Cold, Cold Heart

song by Williams

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 19, 2026

Quick Summary

"Cold, Cold Heart" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1951. It became a major hit for Williams, reaching number one on the country charts. The song is known for its poignant lyrics about heartbreak and betrayal.1

Interestingly, the pop singer Tony Bennett also had a hit with his cover of "Cold, Cold Heart" in 1951, demonstrating the song's broad appeal beyond country music. Hank Williams, Sr. was a pivotal figure in country music, known for his raw emotional delivery and songwriting that resonated with a wide audience.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Hank Williams
…reaching number one, including “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” and “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive.” His extraordinary “Lost Highway” peaked at number 12.
Read More
…reaching number one, including “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” and “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive.” His extraordinary “Lost Highway” peaked at number 12.
Read More