For centuries, drinking has been a universal pastime that has brought people together in all corners of the world. From beers at a bar with friends to wine at a fancy dinner, alcohol has a unique ability to bring people together and help them forget their troubles.
It’s no surprise that drinking has been a popular theme in music for just as long. Songs about drinking can evoke a range of emotions, from nostalgia to sadness to pure joy.
Some songs celebrate the good times, while others touch on the darker side of drinking. Whether you’re a country music fan or a lover of rock and roll, there’s a drinking song out there for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some classic and contemporary examples of songs about drinking that capture the spirit of this timeless pastime. So, grab a drink and let’s dive in.
1. “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy
“Whiskey in the Jar” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but Thin Lizzy’s version is arguably the most famous.
The song tells the story of a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover and sent to prison.
The chorus, “Musha ring dum a doo dum a da, Whack for my daddy-o, Whack for my daddy-o, There’s whiskey in the jar-o,” is catchy and fun to sing along with, making it a staple at pubs and bars around the world.
2. “Red, Red Wine” by UB40
“Red, Red Wine” was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967, but it was UB40’s reggae version that became a hit in the 1980s.
The song is about drowning your sorrows in a bottle of wine after a breakup.
The chorus, “Red, red wine, goes to my head, Makes me forget that I still need her so,” captures the feeling of numbing the pain with alcohol.
3. “Cheers (Drink to That)” by Rihanna
“Cheers (Drink to That)” is a party anthem that celebrates the joy of drinking with friends.
The song samples Avril Lavigne’s “I’m with You” and features the lyrics, “Cheers to the freakin’ weekend, I drink to that, yeah yeah, Oh let the Jameson sink in, I drink to that, yeah yeah.”
The upbeat tempo and positive message make it a great song to sing along with while you’re raising a glass.
4. “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg
“Gin and Juice” is a classic hip-hop song that has become a favorite at parties and clubs.
The song describes a day in the life of Snoop Dogg, where he spends his time drinking gin and juice and hanging out with his friends.
The catchy chorus, “Rollin’ down the street, smokin’ indo, sippin’ on gin and juice, laid back (with my mind on my money and my money on my mind),” is instantly recognizable and guaranteed to get the party started.
5. “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood
“Wasted” is a country song that tells the story of a woman who turns to alcohol to forget her problems.
The song’s chorus, “I don’t wanna spend my life jaded, waiting to wake up one day and find, that I’ve let all these years go by wasted,” is a sobering reminder of the dangers of drinking too much.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a fan favorite at Carrie Underwood concerts.
See Also: Best Songs About Growing Up
6. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
“Tennessee Whiskey” is a soulful ballad that showcases Chris Stapleton’s incredible voice. The song compares the love of a good woman to the smooth taste of Tennessee whiskey.
The chorus, “You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey, You’re as sweet as strawberry wine, You’re as warm as a glass of brandy, And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time,” is a beautiful and poetic tribute to the joys of love and alcohol.
7. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
“Piano Man” is one of Billy Joel’s most famous songs and tells the story of a piano player at a bar who observes the patrons and their drinking habits.
The chorus of “Piano Man,” “Sing us a song, you’re the piano man, Sing us a song tonight, Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody, And you’ve got us feelin’ alright,” has become an anthem for bar-goers and is often sung along with by the crowd.
8. “Tequila” by The Champs
“Tequila” is a classic instrumental song that is instantly recognizable from its catchy trumpet melody.
The song is named after the popular Mexican liquor and was originally recorded in 1958 by The Champs.
The song’s simple yet addictive rhythm has made it a favorite at parties and events for decades.
9. “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” by George Thorogood
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a blues song that tells the story of a man who is down on his luck and turns to alcohol to ease his troubles.
The song’s catchy chorus, “One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer, Well, I ain’t seen my baby since I don’t know when, I’ve been drinking bourbon, whiskey, scotch and gin, Gonna get high, man, I’m gonna get loose, Need me a triple shot of that juice, Gonna get drunk, don’t you have no fear, I want one bourbon, one scotch and one beer,” has become a favorite of blues and rock fans alike.
10. “The Piano Has Been Drinking” by Tom Waits
“The Piano Has Been Drinking” is a bluesy, jazzy song that showcases Tom Waits’ unique style and voice.
The song describes a drunken night at a bar where everything is going wrong, including the piano player, who is too drunk to play properly.
The chorus, “The piano has been drinking, My necktie is asleep, And the combo went back to New York, The jukebox has to take a leak,” is a humorous take on the absurdity of a night spent drinking.
Conclusion
These songs about drinking cover a wide range of emotions and genres, from fun and upbeat to introspective and melancholy.
While alcohol may have inspired many of these songs, they also serve as a reminder of the dangers of drinking too much and the importance of enjoying it responsibly.
So the next time you’re raising a glass, put on one of these songs and enjoy the moment.