Honky Cat

Elton John

About Honky Cat

"Honky Cat" is a song from the 1972 Elton John album Honky Château, the album's lead-off track."Honky Cat" reached No.  31 in the UK, but fared better in the U. S., peaking at No.  8 on the Billboard Hot 100 just as John launched an American tour in September 1972. The song remains a staple of "classic rock" radio. A live version was released on the Here side of the Here and There live set in 1976 (and its expanded CD version in 1995), and a solo piano version appeared on the EltonJohn. com "Live in Madison Square Garden" Vol. 1 limited edition CD, recorded in October 1999. Lee Ann Womack covered the song on the 2018 tribute album Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. 


Year:
1998
5:13
27 

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When I look back, boy, I must have been green
Bopping in the country, fishing in a stream
Looking for an answer, trying to find a sign
Until I saw your city lights, honey, I was blind

They said, get back, honky cat
Better get back to the woods
Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways
And, oh, the change is gonna do me good

You better get back, honky cat
Living in the city ain't where it's at
It's like trying to find gold in a silver mine
It's like trying to drink whiskey from a bottle of wine

Well, I read some books, and I read some magazines
About those high-class ladies down in New Orleans
And all the folks back home, well, said I was a fool
They said, oh, believe in the Lord is the golden rule

They said, get back, honky cat
Better get back to the woods
Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways
And, oh, the change is gonna do me good

They said, get back, honky cat
Better get back to the woods
Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways
And, oh, the change is gonna do me good

They said, stay at home, boy, you gotta tend the farm
Living in the city, boy, is going to break your heart
But how can you stay when your heart says no?
How can you stop when your feet say go?

They said, get back, honky cat
Better get back to the woods
Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways
And, oh, the change is gonna do me good

You better get back, honky cat
Living in the city ain't where it's at
It's like trying to find gold in a silver mine
It's like trying to drink whiskey from a bottle of wine

Oh, yeah

Get back, honky cat
Get back, honky cat
Get back

Get back, honky cat
Get back, honky cat
Get back

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Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

Written by: Bernie Taupin, Elton John

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Background
"Honky Cat" is a song from Elton John's fifth studio album, "Honky Château," which was released in 1972.
Songwriters
The song was written by Elton John and his long-time lyricist, Bernie Taupin. They have written several of John's classic songs together.
Chart Performance
It did very well on the charts, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 31 on the UK Singles Chart.
Song Inspiration
The song's themes of rural simplicity and dissatisfaction with city life are heavily influenced by Bernie Taupin's rural upbringing.
Musicians
The song features Elton John on vocals and piano, Davey Johnstone on guitar, and Nigel Olsson on drums. The brass section was arranged by producer Gus Dudgeon.
Album Success
"Honky Château" is considered one of Elton John's finest albums and it became his first number one album in the U.S.
Music Video
Although no formal music video was made for the song, a live performance video is often associated with it, showcasing Elton John's fiery piano playing.
Song Style
The song is often classified as rock, with strong roots in country and blues, featuring a standout honky-tonk piano lead.
Grammy Nominations
The album, "Honky Château," earned Elton John a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 1973 but didn't win.
Live Performances
"Honky Cat" remains a favorite during Elton John's live performances and has been included in numerous concert tours through the years.
Cover Versions
The song was famously covered by British band, Stereophonics, for a B-side on their single "Handbags and Gladrags" in 2001.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Honky Cat" emphasize the importance of appreciating one's roots, regardless of life's successes and achievements in the city.
Album Artwork
The intriguing cover artwork of "Honky Château" features a fantasy theme and an unusual photo of Elton John, memorialized as a rather strange, surreal depiction that fans remember fondly.

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    Honky Cat

    3.5M
    39,331     3,839

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #8


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