About the Song
Toby Keith’s “Honkytonk U” is more than just a catchy country song; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his musical upbringing and a celebration of the down-home spirit of honky-tonks. Released in 2005 as the title track for his album of the same name, the song delves into Keith’s early experiences and the formative influence of those honky-tonk nights.
The opening lines paint a vivid picture: “Momma put me on a Greyhound and I went to stay with her in the summertime.” This simple image sets the stage for a journey back to Keith’s youth, spent soaking up the sights and sounds of his grandmother’s Arkansas nightclub.
The song isn’t just about nostalgia, though. Keith weaves a narrative that highlights the grit and determination that shaped him. Lines like, “Yes, I have sacked some quarterbacks and broke my share of bones along the way,” hint at his athletic past, while, “I started climbin’ drillin’ rig, I’m oil field trash and proud as I can be,” showcase his working-class background. These experiences instilled in him a work ethic and a connection to the blue-collar life that resonate throughout his music.
But the heart of “Honkytonk U” lies in the honky-tonk itself. The chorus, a joyous declaration, proclaims, “Honkytonk U / As good as I once was / She ain’t hooked on me no more / Big Blue Note / Just the guy to do it / She left me / Knock yourself out / You ain’t leavin’ (Thank God are ya).” These are all references to classic country songs and artists, forming a love letter to the genre that nurtured his musical aspirations.
“Honkytonk U” transcends mere autobiography. It captures the essence of the honky-tonk experience: a place for working folks to unwind, share stories, and lose themselves in the music. Keith’s voice, brimming with life and passion, embodies the spirit of these establishments, where dreams are chased and lessons are learned over a cold beer.
The song’s ending is a testament to the enduring power of the honky-tonk. Keith sings, “From New York City to a barroom brawl / As long as there’s a barstool worth climbin’ / And a stage in a honky-tonk / I’ll be there singin’ my song.” This declaration emphasizes his commitment to the music that shaped him, a reminder that the spirit of the honky-tonk lives on in his music.
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Lyrics: Honkytonk U
My grandmother owned a nightclub on the Arkansas-Oklahoma line
Momma put me on a greyhound, and I went
To stay with her in the summertime
I’d box up those empty long necks and stack’em in the back and make
A hand
Then at night she’d let me sneak out of the kitchen and sit in with the band
Yes, I have sacked some quarterbacks and broke my share of bones along the way
I knew it wouldn’t
Last forever, semi-pro always means semi-paid
I started climbin’ drillin’ rig, I’m oil field trash and
Proud as I can be
Then I took my songs and guitar and sang’em to a man from TennesseeI’ve played every beer joint tavern from New York city out to Pasadena
Every corn dog fair and rodeo
And sold out every basketball arena
I like to get down with my boys in Afghanistan and Baghdad city
Too
I am a red, white and blue blood graduate of honkytonk UA star can’t burn forever, and the brightest ones will someday lose their shine
But the glass wont
Ever be half empty in my optimistic mind
I’ll still have a song to sing and a band to turn it up and
Play it loud
As long as there’s a bar room with a corner stage and a honkytonk crowdI’ve played every beer joint tavern from New York city out to Pasadena
Every corn dog fair and rodeo
And sold out ever basketball arena
I like to get down with my boys in Afghanistan and Baghdad city
Too
Son I’m a red, white, and blue blood graduate of honkytonk U
That’s right a red, white, and blue
Blood graduate of honkytonk U