About The Song
Trace Adkins’s “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” is a country music anthem that took the airwaves by storm in 2005. Released as the third and final single from his album “Songs About Me,” the song became a massive hit, showcasing Adkins’s signature baritone vocals and a catchy, energetic sound.
Background
- Songwriters: Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser, and Jamey Johnson penned the song. These three prolific Nashville songwriters are known for their work with a variety of country artists, crafting songs that blend traditional country elements with a modern edge.
- Release and Reception: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” hit the charts in October 2005. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its crossover appeal. The song was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 49th Grammy Awards, solidifying its place as a major hit.
- Accompanying Album: “Songs About Me” is Adkins’s fourth studio album. It features a mix of traditional country sounds and more contemporary influences, with “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” being a prime example of the latter. The album itself reached number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Musical Style
- Genre: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” falls squarely within the realm of contemporary country music. It features a driving beat with prominent drums and a strong bass line. Electric guitars add a modern flair, while the fiddle and steel guitar provide a touch of traditional country twang.
- Vocals: Adkins’s rich baritone vocals are a central feature of the song. He delivers the lyrics with a playful charisma that perfectly complements the song’s lighthearted tone.
- Tempo and Rhythm: The song has an upbeat tempo that is perfect for line dancing and two-stepping, staples of the honky-tonk scene. The rhythm section is tight and propulsive, keeping the energy high throughout.
Lyrics
- Theme: The song revolves around the atmosphere of a honky-tonk bar, a place for dancing, drinking, and socializing. The lyrics celebrate the “badonkadonks,” a playful term for attractive women, and the overall fun and carefree vibe of the honky-tonk experience.
- Storytelling: The song doesn’t have a complex narrative. Instead, it paints a picture of a typical night at a honky-tonk bar, filled with dancing couples, jukebox music, and the camaraderie of strangers.
- Double Entendre: The title itself is a double entendre, with “badonkadonk” being a suggestive term for a woman’s backside. This adds a layer of playful humor to the song, which is characteristic of Adkins’s persona.
- Memorable Lines: Some of the most memorable lines include:
- “She’s got a look that could melt a popsicle in the shade” (a metaphor for a woman’s attractiveness)
- “Two-steppin’ like we’re born to do it” (referencing a popular country dance style)
- “Honky tonk night, everything’s alright” (capturing the carefree spirit of the honky-tonk)
Cultural Impact
- Country Music Revival: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” arrived at a time when country music was experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The song’s catchy sound and celebration of traditional honky-tonk themes resonated with audiences seeking a return to country music’s roots.
- Dance Craze: The song sparked a dance craze, with people replicating the suggestive “badonkadonk” move in bars and at country music events. This visual element further increased the song’s visibility and cultural impact.
- Crossover Appeal: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” achieved crossover success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gaining airplay on pop radio stations. This exposed country music to a wider audience and helped to bridge the gap between different genres.
- Legacy: The song remains a staple of country radio and a popular choice for line dancing events. It’s a reminder of a time when country music embraced its playful side and celebrated the simple pleasures of a night out at the honky-tonk.
Conclusion
“Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It captured the essence of the honky-tonk experience, reignited interest in traditional country music, and showcased Trace Adkins’s talent as a performer.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Turn it up someAlright boys, this is her favorite songYou know that, right?So, if we play it good and loudShe might get up and dance againOhh, she put her beer downHere she comes, here she comesLeft, left, left right leftWoo
Hustlers shootin’ eight ballThrowin’ darts at the wallFeelin’ damn near ten feet tallHere she comes, Lord help us allOl’ T.W.’s girlfriend done slapped him out his chairPoor ole boy, it ain’t his faultIt’s so hard not to stare
At that honky tonk badonkadonkKeepin’ perfect rhythm, make ya wanna swing alongGot it goin’ on like Donkey KongAnd whoo-wee, shut my mouth, slap your grandmaThere oughta be a law, get the Sheriff on the phoneLord have mercy, how’d she even get them britches onThat honky tonk badonkadonk(Aww son)
Now Honey, you can’t blame herFor what her mama gave herIt ain’t right to hate herFor workin’ that money-makerBand shuts down at twoBut we’re hangin’ out ’til threeWe hate to see her goBut love to watch her leave
With that honky tonk badonkadonkKeepin’ perfect rhythmMake ya wanna swing alongGot it goin’ on like Donkey KongAnd whoo-wee shut my mouth, slap your grandmaThere oughta be a law, get the Sheriff on the phoneLord have mercy, how’d she even get them britches onWith that honky tonk badonkadonk(Ooh, that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout right there, honey)
We don’t care about the drinkin’Barely listen to the bandOur hands, they start a shakin’When she gets the urge to danceDrivin’ everybody crazyYou think you fell in loveBoys, you better keep your distanceYou can look but you can’t touch
That honky tonk badonkadonkKeepin’ perfect rhythmMake ya wanna swing alongGot it goin’ on like Donkey KongAnd whoo-wee, shut my mouth, slap your grandmaThere oughta be a law, get the Sheriff on the phoneLord have mercy, how’d she even get them britches onThat honky tonk badonkadonk
That honky tonk badonkadonk
Yeah, that honky tonk badonkadonk(That honky tonk badonkadonk)That’s it, right there boys, that’s why we do what we doIt ain’t for the money, it ain’t for the glory, it ain’t for the free whiskeyIt’s for the badonkadonk(That honky tonk badonkadonk)