From the recording Ballad Hunter
"Honky Tonk Floor" was originally written for a Scottish country band called the Malpaso Gang, during a phase of life where I was living and breathing everything Hank Williams had written.
It’s got a simple rhythm that I intended to be a moderate two-step. I’d love to hear Patsy Cline sing this, the lyrics are inspired to some extent from ‘Walking after Midnight’. It’s also a nod to all those sad, heartache and breakup songs I’d hear on the radio late at night when I was driving a lot to get to and from gigs.
The song captures that classic honky tonk vibe—both the music and the heartache that come with it. It’s got a mix of acoustic guitar and lap steel, which really brings out that lonesome, bittersweet feeling.
Lyrics
It’s plain to see
Through the cigarette smoke
That you turn away
When I draw you close
And only a fool
Would wait like I do
Surrounded by tear drops
On that honky tonk floor
I Sit at the bar
With my last cigarette
While the music fades into
A sea of regret
Remembering those words
That shook my whole world
A honky tonk angel
Now sober and wise
Flying on clipped wings
And cut down to size
Remembering those words
That shook my whole world
Still counting the tear drops
On that honky tonk floor
Still counting the tear drops
On that honky tonk floor