Honkytonk No No, No. 7

 March 14, 2023

  Some things are counter-intuitive. Take Honkytonk dancers for example. Here's a quiz:

"Are They Fightin' Or Dancin' Or Both?"

Honkytonk No No, No. 7

   One night, many moons ago, I watched from the bandstand of the Hayloft Saloon in Flowing Wells, Arizona as a couple started fighting at the bar. I couldn't hear what they were saying because we were playing too loud, but it was clear from their body language they both were very upset with each other. The woman tried to leave but the guy grabbed her by the arm and forced her to sit back down on her bar stool. A very brave young guy, who had just come in the door, saw the woman in distress and walked boldly to the fighting couple and interjected something while trying to separate them at the same time by placing his arm between them. The guy at the bar cold-cocked the would-be rescuer with one punch. The kid dropped like a sack of potatoes and started rolling around on the floor while holding his bloody nose. The couple then stepped over him and went to the dancefloor where they started cuttin' a mighty fine rug with some style and panache.

   The moral of the story: never interrupt a fighting couple in a honkytonk. They only get to do this once a week and they will not tolerate any well-meaning interference. Especially, well-meaning interference!

Daily Whip Out:

"Mr. Lucky's Featured Fighting & Dancing Both Upstairs & Downstairs"

   "What do you wear—long shorts or briefs?"

   "Depends."

—Mel Brooks, 96, answering a question from the audience at Radio City Music Hall