About The Song
Honky Tonk Heroes: A Song by Billy Joe Shaver
In the realm of country music, there are songs that tell stories, songs that evoke emotions, and then there are songs that capture the very essence of a life lived on the fringes. Billy Joe Shaver’s “Honky Tonk Heroes” falls into the latter category. It’s a song that’s as rough and tumble as the honky-tonks it celebrates, a ballad that paints a vivid picture of the down-and-out souls who frequent these dimly lit establishments seeking solace in a bottle and companionship among strangers.
Shaver, a Texan through and through, infuses the song with his signature grit and twang, his voice weathered yet resilient, much like the characters he sings about. His lyrics are simple yet profound, capturing the universal truths of heartache, regret, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Honky Tonk Heroes” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem for the outcasts, the misfits, and the dreamers who find solace in the music and camaraderie of the honky-tonk. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a place where you can belong, a place where your troubles can melt away with the strains of a well-worn guitar and the murmur of shared stories.
The song’s opening lines, “I was born down in a honky-tonk,” set the stage for a journey into the heart of this subculture. Shaver paints a picture of a world where the music is always playing, the drinks are always flowing, and the dance floor is always open to those seeking a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life.
As the song progresses, Shaver introduces us to some of the denizens of this world – the “neon cowboys” and “jukebox angels” who populate the honky-tonks night after night. These are the “honky tonk heroes” of the title, the unsung heroes who keep the music alive and provide a refuge for those who need it most.
“Honky Tonk Heroes” is a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, that we all share the same basic human need for connection and belonging. And it’s a testament to the power of music to heal, to uplift, and to give us a sense of place in the world.
So raise a glass to the “honky tonk heroes”, the unsung heroes who keep the music alive and provide a refuge for those who need it most. And next time you find yourself feeling down and out, head on down to your nearest honky-tonk. You might just find the solace and companionship you’re looking for.
Video
Lyric
🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
Low down leaving sun, I’ve done
Did everything that needs done
Woe is me, why can’t I see
I’D best be leaving well enough alone
Them neon light nights, couldn’t stay out of fights
Them keep a-haunting me in memories
There’s one in every crowd, for crying out loud
Why was it always turning out to be me
[Chorus: x2]
Where does it go,the good Lord only knows
It seems like it was just the other day
I was down at Green Gables, hawking them tables
And generally blowing all my hard earned pay
Piano rolled blues, danced holes in my shoes
There weren’t another other way to be
For loveable losers, no account boozers
And honky tonk heroes like me