Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Hank Williams III Songs Bringing In Country Music And Punk Rock

Hank Williams III Songs
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The history of country music is filled with rebels, and that’s just what Hank Williams III songs prove to be. 

The son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson to legendary Hank Williams, Hank Williams III – also known as Hank 3 – might be known to many for his hell-raising attitude on and off the stage. Everyone respects him for never limiting his craftsmanship with mainstream Nashville’s restrictive culture. 

RELATED: Here Are Facts About Hank Williams III, The Country Music Royalty

Well, as much as country runs through his veins, so does rebellion. Do you remember when his grandpa used to be kicked out of Grand Ole Opry? The apple truly does not fall far from the tree, which is pretty evident too, with their eerily resemblance.

Hank Williams III began his journey in the music industry playing punk and metal and eventually went back to his roots – country music. With his instrumental skill, vocal ability, and pedigree, Williams III is considered one of the greatest country music performers today. Check out below some of his best hits so far.

1. Move It On Over

From: Three Hanks: Men with Broken Hearts (1996)

The song was first recorded by Hank Williams in 1947 and is considered one of the earliest examples of rock and roll music. It was Williams’ first charting song, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Most Played Juke Box Folk Records chart. 

Nearly half a century later, it was recorded with accompanying vocals from his son Hank Williams Jr. and grandson Williams III off the album Three Hanks: Men with Broken Hearts, which became Williams III’s debut in country music.

2. Country Heroes

From: Straight to Hell (2006)

Williams III paid tribute to the country icons that inspired him to be the artist that he is today. This includes David Allan Coe, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and of course, his grandfather. 

“Country Heroes” finds Williams III getting comfort from whiskey and the songs of his country idols.

3. Crazed Country Rebel 

From: Straight to Hell (2006)

Williams III showed the world that he’s one country outlaw with the truly rebellious “Crazed Country Rebel,” which tells the story of a drug-crazed man moving from one country to another as he smoked morphine until it knocked him off his feet. His actions made him wonder if he already had one too much and has sinned enough.

4. 3 Shades Of Black 

From: Damn Right, Rebel Proud (2008)

Well, the song is as dark as its title, and Williams III seems to revel in it. While “3 Shades of Black” is certainly not to everyone’s taste, it stands out as it showcases Williams III’s voice that eerily resembles his grandfather’s. It may lack the moral core his predecessors put at the heart of their darkest songs, it’s pretty interesting to witness a third generation of Williams shaking up the country formula.

5. Trooper’s Holler 

From: Ghost to a Ghost/Gutter Town (2011)

The song is a great example of Williams III’s uniqueness, which finds him listening to what his dog is saying. Even the vocal of his dog, Trooper, is featured here.

Williams III has always shown his sweet side when it comes to furry friends. He’s actually a fervent supporter of the Happy Tails Humane and a no-kill animal shelter in Franklin, Tennessee. The music video for “Trooper’s Holler” also shows Williams III spending some time with his pets and talking about animal rescue.

6. Calling Your Name 

From: Lovesick, Broke & Driftin (2002)

The song finds Williams III reaching out to the Lord and admitting that the last few years had been hard without the almighty’s presence. His wild and carefree way of life has caused him so much sorrow, so his calling for a higher power this time – hoping he can still be saved.

7. Not Everybody Likes Us 

From: Straight to Hell (2006)

Williams III shows us how he takedown pop country music, singing, “I’d rather eat the barrel of a double-barrel loaded shotgun than to hear that shit” in “Not Everybody Likes Us.” He also took a swipe at Kid Rock and his chummy friendship with Hank Williams, Jr. that once led to speculations that Kid Rock could be Hank Williams, Jr.’s son.

8. Dick in Dixie

From: Straight to Hell (2006)

Williams III made a list of things he hopes to accomplish in his time here on earth, and that’s putting “dick in Dixie and the cunt back in country.” He has truly cemented the sentiment of resentment that many true country music fans have been feeling for years. The chorus ends with the salvo, “Pop country really sucks.”

More Hank Williams III Songs That Showcase His Reckless Spirit

What makes Hank Williams III songs stand out is that it bears little resemblance to his predecessors. He has indeed made a name and legacy for himself. 

