First Time Hearing Hank Williams Jr Family Tradition (Reaction!!) 

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A “honky tonk” is a traditional country dive bar. Good times sometimes.

His daddy is Hang Willians Sr. Hank Jr. started out young singing like his dad. Once he fell down that mountain and almost died, he changed his songs to sing the way he wanted to...and we are so glad he did.

His daddy was a country superstar in the old days and drank himself to death by the age of 29 but he made a massive impression on the world and influenced country music all the way through today. He had so many hits in his very short recording lifetime. And what little video I've seen of him he is just so magnetic. And his songs are wonderful and he has tons of them. And he could yodel really well as well. And he was funny as hell! You can hear it in his songs. But he also has some really poignant beautiful beautiful songs. And some of them are so haunting. He was a master of country music, no doubt.

Hank Jr, glad you like his music, I do too. He also has as a survivor story. In 1975 he went to climb a snowy Ajax Peak in Montana when he slipped and fell a terrifying 500 feet. It wasn't the fall's distance that was life-threatening, but the fact that he hit a boulder face first. It took the country icon two years of plastic surgery to get back to normal.

The laying down guitar is called the " electric slide guitar " makes a definite unique sound. Can't have country music without it. Like the bass with the blues.

When hank Jr. sings this song, he refers to his Daddy......Hank Williams Sr.was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, he recorded 55 singles that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 12 that reached No. 1. Wikipedia Born: September 17, 1923, Mount Olive, AL Died: January 1, 1953, Oak Hill, WV....Author Colin Escott concluded in his book Hank Williams: The Biography that the cause of death was heart failure caused by the combination of alcohol, morphine and chloral hydrate, died at age 29........

I don’t know if other people have mentioned it but Hank Jr’s nickname is Bocephus, So if you hear other country singers mention his name like that in a song, they are certainly referring to Hank Junior. One of those songs would be titled “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson. Youwould love that one. That girl can rock out a country song!

Hank is super talented, he plays upwards towards 20 instruments. During the 80’s he cranked out an album every 6-9 months. All of them went gold, and a big chunk going multi platinum. This is an audience participation song in most bars. Why do you drink? (Audience)’ to get drunk”, Why do you roll smoke? “To get stoned”, Why must you live out the songs that you wrote? “To get laid”. At this point in life I could probably play this in my sleep…….on multiple instruments.

I taught my daughter to listen to all genres of music. She pulled up to the gate when stationed at GITMO blasting Frank Sinatra and the older gate guard just shook his head saying, he'd never had anyone pull up "blasting ole blue eyes before"! Didn't even say anything about her music being too loud when not supposed to have it on when pulling into the area...

Why do you drink? To get drunk Why do you roll smoke? To get stoned Why do you write the songs that you wrote? To get laid! No one who knows the song can sing without the response. Great bar song!

A honky-tonk is both a bar that provides country music for the entertainment of its patrons and the style of music played in such establishments

I'm not a huge country fan either, but Hank Jr. is absolute FIRE. I love Hank Jr.

The laid down guitar is called a steel guitar.It is finger picked vs strummed.There is a phrase in the good country storytelling described as 3 chords and the truth.Embrace the funny through the gut wrenching.All of it happens in life.

I love how he called the doctor "sawbones". F*ing hilarious!!

Being able to step out of your comfort zone and understand different perspectives of others is crucial to continuing growth as a human. I'm proud of you for being "vulnerable and open enough" to do so! Tools ref; in case that wasn't enough, lol. Country for me tends to be relatable in two ways. Experience at the time had while the music is playing and the connection to the story told. Keep it up bud. You are there!

Hank Williams Jr,....On August 8, 1975, Williams was nearly killed in a mountain-climbing accident in southwestern Montana. While climbing Ajax Peak on the continental divide (Idaho border) west of Jackson, the snow beneath him collapsed and he fell almost 500 feet (150 m) onto rock; he suffered multiple skull and facial fractures.

He’s speaking about his family/father. He’s just following in his legend of a father’s footsteps. You need to hear it with a live audience that responds. It’s so much fun!!!

Love some country! George Strait "all my exes live in Texas' is a great classic.

