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The Rolling Stones — Country Honk
Album: Let It Bleed
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1800









Released: 1969
Length: 3:04
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Sittin' in a bar tippling a jar in Jackson
And on the street the summer sun it shines
There's many a bar room queen I've had in Jackson
But I just can't seen to drink you off my mind.

It's those honky tonk women
Gimme, gimme, gimme those honky tonk blues.

I played a divorcee in New York City
I had to put up some kind of a fight
The lady then all dressed me up in roses
She blew my nose and then she blew my mind.

It's those honky tonk women
Gimme, gimme, gimme those honky tonk blues.

It's those honky tonk women
Gimme, gimme, gimme those honky tonk blues.

It's those honky tonk women
Gimme, gimme, gimme those honky tonk blues.
Comments (197)add comment
 ExpatLarry wrote:

Boy that sounds like some guys having fun making music.


Yes!  ...Tons of fun!!!
 Proclivities wrote:

Really?  That's Byron Berline, one of the most celebrated and sought-after fiddlers in music.  Are you giving lessons this week?



I wonder why he decided not to use one single pause in this song though, the constant stream of fiddle sound in this song is quite obnoxious
I would be happy for this to emerge live. In the ear, in the headphones now, it is not that cherry. 
 grant wrote:

Brilliant musical discombobulation.  A delicious mess of sonic southern fried chicken and waffles smothered in maple syrup.



interesting way to say ripped off.  
 xtalman wrote:

Have not seen a comment but RIP to the fiddle player, Byron Berlin, passed in July 2021.




Thank You for the info.  May he Rest In Peace!
you gotta be careful in jackson, ms

even more careful, east of there'.. in vicksburg

on the mississippi river 

strange mojo in them river towns
 rbrise wrote:


drummer for the rolling stones...Charlie Watts day job
A great remembrance.
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02...


Jack White's granddads.
pure Stones gold!
Have not seen a comment but RIP to the fiddle player, Byron Berlin, passed in July 2021.
 mrarchitekt wrote:
is he impersonating a redneck?


Is honkey tonk redneck culture?! Shit, maybe. 
is he impersonating a redneck?
Boy that sounds like some guys having fun making music.
 jimlandwehr2582 wrote:

RIP Charlie Watts. 



drummer for the rolling stones...Charlie Watts day job
 ecojot wrote:


Hate to be pedantic but its Gram Parsons


too many grams
ICONIC!!
 h8rhater wrote:



Just never 'Muricans.


Whatever the fuck that insult is supposed to mean...
Charlie  R I P 
Greatest drummer ever bar none
miss you
Godspeed, Charlie. RIP
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
It was Graham when he was with English blokes.




Interestingly, his birth name was 
Ingram Cecil Connor III. Wikkipedia makes no mention of him ever spelling his name as "Graham". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(1946%E2%80%931967)
R.I.P. Charlie...
To one of my favorite Jazz drummers who plays Rock and Roll. Rest in peace Charlie Watts. Thanks for the beats
.
RIP Charlie Watts. 
 mrsquid wrote:


Girl With The Far Away Eyes - another fun country stones tune.
Sweet Virginia.

 ecojot wrote:


Hate to be pedantic but its Gram Parsons
It was Graham when he was with English blokes.

 h8rhater wrote:
'Muricans by which you mean obnoxious wankers


Just never 'Muricans.


 gjeeg wrote:

The Stones!..... that cover band..... Seems they always wanted to be Americuns....




Just never 'Muricans.
 johnnycache wrote:
Beatles or Stones ?  I'll take Zep, thank you
 
Why must anyone pick just one?
".. and next we have .. a country western band."  Brilliant. Thanks Bill!
Pretty good bluegrass honkey tonk but the really ripped off the British band name. 😜
Beatles or Stones ?  I'll take Zep, thank you
Yeah, guess you could say the RS "hung out" with Gram. Keith Richards pretty much killed poor little Gram. I won't say singlehandedly, because it's complicated. Very. And it's not like any of us were there then. What was it Joe Walsh (?) said about KR? That the most terrifying thing that ever happened to him was Keith Richards decided he liked him. Something to that effect. 
They ain't no Led Zeppelin, that's for sure.
 primm wrote:
{#Boohoo} love this version / it's not like its the only country song the stones ever did
 

Girl With The Far Away Eyes - another fun country stones tune.
With respect to the overall talent of the Rolling Stones, my brain's been conditioned by the more "rocked out" version of this song getting all of the radio airplay. 

