About The Song
Hank Williams’ Howlin’ At The Moon: A Classic Honky-Tonk Romp with a Deeper Bite
Hank Williams, the iconic figure of country music’s golden age, was known for his heartfelt ballads of heartbreak and loss. But he also had a playful side, a mischievous streak that often found its way into his uptempo honky-tonk numbers. “Howlin’ At The Moon” is a prime example of this lighter side, a rollicking tune that celebrates the giddy joy of love and the wild abandon that comes with it.
Released in 1951, the song quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its infectious energy and Williams’ signature vocal delivery. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man head over heels in love, so smitten that he’s practically lost his mind. He can’t think straight, he can’t even spell his own name, and he’s doing all sorts of silly things, like trying to eat steak with a spoon. It’s a lighthearted, humorous look at the intoxicating power of love.
But beneath the surface, there’s a deeper layer to the song. Williams’ voice, while playful and energetic, also carries a hint of desperation. The howls and yodels that punctuate the verses suggest a man who’s not just happy, but also a little bit wild, a little bit out of control. It’s as if he’s so overwhelmed by his emotions that he can’t help but howl at the moon.
This duality is what makes “Howlin’ At The Moon” such a compelling song. It’s both a celebration of love and an acknowledgment of its potential to drive us to the brink of madness. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of being swept away by passion, of losing ourselves in the thrill of the moment.
For fans of classic country music, “Howlin’ At The Moon” is a must-listen. It’s a reminder of Hank Williams’ incredible talent and versatility, his ability to capture the full spectrum of human emotion in his music. It’s a song that will make you tap your feet, sing along, and maybe even howl at the moon yourself.