Lyrics
I took this song to country radio
I presented this song to country radio.
They said, "Son this one just won't play"
They told me, "Son, this song is not suitable for airplay."
It sure sounds good but it really should
Although it sounds good, they think it needs to sound more contemporary.
Sound a little more like today
The suggestion is to modernize the sound to match today's trends.
Finger snaps and 808s done replaced that old guitar
Finger snaps and 808s have replaced the traditional guitar.
"Son you oughta listen to me if you wanna go far"
Advice received: "Listen to me if you want to succeed in the industry."
They said they like them songs about hangin' out at Applebee's
They prefer songs about hanging out at places like Applebee's.
And they sure don't like to look at long haired freaky people like me
They don't appreciate the appearance of unconventional individuals like the singer.
But drinkin' and druggin' and runnin' around is just about all I know
The singer's life revolves around drinking, drugs, and wandering.
I'd sure love to tell 'em where to go
The desire to express disagreement with the radio's preferences.
Take the red dirt road past the county line
The decision to take the less-traveled red dirt road beyond the county line.
To the smoke filled room with the neon sign
To enter a room filled with smoke and adorned with neon signs.
Them outlaw women that make you feel just fine
Encounter with rebellious women who bring joy and excitement.
The whiskey's done been watered down and the smoke quit gettin' me high
The realization that the whiskey is diluted, and the smoke doesn't provide the same high.
But a honky tonk special is enough to get me by
Despite the changes, a honky-tonk special is enough for contentment.
I shook his hand and lit a cigarette and I walked on out the door
Shaking hands, lighting a cigarette, and leaving, as done many times before.
Took my song and my old guitar like a thousand other times before
Taking the song and guitar, facing rejection with resilience.
It ain't no thing it's just another day it'll be what it will be
Acceptance of the unpredictable nature of life.
You'll never have to look hard if you're lookin' for me
Assurance that finding the singer won't be difficult.
Take the red dirt road past the county line
Reiteration of taking the red dirt road past the county line.
To the smoke filled room with the neon sign
Returning to the smoke-filled room with neon signs.
Them outlaw women that make you feel just fine
Encounter with outlaw women who bring satisfaction.
The whiskey's done been watered down and the smoke quit gettin' me high
Acknowledging the diminished impact of whiskey and smoke.
But a honky tonk special is enough to get me by
Despite changes, a honky-tonk special remains sufficient for fulfillment.
I said the honky tonk special is enough to get me by
Reiteration that the honky-tonk special is enough to sustain the singer.
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