Meaning of "Close Up The Honky Tonks" by Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen

The lyrics of "Close Up The Honky Tonks" depict a classic tale of heartache and longing, with the honky tonks symbolizing a lifestyle that pulls the narrator's lover away from him. The honky tonks represent a place of escape for the lover, a place where she can avoid commitments and responsibilities. The narrator's desire to close up these honky tonks and lock away the keys is a plea for a return to simplicity, when his lover belonged solely to him. This could also be seen as a reflection on the destructive nature of external influences on relationships, highlighting how distractions can lead to the disintegration of love and connection. Ultimately, the song captures the universal feelings of loss and the yearning for a lost love that many can relate to.