The more I listen to this version, the less I like it.  
 nubeloco wrote:
A bow to you and big applause for your acknowledging Graham Parsons' contribution to Country Honk by the Stones. He was a major song writing contributor to Exile on Mainstreet as was Ry Cooder. Neither were credited.  Graham was arguably the creative genius that hatched a genre known as country rock.  Byrds.  Flying Burrito Brothers and two solo albums.  He paved the way for the sound popularized by the Eagles and Poco.  And sadly he became another incendiary font of talent burned to ash too soon in OD.  There are great rewards in exploring his incredible creative gift.  Thank you so much for putting him front stage.
 

Hate to be pedantic but its Gram Parsons
 h8rhater wrote:

The Stones wrote this alternate version, of an already released mega-hit,  because they were enamored with the budding Bakersfield country rock scene (soon to spawn many, many rock/country legends).  Perhaps they were thinking of those young struggling artists creating a new sound and "fighting for airtime" when they put it out.  Keith certainly was a huge fan of The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Gram Parsons in particular, around that time.

Also: "Entitlement", in the PC way that you are using it, was not a concept in 1969.

 
....maybe your best post, h8rhater.

This version actually works better for me, and the Album is excellent.  1969 was a  great year! 
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Comedy record - its their prerogative to record whatever they want.

Its just a bit of fun - nothing more nothing less.

 
Comedy record? Gimme Shelter, Love in Vain, Let it Bleed, Midnight Rambler, You Can't Always Get What You Want? Not exactly stand up comedy, chum.
1."Gimme Shelter"4:312."Love in Vain"4:193."Country Honk"3:094."Live with Me"3:335."Let It Bleed"5:26Side twoNo.TitleLength6."Midnight Rambler"6:527."You Got the Silver"2:518."Monkey Man"4:129."You Can't Always Get What You Want"
The Stones best period. Unfortunately Mick Jagger's Country pastiche comes off as a bit of a "put on" but boy oh boy were there gems on this album
Comedy record - its their prerogative to record whatever they want.

Its just a bit of fun - nothing more nothing less.
 nubeloco wrote:
A bow to you and big applause for your acknowledging Graham Parsons' contribution to Country Honk by the Stones. He was a major song writing contributor to Exile on Mainstreet as was Ry Cooder. Neither were credited.  Graham was arguably the creative genius that hatched a genre known as country rock.  Byrds.  Flying Burrito Brothers and two solo albums.  He paved the way for the sound popularized by the Eagles and Poco.  And sadly he became another incendiary font of talent burned to ash too soon in OD.  There are great rewards in exploring his incredible creative gift.  Thank you so much for putting him front stage.

 

woo-hooooo!!!  fun tune

cool note nubeloco   : )



 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Another example of "because we're 'The Stones, we can record anything we WANT..." junkola. I get so tired of this entitlement factor when so many great musicians are fighting for air time.

 
The Stones wrote this alternate version, of an already released mega-hit,  because they were enamored with the budding Bakersfield country rock scene (soon to spawn many, many rock/country legends).  Perhaps they were thinking of those young struggling artists creating a new sound and "fighting for airtime" when they put it out.  Keith certainly was a huge fan of The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Gram Parsons in particular, around that time.

Also: "Entitlement", in the PC way that you are using it, was not a concept in 1969.
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
Another example of "because we're 'The Stones, we can record anything we WANT..." junkola. I get so tired of this entitlement factor when so many great musicians are fighting for air time.

