Kaw-Liga
Hank Williams
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I'm a rolling stone, all alone and lost, For a life of sin, I have paid the cost. When I pass by, all the people say
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Written by: FRED ROSE, HANK WILLIAMS SR.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Kaw-Liga" was written by country music artist Hank Williams Sr. and his friend, Fred Rose. They wrote the song together in 1952.
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Inspired by a Native American ThemeThe song title "Kaw-Liga" refers to Kawliga, a wooden Indian. The story in the song is about a wooden statue of an Indian chief who falls in love with an "Indian maid over in the antique store" but doesn't ever express his feelings because he always remains stoic and wood-like.
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Posthumous SuccessUnfortunately, Hank Williams Sr. died on January 1, 1953, before the song was released. "Kaw-Liga" was released posthumously by his record label MGM Records in 1953.
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Chart PerformanceIt topped the country singles charts, where it stayed for an impressive 14 weeks.
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Notable Cover VersionsNumerous artists have covered "Kaw-Liga" since its original release. Notably, "Kaw-Liga" was covered by Roy Orbison, Charley Pride, and The Residents, and these versions have achieved their own levels of success.
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Unique SoundThe song is famous for its distinctive "Indian tom-tom rhythm," which is a beat that sounds like a drum being played, giving the song a unique sound.
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Influential Song"Kaw-Liga" is considered an influential song in the creation of what we now know as "outlaw country" — a subgenre of country music, which Hank Williams is often credited with helping to create.
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Inclusion in Music CompilationsThe track was released on the 1953 posthumous Williams album "I Saw the Light" and has since been included in various compilations, showcasing its enduring popularity.
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Fascination with CharacterThe story of 'Kaw-Liga' is thought to reflect Williams' own deep fascination and empathy with the character. Hank's feelings of being a stoic figure, unable or unwilling to express his true feelings, similar to the wooden indian character Kaw-Liga in the song, has allowed many to interpret the song as a metaphor for his own life.
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Song Legacy"Kaw-Liga" remains one of Hank Williams's most popular songs, maintaining its cultural significance in American history and continuing to be played on radio stations across the country.
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Citation
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"Kaw-Liga Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33120780/Hank+Williams/Kaw-Liga>.
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