Fowler put together a country band in 1998 and began playing Tuesday nights at Babe's on Sixth Street in Austin. Within two years, he'd begun recording albums and struck big with his self-released Beer, Bait and Ammo (2000). The album sold around 30,000 copies in the Texas area and garnered an impressive amount of airplay, particularly for the album's title track. The song became somewhat of a Texas anthem; Mark Chesnutt made the song part of his live show, and Sammy Kershaw recorded it. Fowler returned in 2002 with his third album, High on the Hog, and boasted some impressive guests, including Willie Nelson and David Lee Garza.
Honky Tonk Junkie
Kevin Fowler Lyrics
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Once or twice a month you know, just every now and then
I started needin? more and more till I did it everyday
It soon became a habit that I just can't seem to shake
I get the jonesy for Jones, I've got a hanker for Hank
Yeah, when I'm feelin? down I need them around
To help me through the pain
It?s the only fix for a honky tonk junkie like me
The first step to recovery isn't meant and that's your hook
I've tried every twelve step program, I've read every self-help book
But there ain't no cure for an addict who ain't ready to give it up
No I can't put it down, that old lonesome sound
I just can't get enough
I get the jonesy for Jones, I've got a hanker for Hank
Yeah, when I'm feelin? down I need them around
To help me through the pain
Anytime that I wanna get stoned all I need is a sad, sad song
It?s the only fix for a honky tonk junkie like me
I get the jonesy for Jones, I've got a hanker for Hank
Yeah, when I'm feelin? down I need them around
To help me through the pain
Anytime that I wanna get stoned all I need is a sad, sad song
It?s the only fix for a honky tonk junkie like me
Yeah, it?s the only fix for a honky tonk junkie like me
The song "Honky Tonk Junkie" by Kevin Fowler portrays a person who has developed an addiction to honky-tonk music. The lyrics describe how the singer started listening to it only occasionally, but then it became a daily habit that he just can't seem to shake off. He talks about his love for certain artists like George Jones and Hank Williams, and how their melancholic tunes help him deal with his pain. The song emphasizes the addictive nature of honky-tonk music and how it can affect one's life like any other addiction.
The lyrics go on to suggest that the singer has tried various ways to address his addiction to honky-tonk music. He mentions trying every twelve-step program and self-help book, but nothing has worked for him. He acknowledges that he is not yet ready to give up his addiction and that no cure exists for an addict unwilling to give up their habit. The song reinforces the fact that addiction is a powerful force that can't be easily overcome.
Overall, "Honky Tonk Junkie" is a relatable song that touches on the theme of addiction with a twist. It shows how addiction can result from something as seemingly innocent as honky-tonk music and how it can impact one's life just as any other addiction would.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to only do it when I partied with my friends
Initially, I indulged in honky tonk music only occasionally, when I hung out with my buddies for a night of revelry.
Once or twice a month you know, just every now and then
It was just a sporadic activity for me, not a regular or compulsive one, occurring once or twice every month.
I started needin? more and more till I did it everyday
Gradually, my interest in that genre grew and I felt the urge to listen to it on a daily basis.
It soon became a habit that I just can't seem to shake
Now, it has become a persistent habit or addiction, and I find it hard to break free from it.
I get the jonesy for Jones, I've got a hanker for Hank
I crave for the music of George Jones and Hank Williams Sr., and their songs have a powerful draw on me.
Yeah, when I'm feelin? down I need them around
When I feel low or dejected, I seek the solace of their music to lift up my spirits and find emotional resonance.
To help me through the pain
Their music acts as a balm or comfort to alleviate the emotional pain or turmoil that I experience.
Anytime that I wanna get stoned all I need is a sad, sad song
Whenever I want to escape reality or get high, all I require is a melancholy or heart-wrenching tune that taps into my yearning for catharsis.
It?s the only fix for a honky tonk junkie like me
As a fervent admirer and consumer of honky tonk music, it is the only source of gratification or fulfillment that satiates my cravings and impulses.
The first step to recovery isn't meant and that's your hook
The song suggests that the first step towards curing addiction or dependency is not always taken, and the allure or attraction of the vice can become irresistible like a hook that draws one in deeper.
I've tried every twelve step program, I've read every self-help book
Despite making efforts to reform or change, I have tried every available program or method, such as the twelve-step program or self-help books, to no avail.
But there ain't no cure for an addict who ain't ready to give it up
Ultimately, there can be no permanent cure for someone who is not willing to relinquish their addiction or habit, and it requires a personal choice and readiness to let go of it.
No I can't put it down, that old lonesome sound
I am unable to resist or detach from the nostalgic, poignant sound of honky tonk music and the emotions it evokes within me.
I just can't get enough
I want to consume more and more of the music that I crave, as it provides a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and escapism for me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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