 
  Are you saying they shouldn't have been allowed to record any music they wanted to record...in 1969?  Any musician should be allowed to record anything they want.  I doubt this song got much radio play when it was released (almost 50 years ago), and it certainly has no relevance to any musicians who are "fighting for airtime" in the present day.
awesome version
{#Boohoo} love this version / it's not like its the only country song the stones ever did
Meh. Got this on PSD.  Will use the feature agai..
i like it
Another example of "because we're 'The Stones, we can record anything we WANT..." junkola. I get so tired of this entitlement factor when so many great musicians are fighting for air time.
Never been to a Country Honk.

For lads who grew up on Mushy Peas, Jellied eels, warm beer and chips it sounds authentic to me - then again, they also grew up on a diet of american R&B old style. 
my guess is that not one of the folks that voted below a seven have ever been to a honky tonk here in the states.

If I close my eyes I can hear the dust and shells on the floor, smell the stale beer and see the beautiful girls swishing on the floor.

Ahhhh, the good ole days. {#Hug}
 grant wrote:
Brilliant musical discombobulation.  A delicious mess of sonic southern fried chicken and waffles smothered in maple syrup.
 
Frankly, I think they did this with a large helping of sarcasm to accompany the chicken and waffles.
And I just lost my lunch again... 

msymmes wrote:
I think I am going to bring up my lunch !

 

 


 nubeloco wrote:
A bow to you and big applause for your acknowledging Graham Parsons' contribution to Country Honk by the Stones. He was a major song writing contributor to Exile on Mainstreet as was Ry Cooder. Neither were credited.  Graham was arguably the creative genius that hatched a genre known as country rock. 
 
And yet, RP has exactly 1 (ONE!) Gram solo song in their library ("In My Hour of Darkness"), and it hasn't been played for almost 5 years.  The only Sweetheart of the Rodeo song represented here is "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere", which was written by Bob Zimmerman.  You get my drift...MORE GRAM IS NEEDED!

Why not start by adding The Byrds' "Hickory Wind", which he wrote and sang lead?
I think I am going to bring up my lunch !

 
A bow to you and big applause for your acknowledging Graham Parsons' contribution to Country Honk by the Stones. He was a major song writing contributor to Exile on Mainstreet as was Ry Cooder. Neither were credited.  Graham was arguably the creative genius that hatched a genre known as country rock.  Byrds.  Flying Burrito Brothers and two solo albums.  He paved the way for the sound popularized by the Eagles and Poco.  And sadly he became another incendiary font of talent burned to ash too soon in OD.  There are great rewards in exploring his incredible creative gift.  Thank you so much for putting him front stage.
Love the Stones....but this one....ugh!
 audiolizard wrote:
I know it's the Stones, but my gawd that was awful!

 
Okay, not all lizards get it, but still...LIZARDS RULE!
Yes Mick's putting on his cowboy hat - but ALSO drinking a bottle of Jack
Brilliant musical discombobulation.  A delicious mess of sonic southern fried chicken and waffles smothered in maple syrup.
Ok, starting here for the next hour I really was about to vomit.  This was really, really bad- poorly recorded and mixed with fiddle part which seemed mixed to get the cats yowling and humans covering their ears.  Not taking anything away from the artists but this was one of the few things which had me wishing I wasn't listening to RP....
 Cynaera wrote:
I just love this. Get a bunch of Brits in a studio and let them go country.  It's fun, silly, and somehow just perfect.

I could listen to this a few times in a row on my CD player.{#Mrgreen}{#Sunny}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this marvelous parody of some country music...
 
honk, honk
 Biscobret wrote:

Yup...

10 for me.
 
LOVE it.
 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sorry, you either love this or you don't. You have to get that side of the stones, it is their spin on country/blues/rock- not mocking and facetious (well maybe a little, but also slightly embarrassed). Listen to the guitar work. This is what evolved into Exile on Main Street, which many, believe to be their greatest album. This is what Keith Richards wanted Honky Tonk woman to be. 

10 10 10 10 10  
 
Yup...

10 for me.
Actually painful to listen to, mostly because it's mixed so badly.
Sounds like an Australian pub band doing a cover of the Stones.....sign of a good tune.
 Uncomplicated wrote:
Let It Bleed is a masterpeice, and this track is no exception. I love playing it in the car when other people are riding with me. They look around when they hear the car horn. hahah :D
 
Back when It came out we had on cassette in an old Scout that we would take off road from time to time.  We could be out in the middle of nowhere going down a creek bed and when this came on everyone would look around.  I think it took about a decade before I finally got immune to it
Unusual
good good good...{#Yes}
 frootloopsfan wrote:
Might not be so bad without the faux southern drawls.
 
