About the song
“Hey, Good Lookin’” is a classic country song penned and recorded by Hank Williams in 1951, and it remains a significant milestone in the annals of American music. Renowned for its catchy melody and playful lyrics, the song was honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, and in 2003, CMT ranked it No. 19 on their list of the 100 Greatest Songs of Country Music.
The creation of “Hey, Good Lookin’” is a testament to Williams’s songwriting prowess and his knack for blending humor with romance. The song’s inspiration can be traced back to Cole Porter’s 1942 song of the same title, originally written for the Broadway musical *Something for the Boys*. However, Williams’s version transformed the concept, using double entendres and lively vernacular to deliver an engaging invitation: “How’s about cookin’ somethin’ up with me?” As the song progresses, the lyrics evolve from playful flirtation to promises of a committed relationship, culminating in lines such as “How’s about keepin’ steady company?” and “I’m gonna throw my date book over the fence.”
The song was recorded on March 16, 1951, at Castle Studio in Nashville, a session that also produced notable tracks like “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” and “Howlin’ at the Moon.” Williams was accompanied by his Drifting Cowboys band, which included notable members such as Jerry Rivers on fiddle and Don Helms on steel guitar. Despite its upbeat tempo and rock ‘n’ roll vibes, the rhythm of the song is grounded with a steppity-step piano, giving it a distinct, yet timeless sound.
Williams performed “Hey, Good Lookin’” on the *Kate Smith Evening Hour* on March 26, 1952, a performance that remains one of the few live film clips of the singer. Dressed in his iconic white cowboy suit adorned with musical notes, Williams exuded charisma and confidence, making a memorable impression in the burgeoning world of television.
The song has enjoyed numerous covers and adaptations over the decades. Notably, Jo Stafford and Frankie Laine’s duet version reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1951. Buckwheat Zydeco and Dwight Yoakam collaborated on a rendition for Buckwheat’s 1990 album *Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire*. In 1992, the Mavericks offered their own take, which peaked at No. 74 on the country charts. The song was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1993 film *Son in Law*, performed by Spike and C.C. DeVille.
One of the most prominent recent renditions came in 2004, when Jimmy Buffett covered the song for his *License to Chill* album. This version, featuring contributions from Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and George Strait, achieved notable success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. This version also came with a music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy and Stan Kellam.
“Hey, Good Lookin’” remains a quintessential part of Hank Williams’s legacy, a song that captures the charm and wit of one of country music’s greatest legends. Its enduring popularity and the variety of interpretations it has inspired underscore its place as a timeless classic in the genre.
Video
Lyrics
Say, hey, good-looking
Whatcha got cooking?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
Hey, sweet baby
Don’t you think maybe
We could find us a brand-new recipe?
I got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There’s soda pop and the dancin’ is free
So if you wanna have fun come along with me, see?
Hey, good-looking
Whatcha got cooking?
How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me?
I’m free and ready
So we can go steady
How’s about saving all your time for me?
No more looking
I know I’ve been tooken
How’s about keeping steady company?
I’m gonna throw my date-book over the fence
And find me one for five or ten cents
I’ll keep it ’til it’s covered with age
‘Cause I’m writing your name down on every page
Say, hey good-looking
Whatcha got cooking?
How’s about cooking something up with me?
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