schlange - Posted - 12/19/2014:  16:45:33

Hank Williams

This week we're featuring a well-known Gospel tune written by Hank Williams, released 1948. Often used the song to close his shows, this became one of Williams' most well-known songs.

This is one of my personal favorites to bring into a jam setting, because pretty much everyone there knows the chorus and the chords are so simple. Plus, I like Gospel tunes!

"I Saw the Light" has been covered by various artists over the years including Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Etta James, Big Mon, Willie Nelson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Earl Scruggs, Johnny Cash, and others.

Typically played in G, although you'll hear it up in the A or B range on some recordings (and down in F when Johnny Cash does it!)

Lyrics:

I wandered so aimless life filled with sin

I wouldn't let my dear savior in

Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

Praise the Lord I saw the light

I saw the light I saw the light

No more darkness no more night

Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord I saw the light

Just like a blind man I wandered along

Worries and fears I claimed for my own

Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight

Praise the Lord I saw the light

I was a fool to wander and stray

Straight is the gate and narrow the way

Now I have traded the wrong for the right

Praise the Lord I saw the light

Learn the Tune:

• Hear it using the GrooveShark playlist to the right.


• We have a low break lesson from Murphy Henry, and a high break lesson from Casey Henry available. Only $6 thru 12/29!


• Backing Tracks: Band in a Box tracks are included below at various speeds for your practicing pleasure.


• Tabs: lots in the BHO tab archive, including a good one from Jack Baker.

Share!

I (and others) would love to hear (and see!) you play your version of this tune--post it in a reply below!

I Saw the Light Backing Track (G) 75BPM	I Saw the Light Backing Track (G) 95BPM	I Saw the Light Backing Track (G) 115BPM	VIDEO: The Gospel Plowboys - I Saw the Light (Blue Ridge Music Center (click to view)
VIDEO: I Saw The Light-Hank Williams (click to view)	I Saw the Light chords

Rick McKeon - Posted - 12/19/2014:  17:20:14

Here's my take on it: youtube.com/watch?v=SsN6-d7gK3E

Rick

RB4picker - Posted - 12/19/2014:  18:43:36

Hey Eric, you're backing tracks are label "I'll Fly Away".

David

schlange - Posted - 12/20/2014:  08:00:47

quote:

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Originally posted by RB4picker

Hey Eric, you're backing tracks are label "I'll Fly Away".

David

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Fixed!