About The Song
“You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” is a quintessential country anthem that perfectly encapsulates the enduring themes of personal identity, resilience, and the unbreakable ties to one’s roots. Released in 2003 as part of Brooks & Dunn’s Red Dirt Road album, this song serves as both a lighthearted celebration and a subtle commentary on the way a woman’s past shapes her present and future. In typical Brooks & Dunn fashion, it blends catchy melodies with down-to-earth storytelling, offering an infectious and relatable tune that resonates with both casual listeners and die-hard country fans alike.
At its core, “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” is about a woman whose spirit, shaped by her honky-tonk upbringing, cannot be undone or hidden. The song’s lyrics emphasize the idea that no matter how far a person may travel or how much they try to change, the core of who they are—what shaped them—remains with them. The narrative centers on the protagonist’s experiences in the lively, sometimes gritty world of honky-tonk bars, where music, dance, and freedom come together in a spirited display of self-expression. While she may step away from that environment, the essence of it will always be a part of her, just as the title suggests.
The line “You can take the girl out of the honky tonk, but you can’t take the honky tonk out of the girl” rings with a universal truth about identity—how deeply our pasts are ingrained in us and how they inform who we are. The song celebrates the unbreakable connection to one’s history and experiences, showing that while time may pass, and circumstances may change, some things—like the love for a good time, freedom, and music—remain constant. The honky tonk becomes more than just a physical space; it represents a way of life, a freedom, and an energy that can’t be contained.
Musically, the track delivers the upbeat, high-energy sound that Brooks & Dunn are known for. With its infectious rhythms and twangy guitars, the song stays true to the honky-tonk aesthetic it describes. The instrumentation complements the carefree attitude of the lyrics, while the combination of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn‘s vocal harmonies infuses the song with a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. Their voices, which effortlessly blend in a way that feels both natural and full of character, make this song not just an anthem of freedom, but also one of celebration.
At the same time, there’s an undercurrent of respect for the individuality of the protagonist. It’s not just about her love for honky-tonk bars, but the way her environment has shaped her—giving her confidence, strength, and a sense of purpose. The song also touches on the theme of self-awareness and self-acceptance, suggesting that there’s no shame in embracing who you truly are, no matter where life may take you.
In many ways, “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” offers a timeless message: we are shaped by the places we come from, and those experiences will always be part of our story. The song is a delightful celebration of the unapologetic spirit that is often at the heart of country music. It’s a reminder that the essence of who we are—our roots, our passions, and our pasts—cannot be erased, and should never be. For anyone who has ever felt the pull of their origins, the song offers both comfort and a sense of pride. Brooks & Dunn have once again proven their ability to craft songs that balance fun and introspection, making “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” a standout track in their impressive catalog.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
Connie came back for her second cousin’s wedding
First time she’d been home in a year or two
Just in time for the rehearsal dinner
That crazy Connie wasn’t wearing any shoes[Chorus]
Yeah, she lives in LA, she flies to New York City
That woman’s been around the world
You can take the girl out of the honky tonk
But you can’t take the honky tonk
Take the honky tonk out of the girl
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh[Verse 2]
Well, that dinner broke up at around 11:30
Boys went out to do what boys do
And Connie said hey girls lets huddle up
Around something ’bout a hundred proof[Chorus]
She lives in LA, she flies to New York City
That woman’s been around the world
You can take the girl out of the honky tonk
But you can’t take the honky tonk
Take the honky tonk out of the girl
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh[Verse 3]
Well, at nine a.m., out in front of that church
People are going nuts, looking for the groom
And somebody says hey Bonnie by the way where is Connie
She’s run off with that boy to Cancun[Chorus]
Yeah, she lives in LA, she flies to New York City
That woman’s been around the world
You can take the girl out of the honky tonk
But you can’t take the honky tonk
Take the honky tonk out of the girl
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh[Outro]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh