About the song
“Honky Tonk Women” is one of the most iconic and enduring songs by the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, released in 1969. This track, with its infectious rhythm and unmistakable swagger, marked a significant moment in the band’s career. It was initially released as a single in July 1969, and later included in the album Let It Bleed—a record that would go on to be regarded as one of the band’s most important and influential works.
At its core, “Honky Tonk Women” is a lively, blues-infused rock song that reflects the gritty, rebellious spirit of the late 1960s. The song’s narrative revolves around a man’s encounter with a “honky tonk woman,” a figure who embodies the carefree, often wild lifestyle associated with dive bars and the working-class establishments known as honky tonks. The lyrics, which were penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, convey a raw, unapologetic tale of desire, indulgence, and the chaotic thrill of the honky tonk scene. This theme of love and lust, wrapped in a raucous, boozy atmosphere, encapsulated the energy and excess of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that was beginning to take hold in the late ’60s.
The song was recorded at the famous Olympic Studios in London, and features the unmistakable interplay between Mick Jagger’s sultry vocals and the bluesy, swinging instrumentation. One of the key features of “Honky Tonk Women” is its honky-tonk piano played by Nicky Hopkins, which gives the track its distinctive country-flavored edge. The rhythm section, driven by Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass, further enhances the song’s rollicking groove, making it one of the most danceable tracks in the Rolling Stones’ catalog. The instrumentation also blends seamlessly with Keith Richards’ electric guitar riff, which has since become one of the most recognizable in rock history.
Upon its release, “Honky Tonk Women” quickly became a massive hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it stayed for four weeks, and also topped the charts in the United Kingdom. It was a defining moment in The Rolling Stones’ career, as the band had already established themselves as one of the most important acts in rock, but this song solidified their position as the ultimate embodiment of rebellious, countercultural music.
The societal impact of “Honky Tonk Women” cannot be overstated. It arrived at a time when rock music was increasingly seen as a voice of rebellion and youthful defiance. The late 1960s were marked by political unrest, social upheaval, and a growing counterculture movement. In this climate, songs like “Honky Tonk Women” provided an outlet for those seeking an escape from the pressures of the world around them. The song, with its raucous energy and carefree attitude, became an anthem for freedom and living in the moment, which resonated deeply with a generation looking to push back against conventional norms.
Over the years, “Honky Tonk Women” has remained one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and performed tracks, capturing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll’s rebellious spirit. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its musical innovation but also in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, offering both an escape and an invitation to live life fully, without regret.
In conclusion, “Honky Tonk Women” is not just a song—it’s a cultural moment, a musical milestone, and a testament to the unparalleled energy and creativity of The Rolling Stones. Released in 1969 as part of their album Let It Bleed, this track encapsulated the spirit of its time while establishing itself as one of the band’s most timeless and influential hits. With its unforgettable riff, unforgettable chorus, and unforgettable swagger, “Honky Tonk Women” continues to be a defining anthem of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I met a gin-soaked barroom queen in Memphis
She tried to take me upstairs for a ride
She had to heave me right across her shoulder
‘Cause I just can’t seem to drink you off my mind[Chorus]
It’s the honky tonk women
That gimme, gimme, gimme the honky tonk blues[Verse 2]
I laid a divorcee in New York City
I had to put up some kind of a fight
The lady then she covered me in roses
She blew my nose and then she blew my mind[Chorus]
It’s the honky tonk women
That gimme, gimme, gimme the honky tonk blues[Verse 3]
Strollin’ on the boulevards of Paris
Naked as the day that I will die
The sailors, they’re so charming there in Paris
But I just don’t seem to sail you off my mind[Chorus]
It’s the honky tonk women
That gimme, gimme, gimme the honky tonk bluesIt’s the honky tonk women
That gimme, gimme, gimme the honky tonk blues