Introduction:
In 2019, Country music legend George Strait reignited the neon glow of dive bars and dance floors with his single, “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar”. The song, the lead-off track for his album Honky Tonk Time Machine, became an instant anthem for fans yearning for the classic sounds and atmosphere of the honky-tonk scene.
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” wasn’t just a single release; it marked a milestone for Strait. This marked the first music video he released in a decade, following “Living for the Night” in 2009. The video itself served as a love letter to the genre, featuring live concert footage that captured the energy and camaraderie that defines a night at the honky-tonk.
The song, co-written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait, and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of these iconic nightspots. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” paints a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and characters that populate these lively venues.
The opening lines set the scene: “Friday night it’s a given I’ll be in the car / Monday morning it’s a given G and dragon.” Strait’s signature smooth vocals weave a tale of neon lights, short skirts, dance floors filled with heartache and hope, and the inevitable “sleep it off in the car” come Monday morning.
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” wasn’t just a hit with fans; it resonated with critics as well. While it didn’t crack the top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it reached a respectable number 17, making it Strait’s first top 20 hit in several years.
The song’s legacy extends beyond chart success. It became a staple on Strait’s tours, a sing-along favorite that brought audiences together in celebration of the honky-tonk tradition. “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” served as a reminder of Strait’s enduring influence on the genre and his ability to connect with fans across generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned country music listener or a newcomer discovering the genre’s rich history, “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of these legendary nightspots. So crank up the volume, raise a glass, and let George Strait take you on a tour of the little honky tonk bars that keep the spirit of country music alive.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar”
Whiskey is the gasoline that lights the fire that burns the bridge
Ice creates the water that’s no longer runnin’ under it
Stool holds the fool that pours the whiskey on his broken heart
The cigarettes create the smoke that hides the lonesome in his eye
The jukebox plays Hank, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
The dance floor holds the folks trying to forget who they are
And that’s what happens in every little honky tonk barFriday night, it’s a given
I’ll be L-I-V-N, livin’
We’ll dance on the bar ’til we’re sleeping it off in the car
Monday morning, it’s a given
I’ll be D-R-A-G-N, draggin’
And that’s what happens in every little honky tonk barNeon lights flashin’ bright ’til you’re almost hypnotized
Waitress, short skirt, gets hit on by every guy
Comin’ and goin’, always rollin’ with the flow
Bartender pourin’ drinks, Código do a shot
You think you’re tall and bulletproof until somebody says you’re not
You step outside thinkin’ you’re gonna show ’em you are
And that’s what happens in every little honky tonk barFriday night, it’s a given
We’ll be L-I-V-N, livin’
We’ll dance on the bar ’til we’re sleeping it off in the car
Monday morning, it’s a given
We’ll be D-R-A-G-N, draggin’
And that’s what happens in every little honky tonk bar
Yeah that’s what happens in every little honky tonk barWhiskey is the gasoline that lights the fire that burns the bridge