Meaning of "Blowin' Smoke" by David Ball

The lyrics of "Blowin' Smoke" by David Ball depict a heartbreaking internal struggle of the narrator as he tries to convince himself and others that he is over a past relationship. He puts on a front of moving on, using the honky-tonk setting to mask his true emotions and pain. The metaphor of "blowin' smoke" signifies the emptiness of his words and actions, as he acknowledges that he is lying to himself and those around him. The narrator's denial and inability to fully come to terms with his feelings reflect the complexity of love and heartbreak. Despite his attempts to bury his emotions, he knows deep down that he is still in love with the person he lost. The internal conflict and the facade he puts up showcase the universal struggle of trying to move on from a past love while still holding onto hope for a reconciliation.