Joe Ely (born February 9, 1947) is an Austin, Texas honky-tonk/country musician. Ely, born in Amarillo, spent his formative years from age 12 in Lubbock, Texas. Shortly after high school, in 1970, with fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, he formed The Flatlanders. According to Ely, "Jimmie was like a well of country music. He knew everything about it.
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Honky Tonk Masquerade Lyrics

Joe Ely

You sure look fine tonight, in the beer sign light.
Why did you seem surprised when I saw through your disguise.
All your friends were there and no one had a care.
They all just looked away in this Honky Tonk Masquerade.

You should have known I knew all along.
That I could see through you right or wrong.
I didn't need a clue.
I didn't even have to ask,
You saw your own reflection in the glass.

I'd like to see you home, but I know you're not alone
You seem to fit right in, as you tell me where you've been
You say there's not that much to tell but I know you oh too well
Your eyes give you away in this Honky Tonk Masquerade.

You should have known I knew all along.
That I could see through you right or wrong.
I didn't need a clue.
I didn't even have to ask,
You saw your own reflection in the glass.

You sure look fine tonight, they're turning out the lights
Why did you hold my sleeve when I said I had to leave
I hoped it never showed, but that's the way it goes.
As the lights begin to fade on this Honky Tonk Masquerade.