Check out some more of his best tunes below.

  • Mississippi Mud
  • You’re the Reason
  • I Don’t Know
  • If the Shoe Fits
  • Cecil Brown
  • Nighttime Ramblin’ Man
  • Low Down
  • Louisiana Stripes
  • Six Pack of Beer
  • Long Hauls and Close Calls
  • Rebel Within
  • Lost in Oklahoma
  • Tennessee Driver
  • Hillbilly Joker
  • Outlaw Convention
  • The Wind Blew Cold
  • Sun Comes Up

So, which among these Hank Williams III songs do you love the most?

Latest Stories

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton perform together in a bar setting for their duet “A Song to Sing.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song to Sing” Duet Feels Like an Instant Classic

Sometimes country music gives you a line so pure it feels like it’s been here forever, and that’s exactly what Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton just pulled off with “A ...

Blake Shelton and Noah Cyrus standing side by side with microphones, performing their new country duet together.

Noah Cyrus Teams Up With Blake Shelton for New Country Duet and Fans Are Loving It

Sometimes country music needs a little shot of something wild, and Noah Cyrus just poured it straight into Blake Shelton’s glass. It’s not every day you see the Voice coach ...

George Strait performing on stage with his guitar and cowboy hat, pictured at a previous event not related to the upcoming Strait From the Heart benefit concert.

George Strait Will Play “Strait to the Heart” Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Flood Victims

Some kings wear crowns, some kings wear boots, and show up when the water’s rising. George Strait, the King of Country himself, is stepping up once again for the people ...

Blake Shelton smiles on stage with guitar and mic during Vegas show, putting his own spin on George Strait’s classic.

Blake Shelton Nails George Strait Classic With His Own Spin on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”

Sometimes you don’t mess with a George Strait classic, unless you’re Blake Shelton standing under the Vegas lights with a grin that says you’re about to pay tribute and stir ...

Dolly Parton smiles during Khloé podcast interview, sitting by mic and lamp as she shares why she won't stop sharing faith.

Dolly Parton Says People Tell Her To Stop Talking About Her Faith But She Won’t Listen

If there’s one thing you can count on Dolly Parton for, it’s that she’ll say exactly what’s on her heart and not give a single rhinestone what anyone thinks. In ...

Little Mississippi boy in plaid shirt smiles at mic during preschool graduation where he recited New Testament books and sang a George Strait classic.

4-Year-Old Boy Recites New Testament Books Then Belts Out ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’

If there’s ever been a preschool graduation that screams “God bless the South,” this is it. Somewhere in Mississippi, a four-year-old kid just made the entire congregation beam with pride ...

Young George Strait smiling on stage playing guitar in 1987 when “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” hit No. 1 and proved he ran country.

On This Day in 1987, George Strait Hit No. 1 with ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’ and Proved He Ran Country

Sometimes a song just cements your throne forever, and for George Strait, it was a little tongue-in-cheek love letter that made every Texan proud to claim him as their king. ...

Scotty McCreery with his wife and both grandmothers, who he revealed passed away hours apart in a heartbreaking double loss.

Scotty McCreery Reveals Both His Grandmothers Died Hours Apart in Heartbreaking Double Loss

You just don’t see some country heartbreaks coming, and this one hit Scotty McCreery straight in the soul. This week, the North Carolina native and Opry favorite shared the gut-wrenching ...

Brooks & Dunn performing on stage together, fitting their story about admitting they struggled to get along for years.

Brooks and Dunn Admit They Struggled to Get Along for Years and Tried to Blow It Real Hard

Country music’s greatest duo was basically a bar fight waiting to happen. When Brooks & Dunn stormed out of the gate with “Brand New Man” in 1991, it looked like ...

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian smiling outdoors, not taken when she spoke about feeling hated after their affair scandal.

LeAnn Rimes Says So Many Women Hated Her After Affair With Eddie Cibrian and She Felt Like a Target

Ain’t every country ballad pretty, and LeAnn Rimes knows her verse is messy as hell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) Back in ...