“Why Don’t You Love Me“ is a song by American singer / songwriter Hank Williams….as the song reached # 1 on the U.S. Country & Western chart….which was released as a single in 1950 with the B-side being “A House Without Love”.
Like his previous hits “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)” and “I Just Don’t Like This Kind of Living” ….“Why Don’t You Love Me” was likely inspired by Hank’s turbulent relationship with his wife Audrey Williams. However, the song is more lighthearted in nature….with the narrator admonishing himself while expressing “I’m the same old trouble you’ve always been through”….and became Williams’ third # 1 country hit. The tune was recorded in Nashville at Castle Studio….with Fred Rose producing it on January 9, 1950….and featured Jerry Rivers on fiddle, Don Helms on steel guitar, Bob McNett on lead guitar, Jack Shook on rhythm guitar and Ernie Newton on bass….as it is set in common time composed in a moderate tempo with a main key of F major with a basic sequence of F–C7–B♭ as its chord progression.
This song was recorded by many great singers and musicians….including George Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Moe Bandy, Connie Smith, Elvis Costello, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Secret Sisters, Tom Jones, My Metal Jacket and Van Morrison….just to name a few. “Why Don’t You Love Me” was featured over the closing credits of the film The Last Picture Show.