Hank Jr has tons of great bar songs! There is alot of good country out there, old and new. I went away from country for a while, but have begun listening to it more and more. Some good ones: Lady by Kenny Rogers Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton live God's Country by Blake Shelton Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldeen Rumor by Lee Brice And many more, but that's a few to get you started! That guitar you're talking about is called a steel guitar and was played heavily in country and bluegrass because it gives that true twangy sound, almost organ-like guitar sound, that you don't get with a standard guitar. It's a lost art. Not many people can play one anymore.

I used to have every album Hank Jr. ever did, love him! You're reaction is hilarious 🤣🤣🤣 I love seeing you enjoy this music, glad you do!

This song came out in 1979. Every country fan today knows it or knows of it. It has been referenced in a dozen or so country songs every year for the last 43 years. When Hank sings this in concert or when it's played by a cover band or a juke box in anywhere USA today, everyone sings along and when the singers says "Hank why do you drink?", everyone sings "to get drunk" and when the singer says "why do you smoke?", everyone sings "to get stoned". And I mean everybody for 43 years and running. This is one of the all-time classics. HARDY just released a new album last Friday. He references Family Tradition in one of the songs; and it was probably referenced in three or more radio singles in 2022 just like every year.

Classic goodie from HWJ for sure! You should also react to George Thorogood & The Destroyers - “One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer” if you haven’t heard it before. It’s another awesome tune with funny lyrics.

This song just makes you want to sing along with it!

polo thats a steel guitar it sounds so sweet my dad had a band and he played this song so many times he could get down with it he has even played back up for patsy cline when she was in iowa .where i am from and who the hell cares what your playing in your car love your watching this i am 73 yrs old thank you

It is the stories and the lessons. So cool that you checked it out.

I got to see Hank live with Chris Stapleton at DTE in Detroit, that was 5+ years ago and I've never been to a better concert in my life. Love seeing someone step out of their comfort zone so often, much respect for that! Edit: Also just got to the part where you said you dont know what a HonkyTonk is a common slang word for a bar that plays country music, often "Dive-y" type bars

"All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight" another funny one from -- Hank 🙂

That laying down guitar is called a steel guitar or electric slide guitar, also a honky tonk is a country bar! FABULOUS reaction young man!

LOVE IT ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

One thing about Hank he is real! Gotta love him.

You are correct this is one of them the whole bar starts singing when it's played. In this manner honky tonk means the local bar the drinking spot. That's a steel guitar you're referring to it does make a different type of sound then a normal guitar

I love watching your videos. You seem real chill. I have to laugh because you seem really surprised when you actually like the Ole school songs.

Classic Hank right here

The older I get, the more I appreciate the stories in country music. And sadly, the more I can relate to them, lol. You’d love “You Never Even Call Me By My Name” by David Allen Coe, if you love this. Also, “It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night,” by the Notorious Cherry Bombs.

This song just makes you want to sing along with it!!

Speaking of really hilarious Hank Jr. songs, and by the way he also is affectionately known as Bocephus, check out his hilarious jukebox song, Attitude Adjustment. You will laugh your ass off and it really is a fun rowdy song in kind of an older style.

Been listening to hank jr for a while my family always giving me the side eyes for listening to this jam awesome song glad you found it🤘

I love country that’s why they say bey is not country we all got that country twine in our voices

Horizontal Guitar is an Electric Pedal Steel Guitar. Some older folks call it a Hawaiian steel guitar, or a slide guitar because of the steel bar they use to bar the chords and slide around on the strings. Some are called lap slide guitar that are sit in your lap when you sit. Some regular guitars are setup with a high action that they hold like a regular guitar but are setup to play with a slide, typically a steel or glass on their finger. It gives that twangy sound that’s iconic to country music and old Hawaiian music I think from like the 40s or 50s era.

I really appreciate and enjoy your reactions to the music that I grew up on. When my children were growing up, I taught them to have an appreciation for all music genres.

Made my night. Thank you sir!

I was waiting for this!! Always love your country reactions 💖🦋

Mr Polo - your laughter was so "right on, man". I grew up in Alberta with this old classic country music on the radio - my Dad's favourite genre. So later in life, if I felt depressed, I'd turn the dial to find some ol' song where the verses/lyrics were like this song - ie - my truck got stuck, my dog died, my girl left me... and soon enough I'd laugh out loud, just like you did! Life happens & it's always a choice how we react, eh? Or maybe it's the juxtaposition of the simple joy-filled rhythm with the mournful predictability-silliness of the lyrics, but it sure used to put my life in a better perspective. Thanks so much for the joy you bring all of us with your reactions. Currently your channel is my favourite Saturday night entertainment. Blessings, from Canada.