But that's the point, in'it?
I'm glad so many of you like this. I don't, but you put up with my choices, so it's only fair I accept yours. :^)
 
A true classic. I think I have covered this in half of the bands I have been in (20{#Bananajam}).
 treatment_bound wrote:

The width of Keith's belt is almost the same as the waistline on Mick's trousers.
 

Damn, your observation just made me laugh outloud.  My first after a long day.  Thanx.
 Helchat wrote:

Long live the Grievous Angel!  We can thank Gram for a lot of good stuff still on the air or satellite waves. {#Yes}
 
Got dat right!
 Definately mine
steeler wrote:
Probably my favorite  Stones album.
 


 billyl wrote:

I can't think of anything but HEROIN when I see this photo.
 
It is pretty amazing Keef's still alive when he pretty much looked like the walking dead OVER 40 YEARS AGO!
 treatment_bound wrote:

The width of Keith's belt is almost the same as the waistline on Mick's trousers.
 
I can't think of anything but HEROIN when I see this photo.
More Stones!
How refreshing!!!   Love Love Love it...    {#Dancingbanana}
 calypsus_1 wrote:
 
The width of Keith's belt is almost the same as the waistline on Mick's trousers.
Probably my favorite  Stones album.
Honk! Honk!
Recently bought this album as a 176/96 download from HD Tracks - WORTH IT!! Sound is incredible!!!!
Gram...
{#Cry}
 iscoot4peace wrote:

I beleive it's a reference to Tito Jackson...but I could be wrong.

 

Of course!  Makes perfect sense now.
Wow..I didn't think this song could be any worse then I hear this.
 Cynaera wrote:
I just love this. Get a bunch of Brits in a studio and let them go country.  It's fun, silly, and somehow just perfect.

I could listen to this a few times in a row on my CD player.{#Mrgreen}{#Sunny}
 
You are amazing.   Please continue your thought process.  {#Whistle}
I love this track!  and I never got a single penny from BMI for honking the horn of that 1956 Studebaker parked outside the studio.  COnsider that my donation to the Canon.
Not bad at all.  They were experimenting with style, trying to find different aspects of the music they loved.  They shared this bit...  I think it's fun to listen to, just to hear them mess around.
Might not be so bad without the faux southern drawls.
 lerxst wrote:
The Girl With The Far Away Eyes is their best attempt at country.  This is pretty lousy.
 

and I'll run 20 red lights in your honor!
Love putting this on when my wife's driving - the horn at the start always startles her.


The Rolling Stones are returning to recording a new album, still in preparation. The former bassist Bill Wyman is returning to Band and agreed to record again with the band. This new disc also intends to honor the former keyboardist, Ian Andrew Robert Stewart, already disappeared, which began in the early days of the band. The Rolling Stones have not recorded since 6 years ago, so this new album is creating huge "expectations".      ~calypsus_1



The Girl With The Far Away Eyes is their best attempt at country.  This is pretty lousy.
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:


yup, you can thank Gram Parsons for that!

 
Long live the Grievous Angel!  We can thank Gram for a lot of good stuff still on the air or satellite waves. {#Yes}
Despite what the critics said, there were limits to what the Stones could do. 
I tune in because I love most of what's played. I'm moved to comment upon rare occasion by something I really love and far more frequently by the stuff that makes me wanna scream. I have that screaming reaction to very little of what's played here—but it's that that moves me to comment. Get it?

The other problem, of course, is the obvious one: define "excellent," eh?

I just love this. Get a bunch of Brits in a studio and let them go country.  It's fun, silly, and somehow just perfect.

I could listen to this a few times in a row on my CD player.{#Mrgreen}{#Sunny}
I'm as tired of this song as the Stones sound while playing it. It's just not my style I guess.

 sirdroseph wrote:
Stones were absolutely at their best doing country!!{#Clap}
 

yup, you can thank Gram Parsons for that!

