MOTHER OF A HONKY TONK GIRL
Written by Shorty Long and Bob Newman
Performed by Jim Reeves and Carol Johnson
(Recorded July 18, 1956)
(CHORUS, Carol)
I'm the mother of a honky tonk girl
And I die when they speak my baby's name
I hope that God will forgive me
For now I know that I'm to blame
(Jim, SPOKEN)
Excuse me, friends for intruding this way
But there's something I've just got to say
I remember this girl they're whisperin' about
Just like it was yesterday
When she was small, they'd bring her in the tavern
And set her on a stool
And give her a drink of their beer and laugh
And I thought, "Oh, you crazy fools"
But what could I do, or what could I say
I'm just a bartender and work here for my pay
And I could cry when I hear her mother say:
(REPEAT CHORUS, Carol)
(Jim, SPOKEN)
You probably wonder why I choose
To condemn the stuff I sell
But I've seen the hurt it's caused
And the souls it's sent to hell
Once we're on the wrong road
Will temptation let us turn 'round
The girl they're talking about
The one they're running down
Instead of giving her a drink of beer
Where angels have never trod
They should've given her a taste of love
Yes, and a taste of God
(Carol)
I hope that God will forgive me
I'm the mother of a honky tonk girl
Lyrics
Session File