The Rolling Stones: All Number 1 Songs Ranked Worst To Best
5. Honky Tonk Women
US & UK #1, 1969
Like most rock stars (in the sixties and since), the Stones led lives of hedonism and debauchery, meaning they must have crossed paths with hundreds of honky tonk women. The expression has come to refer to any dancing girl in a western bar who may or may not double as a prostitute (but likely does).
Honky Tonk Women, which was inspired by the band's travels in Brazil, is a seemingly fun romp about living it up with little to no regard to self-restraint, yet it hides an undercurrent of heartbreak. No matter how much Jagger devolves into booze, blow, or sexcapades, he can't seem to 'drink you off his mind' - in fact, said coping mechanisms only heighten his sadness.
The song was originally devised as a bluesy-contry song, later included in the band's album Let It Bleed. As a country number, it sounds forced and out of character for the Stones, and its instrumentals drown out Jagger's vocals (and faux southern twang) the entire time. As a revised rock-and-roll cut, it's a knock-out of a hit, from the moment that cowbell introduces it all the way to that final 'Wooh!'
Fun Fact: Drummer Brian Jones' last session with the band was on a demo version of this song. He quit the group shortly afterwards, attributing his decision to his inability to keep up with the band's lifestyle. Sadly, he died that same year, drowned in his pool.