Introduction
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” is a song by American country music artist George Strait, released on February 11, 2019, as the lead single from his 30th studio album, Honky Tonk Time Machine, which was released on March 29, 2019.
The track was co-written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait, and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon. The inspiration for the song came during a late-night writing session, sparked by Bubba’s evocative opening line: “Whiskey is the gasoline that lights the fire that burns the bridge.”
Musically, “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” exemplifies Strait’s neotraditional country style, featuring lively fiddle, steel guitar, and rollicking piano. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the honky-tonk experience, highlighting elements such as the jukebox playing Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the dance floor filled with patrons seeking solace, and the neon lights that define these establishments.
The song received positive attention upon its release, debuting as the most-added single at country radio with 117 stations. It also reached number 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking Strait’s first top 20 hit on the latter since 2013’s “I Got a Car.”
The accompanying music video, released in May 2019, features live performance footage from Strait’s tours, providing fans with a glimpse into his dynamic stage presence. Notably, this video marked Strait’s return to producing official music videos, with his previous one being “Living for the Night” in 2009.
“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” stands as a testament to George Strait’s enduring influence in country music, encapsulating the essence of traditional honky-tonk culture through its storytelling and musical composition.