About the song
Kitty Wells’ “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a landmark song in the history of country music, both for its lyrical content and its impact on the genre. Released in 1952, the song was written by J.D. “Jay” Miller and became an instant hit, rising to number one on the Billboard Country & Western chart. This achievement made Kitty Wells the first female solo artist to reach the top of the country charts, breaking new ground for women in country music.
The song was a response to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life,” which lamented a woman’s unfaithfulness and blamed her for her own downfall. In “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” Wells flips the script, defending women and criticizing the double standards in society that often held women responsible for the breakdown of relationships. The song’s lyrics boldly state, “Too many times married men think they’re still single / That has caused many a good girl to go wrong.” This was a powerful statement at the time, and it resonated with many listeners, particularly women who felt their perspectives were finally being voiced in a popular song.
Wells’ recording was initially controversial, with some radio stations banning it for its candid lyrics. However, its popularity couldn’t be suppressed, and it went on to sell over a million copies, establishing Wells as the “Queen of Country Music.”
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” not only paved the way for future female artists but also challenged the traditional narratives in country music. Kitty Wells’ gentle yet assertive voice gave the song a timeless quality, making it a beloved classic that continues to be celebrated today. For many, this song is more than just a piece of music—it’s a declaration of independence and a call for fairness, wrapped in the familiar, heartfelt sounds of classic country.