“You Win Again” is a heartbreaking blues written by country singer Hank Williams in 1952. He recorded the song on the same year he wrote it, and the interesting part was the day he recorded the song. Williams cut the song a day after his divorce with Audrey Williams was finalized. Imagine how difficult it must have been to record a sad song, at the same time your divorce is finalized. It must be upsetting for Williams then.
Changes of the Song
Before the song was recorded, Hank Williams longtime producer, Fred Rose, changed some parts of the song. He changed the title, which was supposed to be “I Lose Again.” The new title sounds more catchy and more heartbreaking when you look at, don’t you agree?
Williams’ recording has reached number ten on the Billboard country chart.
Other Covers
All of Williams’ songs are mostly recorded by artists who admire him. After all, he’s a legend in country music, and many people look up to him. Some artists are known to cover his song “You Win Again” were Lefty Frizzell, George Jones, Ray Charles, Wanda Jackson, and more.
Charley Pride Version
One of the most notable versions of “You Win Again” is by the country artist Charley Pride. He released a tribute album for Williams in 1980 known as There’s a Little Bit of Hank in Me. He included famous songs recorded by Hank Williams in his album, and one of which is, of course, his song “You Win Again.” Pride released “Honky Tonk Blues” and “You Win Again” as singles from his album. Surprisingly, both hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Pride’s version is a bit different from Williams’. He didn’t keep the twanging honky tonk style of Williams. Instead, he sang in the way he usually sings, yet keeping the same tune of the song.
Check out Charley Pride’s top-charting cover of “You Win Again.”
Tags
Charley Pride, hank williams