Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s single “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” – released on September 15, 2003 – became one of the duo’s most electrifying, playful anthems from their eighth studio album, Red Dirt Road . Written by Bob DiPiero and Bart Allmand, the song was inspired by a clever line in the film Sweet Home Alabama and a real-life “honky‑tonk girl” from Branson, Missouri. Its upbeat tempo, electrified guitar riff, and horn-infused arrangement—the sort of rollicking blend of rock and country Brooks & Dunn excelled at—propelled it to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 2004 .
Sonically set in the key of F major, the song incorporates a lively chord progression and Dunn’s soaring vocal range from D to C, lending it an inherently danceable, honky‑tonk spirit . The lyrics weave a spirited story of a free‑spirited bride who can’t resist her wild side—even in a wedding dress, the honky‑tonk in her soul remains unshakeable. The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, adds a humorous twist: opening beneath a faux “HonkyTonk” sign (a spoof of the Hollywood sign), it comically reveals the real bride and groom gallivanting off to Cancun while the honky‑tonk girl takes center stage—complete with a cameo by actress Marilu Henner .
Released as the second single following the chart-topping “Red Dirt Road,” this track helped sustain the album’s success. Red Dirt Road went platinum, driven by its string of hits including this track, and reaffirmed Brooks & Dunn’s knack for combining storytelling with exuberant, upbeat production.
In short, “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” perfectly encapsulates Brooks & Dunn’s signature blend of down-home charm, rock-tinged swagger, and clever narrative songwriting—capturing the joyful defiance of a girl who refuses to be tamed.