“Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” by Mickey Gilley is a classic honky-tonk anthem that brings humor and relatability to the forefront of country music. Released in 1976, the song became a major hit for Gilley, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This song captures the lighthearted, often self-deprecating side of country music while also showcasing Gilley’s smooth vocal delivery and ability to tap into universal themes in a way that resonates with audiences.
The premise of the song is simple yet undeniably clever: as the night goes on in a bar, and as closing time draws near, the women in the room seem to grow more attractive. The humor comes from the realization that it isn’t the women who are changing, but rather the perception of the male patrons, influenced by alcohol and the dwindling number of available partners. The song is full of wit and charm, taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to a scenario that anyone who’s ever spent time in a bar might recognize.
The title, “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,” immediately grabs attention and sets the tone for the playful narrative that unfolds. The lyrics are crafted in such a way that they balance humor with a bit of underlying truth about human nature and the way people tend to behave when faced with the end of the night. Lines like, “Don’t they all get prettier at closing time? / Don’t they all begin to look like movie stars?” capture the essence of the song—what might seem like a fleeting observation actually taps into a deeper sense of vulnerability and the sometimes irrational decisions made in moments of loneliness.
While the song is filled with humor, it also subtly addresses the way alcohol affects perception. The tongue-in-cheek confession from the narrator that his standards might be slipping as the night progresses adds to the comedic effect, especially in the line: “If I could rate ’em on a scale from one to ten / I’m lookin’ for a nine, but an eight would slip right in.” This playful lowering of standards as the evening goes on is what makes the song so memorable, as Gilley paints a vivid picture of late-night bar culture in a way that’s instantly relatable and fun.
Musically, “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” is a perfect example of Gilley’s signature sound, blending traditional honky-tonk with a dash of the urban cowboy style that he helped popularize. The upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and lively piano work create a toe-tapping rhythm that complements the lighthearted nature of the lyrics. Gilley’s smooth baritone voice delivers the lyrics with just the right amount of charm and charisma, making it clear that while the song is poking fun at a common situation, it’s all in good fun.
As with many country songs, there’s an element of truth underlying the humor. While the song may seem like a simple barroom tune, it taps into the very real experience of people seeking connection, even if only for a brief moment, at the end of a long night. In this way, the song resonates beyond its humorous surface, offering a glimpse into the human desire for companionship and the lengths people will go to avoid feeling alone.
Mickey Gilley was already an established star by the time this song hit the charts, but “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” helped solidify his status as a leading figure in the world of country music. The song’s success came during the height of the urban cowboy movement, which Gilley played a key role in shaping, particularly through his famous honky-tonk venue, Gilley’s Club. This period saw a blending of traditional country sounds with more mainstream appeal, and Gilley’s music was right at the forefront of this crossover.
Despite its lighthearted and humorous approach, the song’s success was undeniable. It became one of Gilley’s most recognizable hits and remains a staple in his catalog. Its playful take on bar culture and human nature ensures that it continues to be a favorite among country music fans, especially those who appreciate the genre’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Ultimately, “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” is a perfect example of why country music has such broad appeal. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to strike a chord with listeners. With its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and Mickey Gilley’s undeniable charisma, the song has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved honky-tonk anthem that continues to bring smiles to faces in bars and dance halls across the country.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
One, two, one, two, three, take!
Oh, the girls all get prettier about Christmas time
And they all begin to look like movie stars
On the girls all get prettier around Christmas time
When the change starts taking place
It puts a glow on every face
Of the fallin’ angels at the back street bars
(I can tell)
You gotta rate ’em on a scale from one to ten
I’m looking for a man could take the work right in
A few more drinks and I might slip to five or even four
When the Christmas morning comes
And I wake up with a number one
I swear, I’ll never do it anymore
Talking to you, Santa
Oh, the girls all get prettier around Christmas time
And they all begin to look like movie stars
Oh, the girls all get prettier around Christmas time
When the change starts taking place
It puts a glow on every face
Of the fallin’ angels of the back street bars
(Mickey Gilley on the piano)
All the guys come serve it raw
I don’t mean to criticize the girls at all
You wouldn’t let me be your Santa
Honey, even if I call
We all picture in our mind the girl that looks just right
Ain’t it funny and ain’t it strange
The way a man’s opinions change
When he starts to face that lonely night
Oh, the girls all get prettier around Christmas time
And they all begin to look like movie stars
Oh, the girls all get prettier around Christmas time
When the change starts taking place
It puts the glow on every face
Of the fallin’ angels of the back street bars
The fallin’ angels of the back street bars
Hep! Hep! Hep1
Merry Christmas baby
Whoa! Yes!
Merry Christmas everybody
Merry Christmas
Oh, man! Hey!