HANK WILLIAMS – The Battle of Armageddon

“The Battle of Armageddon” is a hymn written by Roy Acuff and Odell McLeod. It warns of the coming Judgment Day and references the Book of Revelation. The song became associated with Hank Williams when MGM Records released it as a posthumous single. Between January and May 1949, Williams had pre-recorded early morning radio shows for Johnnie Fair Syrup, and MGM issued several songs from the surviving acetates as singles to satisfy the unyielding demand product by the late country singer, who was quickly becoming a mythic figure in country music. Co-writer Roy Acuff had been a primary influence on Williams’ music. Williams pronounces “Armageddon” as “Am-be-gotten” and usually ignored his producer Fred Rose’s demands that he enunciate his words with more sophistication.

There’s a mighty battle coming and it’s well now on its way It’ll be fought at Armageddon, it shall be a sad, sad day In the Book of Revelation, words in chapter sixteen say There’ll be gathered there great armies for that battle on that day

All the way from the gates of Eden to the Battle of Armageddon There’s been troubles and tribulation, there’ll be sorrow and despair He has said “Be ye not troubled for these things shall come to pass.” Then your life will be eternal when you dwell with Him at last

Turn the pages of your Bible, in St. Matthew you will see Start with chapter twenty-four and read from one to thirty-three In our Savior’s blessed words He said on earth, He prophesised For He spoke of this great battle that is coming by and by

All the way from the gates of Eden to the Battle of Armageddon There’s been troubles and tribulation, there’ll be sorrow and despair He has said “Be ye not troubled for these things shall come to pass.” Then your life will be eternal when you dwell with Him at last

There’ll be nation against nation, there’ll be war and rumor of war There’ll be great signs in Heaven, in the sun, the moon, the stars Oh, the hearts of men shall fail them, there’ll be gnashing of the teeth Those who seek it will receive it, mercy at the Savior’s feet