Honky Cat
Elton John · 5 Classic Albums 1970-1973 [2012]
Boppin' in the country, fishin' in a stream
Lookin' for an answer, tryin' 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
Livin' in the city ain't where it's at
It's like tryin' to find gold in a silver mine
It's like tryin' to drink whisky 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, they 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-oh-oh-oh, oh, the change is gonna do me good
(Repeat)
They said stay at home, boy, you gotta tend the farm
Livin' in the city, boy, is gonna break your heart
But how can you stay when your heart says no
How, how can you stop when your feet say go
You better get back Honky Cat
Better get back to the woods
Well, I quit those days and my redneck ways
And, oh-oh-oh-oh, oh, the change is gonna do me good
You better get back Honky Cat
Livin' in the city ain't where it's at
It's like tryin' to find gold in a silver mine
It's like tryin' to drink whisky, oh, from a bottle of wine
Get back Honky Cat, get back Honky Cat, get back, whoa
Get back Honky Cat, get back Honky Cat, get back, whoa
Get back Honky Cat, get back, get back Honky Cat, whoa
Oh yeah
Honky Cat
Elton John's "Honky Cat" stands as a quintessential example of his mid-1970s rock sound, blending sharp guitar riffs with his signature melodic vocal style. Recorded for the compilation "5 Classic Albums 1970-1973," the track captures the energy and sophistication of his work during a period where he was refining his songwriting craft beyond the pop ballads of his earlier years. The composition features a driving rhythm section and a distinctive solo that became a hallmark of his live performances and studio recordings. As part of his extensive discography, "Honky Cat" reflects the enduring appeal of his ability to fuse rock instrumentation with accessible pop structures, cementing his status as a defining voice in English-language rock music throughout the decade.