About The Song
Hank Williams was a master of crafting poignant and evocative music. His ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience is evident in nearly every song he recorded. One such powerful and haunting piece is “The Funeral,” a song that delves deep into the themes of mortality, loss, and the afterlife.
Released in 1950 under the pseudonym Luke the Drifter, “The Funeral” is a departure from Williams’ more upbeat and traditional country sound. The song’s somber tone and reflective lyrics set it apart from his other works. While it may not be as widely known as some of his other hits, “The Funeral” is a testament to Williams’ versatility as a songwriter and his ability to explore a wide range of emotions.
The lyrics of “The Funeral” are both poignant and thought-provoking. Williams paints a vivid picture of a funeral scene, filled with sorrow and contemplation. He explores themes of life, death, and the afterlife, offering a unique perspective on the human condition. The song’s simplicity and directness make it easy for listeners to connect with its universal themes.
Musically, “The Funeral” is a slow, mournful ballad. The sparse instrumentation and Williams’ haunting vocals create a somber atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics. The song’s simplicity allows the listener to focus on the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“The Funeral” is a testament to Williams’ ability to connect with his audience on a deep level. The song’s exploration of mortality and loss is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. While the subject matter may be somber, the song also offers a sense of hope and peace, suggesting that there is something greater than ourselves.
Why is this song still relevant today? Perhaps it’s the universality of its themes or the timeless nature of its message. Or maybe it’s simply the raw emotion and authenticity that Williams brings to his music. Whatever the reason, “The Funeral” is a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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Lyric
I was walking in Savannah past a church, decayed and dimWhen slowly through the window came a plaintive funeral hymnMy sympathy awakened and a wonder quickly grew‘Til I found myself environed in a little colored pewOut front a colored couple sat in sorrow nearly wildOn the altar was a casket and in the casket was a childI could picture him while living, curly hair protruding lipsI’d seen perhaps a thousand in my hurried southern tripsThen rose a sad, old colored preacher from his little wooden deskWith a manner sort of awkward and countenance grotesqueThe simplicity and shrewdness in his Ethiopian faceShowed the wisdom and the ignorance of a crushed, undying raceAnd he said, “Now don’t be weepin’ for this pretty bit of clayFor the little boy who lived there has done gone and run awayHe was doing very finely and he ‘ppreciates your loveBut his sho nough father wanted him in the big house up aboveThe Lord didn’t give you that baby, by no hundred thousand milesHe just think you need some sunshine and he lent it for a whileAnd he let you keep and love him ’til your hearts were bigger grownAnd these silver tears you’re shedding now, are just interest on the loanJust think my poor dear mourners creeping long on sorrow? s wayWhat a blessed picnic this here baby got todayYour good fathers and good mothers crowd the little fella roundIn the angels ‘tender garden of the big plantation groundAnd his eyes they brightly sparkle at the pretty things he viewBut a tear came and he whispered, “I want my parents too”Then the angel’s chief musicians teach that little boy a songSays if only they be faithful, they’ll soon be comin’ ‘longAnd so my poor dear mourners, let your hearts with Jesus restAnd don’t go to criticizn’ the one what knows the bestHe has give us many comforts He’s got the right to take awayTo the Lord be praised in glory, now and ever, let us pray