Honky Tonk No More by Jake Jenkins

You have to understand that Jake was a country boy - one of those real cowboys that wears boots not because they’re cool but because they’re easier to get in and out of muck, if you know what I mean.  He told me once that his closest neighbor was about 2 miles away and that was “too close”.

At the time we were working on “Honky Tonk Revival”, he also killed rattlesnakes and sold them for their skins. I called him to talk about a song, and he said, “Wait a second Leslie, I think I see a rattler out in the backyard.”

So there I was sitting on the phone, surrounded by suburbia, SUVs, shopping malls and restaurants, waiting for Jake to kill a rattlesnake in his “backyard”.

A few minutes later, he picks the phone back up, “Never mind. That was just a king snake. I won’t mess with him.”

Jake Jenkins was one of those people that was real and genuine. He didn’t try to be something for someone else. He was who he was and didn’t have a problem being himself. I’ve always admired people like that and hope that that self-confidence somehow transfers to me just through being around them.

“Honky Tonk No More” was not some song that Jake wrote because it was in vogue to write anti-mainstream country songs. He was a classic country fan and loved that honky tonk sound. So he wrote a song about it. This has always been one of my favorites.

Triva bit: Jake originally wrote the second verse to say “Well the place could use a cleanin, Lord have mercy what’s that smell?” I asked if I could change it to what it is below. <big grin>

HONKY TONK NO MORE

Oh it’s been awhile since I sat down and drank a cool one here
Old Joe still looks the same, but I can tell he’s seen some years
And that’s the same old Schlitz Malt Liquor sign a-hangin on the wall
I could swear the hands of time haven’t touched this place at all.

But the jukebox in the corner don’t play honky tonk no more.
“Faded Love”, “Your Cheatin Heart” have walked through those swingin doors
Now a dollar plays a song, I wouldn’t give a nickel for
No the jukebox in the corner don’t play honky tonk no more.

Now the longer I sit here, the more I get the urge to leave
And the beer I once enjoyed just don’t taste the same to me
Well the place could use a cleanin, Lord as far as I can tell
On a second thought, I’m a-thinkin this whole damn joint is shot to hell

Cause the jukebox in the corner don’t play honky tonk no more.
“Faded Love”, “Your Cheatin Heart” have walked through those swingin doors
Now a dollar plays a song, I wouldn’t give a nickel for
No the jukebox in the corner don’t play honky tonk no more.

Comments

[Janice Brooks]

I can remember the summer night in 2005 I was in my mothers office room and Honky Tonk More came on Ram Radio (my stations prediceser). It stands in my mind as well as meeting you at Blanco's that September. Bus of Real Country is proud to play Jake's music.