Honky Tonk Women

Get that honky tonk feeling with The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women"! This iconic 1969 smash hit kicks off with an unforgettable cowbell beat. Blending Hard Rock, Rock and Roll, and undeniable country swagger, it's a timeless classic showcasing the Stones' signature raw energy and bluesy groove.

Released as a hugely successful non-album single in 1969, "Honky Tonk Women" captured The Rolling Stones perfecting their unique roots-infused sound. While rooted in Rock and Roll and Hard Rock energy, the track prominently features country and blues rock influences, evident in Keith Richards' signature open-G guitar tuning and the song's overall swagger. It also marked guitarist Mick Taylor’s recording debut with the band.

Driven by its iconic cowbell intro, Nicky Hopkins' rollicking piano, and the distinct guitar interplay between Richards and Taylor, "Honky Tonk Women" became a #1 hit worldwide. Its loose, bluesy groove offers a rockier counterpoint to the acoustic "Country Honk" version released later. A concert staple for decades, it remains one of the Stones’ most defining tracks today, April 12, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Honky Tonk Women" recounts the narrator's sexual encounters with various women associated with honky tonks (bars/dance halls) or possibly prostitution. The verses describe specific encounters ("I laid a divorcee in New York City," "She's a gin-soaked, bar-room queen in Memphis") with a tone of worldly experience and bravado rather than romantic love, painting vignettes of gritty, transient relationships.