I Saw the Light (Hank Williams song)

"I Saw the Light" is a 1948 Gospel song written and first performed by Hank Williams, not to be confused with the hit song by Todd Rundgren or the #1 country hit by Wynonna Judd. With poetic lyrics, such as "I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin/I wouldn't let my dear Savior in," the song was written about Williams' religious convictions despite his alcoholic vices. Though the song was not a commercial success upon its first release, it has become one of the songs most closely tied to Williams' career. Since its release, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Acuff (1948), Bobby Bare (1966), Merle Haggard (1971), Etta James (2001), Bill Monroe (1958),Jerry Reed, Willie Nelson (1979), The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (1972), Earl Scruggs (1972), Hank Williams, Jr. (1969), The The (1995), Johnny Cash (In a Columbo episode), and David Crowder Band (2005). This page featuring the 2003 recording by The Rosinators includes the lyrics and more about the history of the song.