Stones were absolutely at their best doing country!!{#Clap}
 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sorry, you either love this or you don't. You have to get that side of the stones, it is their spin on country/blues/rock- not mocking and facetious (well maybe a little, but also slightly embarrassed). Listen to the guitar work. This is what evolved into Exile on Main Street, which many, believe to be their greatest album. This is what Keith Richards wanted Honky Tonk woman to be. 

10 10 10 10 10  
 
Some days I love this one, others not so much. It really depends on my mood. Today I'm on the fence.

 Zep wrote:

Sorry that your country doesn't even rate music good enough to cover.

I mean, the blondes are great, and Volvos are solid, but is Abba the pinnacle of your music heritage?
 
We need more Abba on RP !!!


I know it's the Stones, but my gawd that was awful!
{#Stop}
 jhorton wrote:
Love the Stones, love the song, love acoustic covers, but HATE this one. Nails on a chalkboard to my ears...
 
Joe Horton from NOLA?

The fiddle was recorded in an ally for some reason which may account for some of the distorted sound.  
 BKardon wrote:
I'm surprised at the negative comments on this song.  My band plays this version of the song and we have a great time playing it (the crowd seems to get a kick out of it too).  It's just good old American music.
  

 It's just good old American music FROM ENGLAND :)

Honk honk!
 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sorry, you either love this or you don't. You have to get that side of the stones, it is their spin on country/blues/rock- not mocking and facetious (well maybe a little, but also slightly embarrassed). Listen to the guitar work. This is what evolved into Exile on Main Street, which many, believe to be their greatest album. This is what Keith Richards wanted Honky Tonk woman to be. 

10 10 10 10 10  
 
EXACTLY!
Love the Stones, love the song, love acoustic covers, but HATE this one. Nails on a chalkboard to my ears...
 radioparadisehead wrote:
Anybody know to which Jackson this song refers?  Jackson, MS or Jackson, TN?
 
I beleive it's a reference to Tito Jackson...but I could be wrong.

 Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Sorry, you either love this or you don't. You have to get that side of the stones, it is their spin on country/blues/rock- not mocking and facetious (well maybe a little, but also slightly embarrassed). Listen to the guitar work. This is what evolved into Exile on Main Street, which many, believe to be their greatest album. This is what Keith Richards wanted Honky Tonk woman to be. 

10 10 10 10 10  
 

LOVE IT!!  10 for sure
Sorry, you either love this or you don't. You have to get that side of the stones, it is their spin on country/blues/rock- not mocking and facetious (well maybe a little, but also slightly embarrassed). Listen to the guitar work. This is what evolved into Exile on Main Street, which many, believe to be their greatest album. This is what Keith Richards wanted Honky Tonk woman to be. 

10 10 10 10 10  
 Zep wrote:

Sorry that your country doesn't even rate music good enough to cover.

I mean, the blondes are great, and Volvos are solid, but is Abba the pinnacle of your music heritage?
 
Ah Zep, ever heard of Opeth? Just one of the greatest Metal bands out there right now. Steven Wilson sure thinks so as he has produced several of their albums and their lead guitarist is featured on the Insurgentes album.

Abba?

That aside, this is a great song by a band that should never have to retire. If you love what you do, why would you ever stop?
 jpfueler wrote:
the violin player needs fiddle lessons.
 
... and somebody needs to find a hair in the soup all the time.


 jpfueler wrote:
the violin player needs fiddle lessons.
 
Really?  That's Byron Berline, one of the most celebrated and sought-after fiddlers in music.  Are you giving lessons this week?

 puremango wrote:
I don't get it, almost every song played has negative comments...

Why do these people tune in all the time?
 
I don't get it either, bub. I give a wide latitude to folks, as far as taste is concerned.

But some of the asinine, self-serving comments that you see on here, and against excellent music, as well... I just don't get it.

I'm not attacking anyone, this is just my opinion. {#Wave}
I'm surprised at the negative comments on this song.  My band plays this version of the song and we have a great time playing it (the crowd seems to get a kick out of it too).  It's just good old American music.