Honky Tonk Woman
Albert King Lyrics
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An' on the street the summer sun did shine
The sweetest rose that ever grow in Memphis
I just can't seem to drink her off of my mind
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues
She's a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
I laid a divorce in New York City
An' had to pick myself out of a fight
Ladies, they all covered me with roses
She blew my nose an' then she blew my mind
Well, she's a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
She's a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
She's a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
She's a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
The lyrics of Albert King's "Honky Tonk Woman" tells the story of a man who met a gypsy barroom queen in Memphis, who he just can't seem to forget. The summer sun shone on the street where he met her, describing her as the sweetest rose that ever grew in Memphis. He then repeats the chorus, expressing his desire for the honky tonk blues that she represents.
In the next verse, he mentions his divorce in New York City, where he had to pick himself out of a fight. The ladies cover him with roses, but it was the gypsy barroom queen who blew his nose and blew his mind. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes his longing for the honky tonk woman and the blues that she brings into his life.
The song speaks to the allure of a woman who embodies the honky tonk lifestyle - a dive bar, rowdy, and gritty way of life that is not for everyone. The honky tonk woman is an escape from the mundane, providing excitement and adventure for a man who may be tired of the same old routine. Ultimately, the lyrics celebrate the excitement and unpredictability of living life on the edge.
Line by Line Meaning
I met a gypsy barroom queen in Memphis
I encountered a lively and confident woman, perhaps with a free-spirited lifestyle or background, in a bar in Memphis.
An' on the street the summer sun did shine
It was a bright and warm day outside, which only added to the positive atmosphere of the encounter.
The sweetest rose that ever grow in Memphis
She was the most beautiful and desirable woman in Memphis, representing the city's charm and allure.
I just can't seem to drink her off of my mind
I can't stop thinking about her, she has left a strong impression on me that I can't shake off.
She's a honky tonk woman
She exudes the fun, lively spirit of honky tonk music and culture, and fits into that scene perfectly.
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues
I'm looking for that same feeling of excitement and energy that comes with listening to or playing honky tonk music, which she represents.
I laid a divorce in New York City
I went through a difficult and painful divorce in the big city of New York.
An' had to pick myself out of a fight
I had to get myself out of a physical altercation, possibly related to the divorce or other struggles I was facing.
Ladies, they all covered me with roses
Other women nearby noticed my distress and showed support or admiration for me, making me feel special and appreciated.
She blew my nose an' then she blew my mind
She not only helped me feel better physically (by wiping my nose), but also mentally, through her captivating presence.
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
I still crave that same feeling of excitement and energy associated with honky tonk music, and am asking for it again.
She's a honky tonk woman
She still embodies that same lively and fun spirit of honky tonk culture that I desire.
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
I'm still looking for that same feeling of excitement and energy that comes with honky tonk music, which she remains associated with.
She's a honky tonk woman
She is still the embodiment of the honky tonk culture that I so crave and desire.
Gimme, gimme, gimme, the honky tonk blues
Still, I can't get enough of that thrilling and energizing feeling associated with honky tonk music and culture.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BrunoRodrigues-sp2sv
I met a gypsy bar room queen in Memphis
And on the street the summer sun did shine
The sweetest rose that ever growed in Memphis
I just can't seem to drink her off of my mind
She's a honky tonk woman (oh yeah)
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues (yeah)
She's a honky tonk woman (woo-hoo)
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues
I laid a divorcee in New York City
And had to pick myself out of a fight
Ladies, they all covered me with roses
She blew my nose and then she blew my mind
Well, she's a honky tonk woman (ooh, oh yeah)
Give me, give me, give me, the honky tonk blues (yeah, yeah)
She's a honky tonk woman (ooh)
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues
She's a honky tonk woman (ooh, oh, oh)
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues (oh, yeah)
She's a honky tonk woman (ooh)
Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues
@RussLake
Albert!...Shining on with his totally unique sound.
@socrates1818
Unbelievable guitar playing - so unique. You do not know where he’s goin!!
@philiphatfield5666
He makes 99% of today's guitarists look and sound just what they are---wimps!
@billwilliams8017
Forget the Britons and forget the Stones? Without them this video wouldn't be possible. Heck, the Rolling Stones revitalized the career of many an African American blues artist. So don't give us that crap!
@havardstre4050
Just a beauti😍😍😍😍
@jungtaejin41
long live blues be happy king
@picoyan08
Featuring Donald "Duck" Dunn on Bass! .... RIP from Tokyo!
@brineb58
Totally dig the backup singers!!!
@thorpypoo
Beautiful licks! Yum!
@RastaSaiyaman
All hail the Velvet Bulldozer!