The song "Honky Tonk Myself To Death" by George Jones is a country ballad about a heartbroken individual coping with the pain of a breakup. The lyrics express feelings of sadness, despair, and a desire to numb the emotional pain through self-destructive behaviors, particularly through excessive drinking and dancing in honky tonk bars. The protagonist of the song acknowledges the loss of their loved one and the fact that they are no longer together. The nights have become colder and their life has turned into a sad song without their former partner. However, they understand that they must find a way to move on and get over the heartbreak. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's desperate attempts to avoid more drastic measures like self-harm or suicide. They express that dying of a broken heart or resorting to extreme actions would be too devastating, both physically and emotionally. Instead, they plan to drown their sorrows and distract themselves from the pain by constantly engaging in the honky tonk lifestyle. The song suggests that the protagonist will spend their time in honky tonk bars, drinking heavily and dancing until they are physically exhausted. They believe that engaging in this lifestyle will eventually lead them to their demise, as they will "honky tonk [themselves] to death." Overall, "Honky Tonk Myself To Death" portrays a person trying to cope with heartbreak in self-destructive ways, seeking solace in the distractions of the honky tonk nightlife. However, it also highlights their awareness of the potential consequences of their actions, underscoring their desire to find a way to move on from the pain they feel.
