☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics are about the singer's experiences with extravagant and unconventional women he meets during his travels.
- In the first verse, the singer tells a story about a drunk woman in Memphis who tries to seduce him, but he can't stop thinking about another woman.
- The second verse is about an encounter with a divorced woman in New York City, where the singer has to resist.
- The repeated chorus refers to the 'Honky Tonk Women' and conveys a fascination or attraction to the free-spirited and indulgent lifestyle of these women.
Interpretation
The lyrics of "Honky Tonk Women" by the
Rolling Stones tell stories about the singer's experiences with different women he meets on his travels. These women are often deeply rooted in the bar or honky tonk scene, indicating a more indulgent and unconventional lifestyle.
The first verse recounts an encounter in Memphis with a heavily intoxicated woman ('gin soaked'). She tries to seduce the singer ('tried to take me upstairs for a ride'), but he is so preoccupied with another woman that he can't respond to her advances ('I just can't seem to drink you off my mind').
The second verse is about an encounter with a divorced woman in New York City. There are also allusions to sexual relationships ('She blew my nose and then she blew my mind'), but also a certain resistance from the singer's side ('I had to put up some kind of a fight').
The chorus, which is repeated three times, refers to the 'Honky Tonk Women' - all the women the singer meets on his journey. He asks for the 'Honky Tonk Blues', indicating that he feels a certain fascination or attraction to this kind of indulgent, free-spirited lifestyle.