I Saw the Light

“I Saw the Light” is a country gospel song written by Hank Williams. Williams was inspired to write the song while returning from a concert by a remark his mother made while they were arriving in Montgomery, Alabama.  Williams was inspired to write the song in January 1947 while returning from a show in Fort Deposit, Alabama. His mother, Lilly, drove him and the band back to Montgomery that night. As she was approaching the city, she spotted the lights of Dannelly Field Airport.  Williams, who slept inebriated in the backseat of the car, was roused by his mother, who told him “I just saw the light”, announcing to him that they were close to Montgomery. He wrote the first draft on January 26, 1947.  The lyrics and the melody by Williams closely resembled Albert E. Brumley’s “He Set Me Free”, published in 1939 and released in March 1941 by the Chuck Wagon Gang.  Biblical citations were used, including the Gospels of Matthew and John,  as well as excerpts from the First Epistle to the Thessalonians and Book of Revelation.  As Williams’ biographer Colin Escott astutely observes, while the melody and even some of the lyrics bear a passing resemblance to the earlier Brumley tune, “‘I Saw the Light’ wasn’t just ‘He Set Me Free’ with new lyrics, though. It was the prayer of the backslider, who lives in hope of redemption.”  He recorded the song during his first session for MGM Records, and released in September 1948. Williams’ version did not enjoy major success during its initial release, but eventually it became one of his most popular songs and the closing number for his live shows. Beginning of 4th quarter of Olle Miss football games the students  dance to “I Saw The Light” by the Pride of the South.  Why, I do not know.  If you do, please let me know.