Don Williams – “If Hollywood Don’t Need You (Honey I Still Do)”: The Gentle Giant’s Enduring Promise of Home
Oh, how the years fly by. It seems like only yesterday that we first heard the unmistakable, velvet baritone of Don Williams deliver this gentle, profound message of enduring love and steadfast devotion. Released in November 1982 as the third single from his album Listen to the Radio, “If Hollywood Don’t Need You (Honey I Still Do)” wasn’t just another hit; it was a comforting hand on the shoulder for anyone who’s ever chased a dream far from home, or for those who waited patiently for them to return. The single soared straight to the top of the charts, becoming Williams’ thirteenth number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it reigned for a week and stayed for twelve, solidifying his status as “The Gentle Giant” of country music.
The song’s genius lies in its simplicity and sincerity, a trademark of the brilliant songwriter Bob McDill, who penned this gem. It’s presented as a phone call—or perhaps a long-overdue letter—from a man back home to his beloved, who has ventured out to California, chasing the elusive, dazzling light of show business. This isn’t a story of bitter resentment or heartbroken pleading; it’s an acknowledgement of a yearning for something more, balanced with the quiet, unwavering truth of where real love resides. The narrator, in his humble, grounded way, speaks of the unchanging rhythm of life back on the farm: “It snowed today, it’s cold here for November,” and driving the truck to Amarillo. These details paint a picture of a world moving slowly, deliberately, a calming contrast to the relentless pace and fickle nature of the ‘big time.’
What truly makes this song a classic, especially for those of us who remember the era well, is its heart-tugging humility. The singer is fully supportive of his partner’s ambition: “Well, I hope you make the big time, I hope your dreams come true.” Yet, there’s the poignant core of the message, the reassurance that transcends fame and fortune: “But if Hollywood don’t need you, honey, I still do.” It’s a testament to a deep, unconditional love that doesn’t demand success but only wants the well-being and presence of the loved one. It whispers the quiet truth that there is more value in being cherished by one person than being idolized by millions.
And who could forget that wonderful, slightly humorous touch that anchors the song firmly in the pop culture of the time? The narrator asks his sweetheart to pass on a message: “Oh, and if you see Burt Reynolds, would you shake his hand for me / And tell ol’ Burt I’ve seen all his movies.” This seemingly throwaway line is actually a masterful stroke of writing. It instantly grounds the character—a good ol’ boy with simple tastes and a deep admiration for a movie star who, incidentally, was a friend and former co-star of Don Williams himself in the 1975 film W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings. This personal aside makes the narrator feel incredibly real and approachable, adding layers of authenticity and warmth to the track.
Listening to Don Williams deliver these lines today, after his passing in 2017, evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. His music, much like this particular song, was an anchor in a turbulent world. He never needed flashy theatrics; his voice alone carried the weight of experience, compassion, and sincerity. “If Hollywood Don’t Need You” is more than a country song; it’s a timeless philosophical query dressed in a simple melody. It reminds us all that while the bright lights of our grandest dreams might call to us, the most meaningful embrace is often found in the quiet, unchanging corner of the world where we are truly, unequivocally loved. It’s a sweet, enduring memory of a time when a simple promise was as good as gold.