About The Song
“I’d Still Want You” is one of Hank Williams’ lesser-known tracks, but it’s one that gives listeners a glimpse into the heart of a man whose personal struggles were often reflected in his music. Released in 1952 as part of the album “Moanin’ the Blues,” the song speaks to the enduring, sometimes painful, nature of love. Williams’ career was defined by a blend of personal turmoil and profound musical talent, and this song is no exception, capturing the conflict between heartache and devotion in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
In many ways, this song reveals something that’s often overlooked about Hank Williams: his vulnerability. His life was a storm of highs and lows, from his rise to fame to his battles with addiction, and this track touches on that deep sense of emotional struggle. “I’d Still Want You” isn’t just a love song—it’s about loyalty that doesn’t fade, even in the face of hardship. Williams’ ability to express this raw feeling was one of the reasons why his music resonated so deeply with his fans. Many of them saw him not just as a performer, but as someone who understood their pain, their joy, and the complexity of human relationships.
The song came at a difficult time for Williams, just a year before his tragic death at the age of 29. Despite his deteriorating health, which was marked by his struggles with alcohol and painkiller addiction, he continued to produce music that would solidify his place in the pantheon of country music legends. “I’d Still Want You” is often overlooked compared to some of his other massive hits, but it carries with it the same sense of honesty and emotion that made songs like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” iconic.
What’s fascinating about “I’d Still Want You” is that it represents Williams at a crossroads. He was in the midst of a turbulent relationship with his wife, Audrey, and his personal life was constantly at odds with his public persona. The song seems to echo that duality: the tender yearning for love, while also acknowledging the pain that comes with it. It was a theme Williams explored throughout his career, and this track is no different. The way he sang about love—both the joy and the sorrow—became the soundtrack to the lives of many working-class Americans who saw their own struggles reflected in his music.
Even though the song didn’t make it to the top of the Billboard charts, it found its place in the hearts of country music fans. Williams’ reputation for crafting songs that were both deeply personal and widely relatable was cemented by tracks like this one. People who listened to him knew he was speaking to them, even if the world around him seemed to be falling apart. His authenticity as an artist was what set him apart, and “I’d Still Want You” is a perfect example of that. It shows us a man who, despite everything, could still express a love that was unwavering.
In the years following Williams’ death, songs like “I’d Still Want You” became part of the lore surrounding him. His music continued to grow in stature, influencing generations of musicians who looked to Williams as a beacon of both artistic greatness and personal tragedy. For those who know the song, it remains a testament to the complexity of love and the fragility of life, themes that Williams captured better than anyone.
Video
Lyric
I could shame you ’til you hide your face
And drag you right down in disgrace
But what good would it do
I know I’d still want youI could tell the world you’re doin’ wrong
That I was stringin’ you along
And if it all were true
I know I’d still want youThe world with me might sympathize
When I got thru with all my lies
But I’d be just as blue
‘Cause my heart would still want you-ooo-oo
Cry, oh, LordI could tell my friends I threw you down
And slander your name all over town
But what good would it do
I know I’d still want youIf I said I’m happy to be free
The only one I’d fool is me
Because it isn’t true
I know I’d still want youWhat’s the use to say that you’re no good
When I’d crawl back if I could
No matter what you do
I know I’d still want you-ooo-oo
Cry, oh, LordI could smIle and say that I don’t care
And then go home and pull my hair
But what good would it do
I know I’d still want youI could say that someone put me wise
And get revenge by telling lies
But when I got all thru
I know I’d still want youIf the things I said was to break your heart
I’d be the first to take your part
‘Cause if all these lies were true
I know I’d still want you-oooo-oo
Cry, oh, Lord