Country music is all about having a good time…. Love it

Love it, great song

Hank Williams Jr. has so many great songs. You need to listen to Merle Haggard too... His songs have great stories too.

IDK if they do this everywhere, but here in Nashville- when Bocephus sings Why do you drink- you SCREAM at the top of your lungs- TO GET DRUNK, then-why do you roll smoke- TO GET HIGH, why must you live out the songs that you wrote-TO GET LAID!!!!! So much fun 😂

So glad you've decided to "change your direction " ! Such good music. I worked with Hank many times. He would love your take on him and your decision to expand into different music genre. Good for you bro!

Thank you for being so diverse in music. My dad was from Oklahoma but I grew up in California. I love country, hip-hop, rap, EDM..all of it!

Comedy, biography and music all rolled into one...

Dude's killin it on that steel guitar. That's the flat one you're talking about. Not to be confused with a dobro guitar, which is a more traditional looking guitar, but is generally played laying across your lap. When he sings about Jim Beam trying to kill him in 1973, i believe he is referring to a time when he was drunk and fell off the side of a mountain. Damn near died. He has had a beard ever since to cover some bad scarring that's on his face as a result of that fall.

POLO, I already mentioned that I'm not a big "Country Music" fan, but more of a "Bluegrass Music" fan. Prob because of the emphasis on instruments like the Banjo 🪕, Violin 🎻, 6 ft Bass, etc... However, this song is a Classic and more importantly, enjoyable. Nice reaction man 👍🔥 Not sure if he even is a Country Music fan....I can Definitely See 👀 this song being on Comedian Bill Burrs Prius Playlist 🙂

Hank jr is my favorite love love love him

the guitar on the knee is " pedal steel guitar " . Most country bands or songs have this.

The GOAT, and only artist to ever hav 9 LPS in the billboards top 50 at one time

😁🤣😍😍😍😍love Hank Jr..l love the song..❤️

When Hank Jr. started out he sang his dad's style, but that wasn't him . That's the reference to changing direction. This is a true story for him. HE WAS HIKING AND HE FELL OFF THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN. THAT'S WHY THE BEARD AND GLASSES TO HIDE HIS SCARS. One of the hallmarks of the pedal steel sound is the “weeping” volume swell, heard on countless country ballads from the late ’50s to the late ’90s and beyond. It originated in the Hawaiian Islands about 1885, popularized by an Oahu youth named Joseph Kekuku, who became known for playing a traditional guitar by laying it across his lap and sliding a piece of metal against the strings to change the pitch.

Polo…you are killing these reactions. Love Seeing this and you.

This song was sort of biographical. Early in his career, Hank performed his Dad's songs. When he went his own way with his music, a lot of the traditional country music community was critical of him. In that context, Hank had a response in this song.

I am loving that YOU love this music!!

This is one of his life stories. He lived it and then sings it to us...

This made me happy! Thank you for that.

It’s a Steel Guitar. I’m watching your reaction and the smile on your face it’s just touching my heart.

The guitar you ask about is called a Steel Guitar. You will find most country bands have a Steel Guitar and a Violin (fiddle). While not played on every country song most country artists use one or both often.

That’s a steel guitar. It’s played more like a slide guitar, but it is very much it’s own instrument. There’s also foot pedals that allow for bending of the tones. It’s has a distinctive sound from a guitar. For a non-country more funk use see Robert Randolph and the Family Band. They had a big hit in the 90’s with More Love. Great live band.

He can play anything ever made. He's a musical genius. Look it up

Most bars around where i live, we sing this song at the top of our lungs when its played

Great video! New fan of the pod. Would love the see George Jones ‘ who’s gonna fill their shoes’. George Jones names many historical singers and the this speaks to the future country signs who will entertain the masses and carry on tradition generationally.

One of the greatest of many great artists from Alabama, yes saaaa! ICON

With Jr. Playing. I learned about drinking. 4x4. Bonfires. Had a great time. Lifestyle. ❤

Have a shot of Jim Beam and a cold beer chaser and enjoy this down-home traditional country gem by the one and only Hank Jr! Hank Jr is the son of the famous Hank Williams. Hank jr lived a wild life for sure. He was severely injured in a skiing accident and need reconstructive surgery on his face which changed how he looks. He pressed on in spite of that. He is amazingly talented as far as playing the guitar and fiddle as well as having a great voice for Country music. Not much is more fun than hanging out at the old school bar with some buddies with some classic country playing - always a good time.

