On a cold winter's evening in a bar room in Kentucky
I went in to hear the band and find some winter heat
They were playin' Charlie Daniels and sounded mighty fine
When I looked out on the dance floor my heart skipped a beat

She was out there by herself she was dancing all alone
Her boots were made of 'gator and her hair was black as coal
My heart was a mess, she looked so sexy in that black dress
I knew I was in trouble at that backwoods water hole

I knew I was in trouble
Shoulda left there on the double
I shoulda but I didn't
I had to make a play
I knew I was in trouble
But would she burst my bubble
I shoulda left that honky tonk
But I made my mind to stay

When the band was down at breaktime it seemed like a good time
To introduce myself to her that lit my heart on fire
Well I think the bartender knew I wanted to befriend her
But he just shook his head and I started to perspire

I took a whisky to her table and I sat down right beside her
I said I liked her dancing and those 'gator boots she wore
She looked at me and took a drink but never said a word
I felt a rush of cold air comin' thru the door

I knew I was in trouble
Shoulda left there on the double
I shoulda but I didn't
I had to make a play
I knew I was in trouble
But would she burst my bubble
I shoulda left that honky tonk
But I made my mind to stay

Well next thing I remember her eyes were lookin' past me
I turned round at that table and looked at the dance floor
He was 6 foot 6 and angry, I made a quick decision
I grabbed my hat, I made myself a beeline for the door

That's the end of this story 'bout a bar room in Kentucky
A local honky tonk--A smoky little dive
I went in for a drink, I was hopin' to get lucky
But by the time I left I was glad to be alive

I knew I was in trouble
Shoulda left there on the double
I shoulda but I didn't
I had to make a play
I knew I was in trouble
But that gal burst my bubble
I shoulda left that honkytonk
But I made my mind to stay

When I finally left that honky tonk
I was glad to get away