dominated by men.
What makes “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” stand out is its timeless message of female empowerment and social critique. The song not only challenged the gender norms of the time but also created a space for women to share their stories and express themselves on their own terms. Its directness and boldness paved the way for future female country singers, allowing them to address themes of independence, sorrow, and strength without shame.
In conclusion, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells is a groundbreaking and timeless song that redefined the role of women in country music. With its memorable melody, powerful lyrics, and Wells’ courageous performance, the song remains one of the most significant anthems of female empowerment in country music. Whether reflecting on the experiences of women or appreciating its bold defiance of societal norms, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” continues to be a defining moment in the history of country music.