Honky Tonk Man
Sydney Devine Lyrics


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I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box
And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
Hey, hey, Mama can your Daddy come home

Well I'm living wild and dangerously
But I've got plenty of company
When the moon goes up and the sun goes down
I like to see the lights of town

Chorus
'Cause I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box
And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
Hey, hey, Mama can your Daddy come home

Well a pretty girl and a jug of wine
That's all it takes to have a honky tonk time
With the juke box playing those honky tonk sounds
I can't wait to get my money down

'Cause I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box

And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
Hey, hey Mama can your Daddy come home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sydney Devine's song "Honky Tonk Man" depict a man who identifies himself as a honky tonk man, someone who frequents honky tonk bars and enjoys the company of women. He confesses that he is unable to stop this lifestyle, as he finds pleasure in dancing with various girls to the music played by an old jukebox. However, when he runs out of money, he relies on calling his mother in a plea for his father to come home.


The singer of the song is living a wild and dangerous life, but finds comfort in the fact that he has plenty of company. He enjoys the nightlife, especially when the moon rises and the town lights up. He is captivated by the lights of town, fueling his desire to keep going.


The chorus repeats the idea that he can't seem to stop being a honky tonk man, as he finds delight in dancing with girls to the music of the jukebox. Even when his money runs out, he resorts to calling his mother, asking if his absent father can come home, possibly implying a desire for stability or guidance.


Overall, "Honky Tonk Man" portrays a character who is unable to resist the allure of the honky tonk lifestyle, finding solace, enjoyment, and a temporary escape from reality in the dance halls and music.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
I am a man who frequents honky tonk bars and I have difficulty stopping myself from doing so


I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box
I enjoy dancing with different girls to the music played on an old jukebox


And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
When I have spent all my money, I resort to singing on the telephone to pass the time


Hey, hey, Mama can your Daddy come home
I am asking the girl's mother if her father can come home


Well I'm living wild and dangerously
I lead a reckless and adventurous life


But I've got plenty of company
However, I always have a lot of friends with me


When the moon goes up and the sun goes down
During nighttime, when the moon rises and the sun sets


I like to see the lights of town
I enjoy observing the illuminated cityscape


'Cause I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
Because I am someone who frequents honky tonk bars and struggles to quit doing so


I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box
I take pleasure in dancing with various girls to the tunes played on a vintage jukebox


And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
Once I have exhausted all my money, I resort to singing over the phone


Hey, hey, Mama can your Daddy come home
Hey, hey, can you request your father to return home?


Well a pretty girl and a jug of wine
All I need for a good time is an attractive girl and a jug of wine


That's all it takes to have a honky tonk time
That is the simple recipe for enjoying a honky tonk experience


With the juke box playing those honky tonk sounds
As the jukebox plays lively honky tonk music


I can't wait to get my money down
I am eager to spend my money and enjoy myself


'Cause I'm a honky tonk man and I can't seem to stop
Because I am someone who frequents honky tonk bars and struggles to quit doing so


I love to give the girls a whirl to the music of an old juke box
I take pleasure in dancing with various girls to the tunes played on a vintage jukebox


And when my money's all gone, I'm on the telephone singing
Once I have exhausted all my money, I resort to singing over the phone


Hey, hey Mama can your Daddy come home
Hey, hey, can you request your father to return home?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Howard Hausey, Johnny Horton, Tillman Franks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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