I've been a BIG fan of Hank Jr. for 45 years and I really love that you are enjoying his music so much!

.....the 'laying down guitar' is called a pedal steel guitar. It's played by sliding a polished steel bar along the strings to create the 'crying' sound that it makes. It uses pedals (and sometimes knee levers) to get the notes the player needs. The instrument often has 2 or 3 necks (tuned in various ways)..... 🤠

I am so glad you reacted to this song I didn't know!!

That line about Jim Beam and the ladies trying to kill him is straight bars!

Slide guitar across the knees. We used to call it a steel guitar.

In local bars(Honky Tonk bars) the chours is sung, ""Hank, why do you drink" crowd shouts ""TO GET DRUNK!!"". And when "Why do you roll smoke" the crowd shouts out ,"TOO GET HIGH!!". So it is a great bar song.

Your list of country singers that make you smile is getting longer.

Man there is ALLOT of good country wish we could hang drink some beers and listen to tunes I'd turn ya on to some of the greats love from Wisconsin brother

I like how Hank developed his own style. Everyone just wanted him to play his daddy's songs when he was young.

My personal Mount Rushmore of favorite artists are Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, and Alan Jackson. They all have a huge catalog of hits that span over the decades of their careers. With the exception of Hank Williams Sr, who passed very early in his career at the age of 29. He still had a ton of hits, and is arguably the most influential artist in the genre.

His daddy was famous as well .. knowing that and Hank Sr. History helps understand this song.

Hank was almost killed in 1975 when he fell off a mountain in Montana. He wears a beard to cover all the scars from the injuries from the fall. It took quite a while before he could sing again.

The song is about Hank's struggles to get away from his father, who died drunk in a Cadillac on the wat to a show. That's the first part and within the same lyrics he is critisizing the country music system that wants him to keep singing like his father. He's basically giving the industry the finger. Also interwoven in the tune is the time he actually fell off a mountain in, I think, Montana. So, after he got better he became an outlaw like his fellow musicians Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and others. The song is very darkly sarcastic .

There is so much good music out there I love so much of it. Music is what feelings sound like. This new music today just doesn't have the heat behind it.

Polo, the "laying down guitar" is called a steel 🎸. We country folks love the sound. You should check out Hank's Daddy, Hank Williams Sr. He died young but what a talent.

Dive bars are great!

Country uses a lot of Steel Guitars and Slide Guitar playing. It is the BEST and VERY country along with fiddles and banjos. 💜

Gotta do" I have rights" and " outlaw women" by Hank. 2 great songs you would enjoy! 🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥 Love your channel

I was fortunate enough to get to see this man in concert last summer. I'm not a huge country music fan but it was my mom's birthday and I thought... what the hell... i bought us tickets for her birthday and i didn't regret a second of it. He is a LOT older then he is here. But he puts on a fantastic show. And i got to see a legend before he leaves this world.

Others may have already mentioned it, but the horizontal instrument is a steel guitar. It's basically played almost the same as a slide guitar. They slide a metal bar up and down the string to change the notes, while using their thumb and fingers to pick the strings. There are other versions of the instrument that people play similarly in country and blues called a dobro. Or a lap guitar.

Hank Jr is very talented indeed, ge can walk aroung in a instrumental as ong is being played, & play every instrument in the band and Never miss a beat. I saw him do it Phoenix Arizona. Hes a Great musican/ singer/ songwriter! He does it all.❤️

The word play on “some slick’s tryin to give me friction” is genius.

Good Lord that Tele he's playing is gorgeous.

Bocephus! Rocking Randall, thanks fer sharing🌎

Just love your reaction to this song 🔥👏

I saw him play with Skynyrd Skynyrd in Chicago in the 70s Hank came out played harmonica with them on T for Texas they were great sound the same live as they do on their records. I was so 🍀 lucky

In concert when he sings why do you drink we yell to get drunk. When he sings why do you roll smoke we yell to get stoned!😂

Love me some Hank Jr. GREAT React!!! ❤❤