10 Covers Of Hank Williams’ “I Saw The Light”
Paul Natkin / Contributor / Getty Images, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Released in 1948, “I Saw the Light” quickly became one of Hank Williams’ signature songs, resonating with audiences across generations with its simple yet profound message.
The song’s narrative follows a journey of personal revelation, as the protagonist finds solace and salvation in the embrace of divine grace. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “I Saw the Light” exudes a sense of joy and liberation, inviting listeners to join in the celebration of newfound faith and hope.
At its core, “I Saw the Light” is a testament to the universal human experience of seeking meaning and transcendence amidst life’s trials and tribulations. Through its timeless lyrics and soul-stirring melody, the song continues to inspire countless individuals to find solace in the promise of redemption and the enduring power of belief.
Whether performed in a smoky honky-tonk bar or a grand concert hall, “I Saw the Light” remains a cherished anthem of faith and spiritual renewal, reminding us all of the transformative journey toward enlightenment and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.
Hank Williams recorded “I Saw The Light” on April 21, 1947, so to celebrate we compiled a list of the best covers of his iconic song. Take a look below.
Hank Williams Jr.
It comes as a surprise to no one that Hank’s only son., Hank Williams Jr., performed this song. In fact, he did so many times! It was hard to choose just one version to share with y’all!
Hilary, Holly, and Sam Williams
Hilary, Holly, and Sam are three of Hank Jr’s children, and they said that “I Saw The Light” is their favorite song of their grandfather’s. We loved hearing them sing it together!
Arlo Coleman
View this post on Instagram
Arlo Coleman is Hank’s great-grandson, as he is Holly Williams’ son. She took her children to visit the gravesite of her grandparents, Hank and Audrey Williams, so it was the perfect time for the little guy to pay tribute to his great-grandfather.
Josh Turner
While introducing the cover, Turner revealed he actually won a Dove Award for his cover of “I Saw The Light.” Even though he stays true to the classic, he does somehow make it his own.
Scotty McCreery
In 2017, the American Idol winner joined Steven Curtis Chapman at an event called Sam Place: Music For The Spirit. It was a benefit concert where all the money went towards Chapman’s non-profit, Show Hope. There, McCreery and Chapman joined forces for an incredible rendition of “I Saw The Light.”
Jamey Johnson
At farm Aid 25, which took place in 2010, Jamey Johnson used part of his set to honor Hank Williams with a cover of “I Saw The Light” for the seemingly endless rows of fans at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on that October day.
Lukas Nelson
View this post on Instagram
Willie Nelson’s son Lukas Nelson often pays tribute to the iconic singers who came before him, including his dad and his dad’s friends, like Waylon Jennings. Here, he paid tribute to Hank Williams!
Mason Ramsey
Mason Ramsey went viral in 2018 when a video of him singing Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” in Walmart went viral. He took advantage of his viral fame and released a bunch of music, including a song written by Tyler Hubbard. He also released a music video for “I Saw The Light” at a church that his grandfather helped build.
Willie Nelson
1992’s Farm Aid took place in Irving, Texas, and during Willie Nelson’s set that year, he performed “I Saw The Light” with lots of help from folks like the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, a church choir, his sister Bobbie, and many more.
Tom Hiddleston
In 2016, Tom Hiddleston played Hank Williams in a biopic titled I Saw The Light. He did all the singing and guitar playing himself. While promoting the film, he performed the titular song on BBC Radio live. Watch it here!
Which “I Saw The Light” cover was your favorite? Let us know!
