Drinking Country Songs: Best Tunes to Raise Your Glass To

Drinking and country music have always gone hand in hand. From heartbreak to celebrations, country songs have a way of capturing the essence of drinking culture.

With their relatable lyrics and catchy tunes, drinking country songs have become a staple in bars and honky-tonks across the country.

One of the most iconic drinking country songs is “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks.

Released in 1990, the song became an instant classic with its relatable lyrics about finding refuge in a bar after a breakup.

Other popular drinking country songs include “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” by Joe Nichols, and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland.

These songs have become party anthems, with their upbeat melodies and catchy choruses.

While drinking country songs are often associated with partying and having a good time, they can also touch on deeper emotions. Many of these songs explore themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and addiction.

Despite the heavy subject matter, these songs continue to resonate with audiences and have become a beloved part of country music culture.

Origins of Drinking Country Songs

Historical Roots

Drinking and music have always been intertwined, and country music is no exception. The origins of drinking country songs can be traced back to the early days of country music in the 1920s and 1930s.

The songs of this era were often about the struggles of rural life, and drinking was a common way for people to cope with the hardships they faced.

One of the earliest examples of a drinking country song is “T for Texas” by Jimmie Rodgers. This song, which was released in 1928, tells the story of a man who turns to drinking after his lover leaves him.

The song became a hit and set the stage for many more drinking country songs to come.

Influence of Prohibition Era

The Prohibition era , which lasted from 1920 to 1933, also had a significant influence on the development of drinking country songs. During this time, the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal in the United States, but many people continued to drink anyway.

Country musicians of the time often wrote songs that celebrated drinking and defied the laws of Prohibition.

One of the most famous drinking country songs of this era is “White Lightning” by George Jones. This song, which was released in 1959, tells the story of a man who makes moonshine and sells it to his friends.

The song became a hit and helped to solidify Jones’ reputation as one of the greatest country singers of all time.

Overall, drinking country songs have been a staple of the genre for nearly a century. Whether they are celebrating the joys of drinking or exploring the darker side of alcohol, these songs have resonated with audiences and helped to define the sound of country music.

Iconic Drinking Country Songs

Country music has a long history of celebrating drinking culture, with many songs becoming anthems for bar-goers and party animals alike. Here are some of the most iconic drinking country songs:

Classic Hits

1. “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks: This classic hit from 1990 is a staple at any country bar, with its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about drowning sorrows in alcohol.
2. “Whiskey River” by Willie Nelson: This song, originally recorded by Johnny Bush, was made famous by Willie Nelson in 1978. Its upbeat tempo and references to whiskey make it a popular choice for drinking playlists.
3. “One More Last Chance” by Vince Gill:Released in 1993, this song tells the story of a man who keeps getting second chances with his lover but always ends up blowing it by going out drinking. Its catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite.

Modern Anthems

1. “Drunk on a Plane” by Dierks Bentley: This 2014 hit tells the story of a man who gets dumped by his fiancee and decides to take his honeymoon trip to Cancun alone. He ends up getting drunk on the plane and having a wild time. Its humorous lyrics and catchy melody make it a popular choice for drinking playlists.
2. “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland: This 2017 hit tells the story of a man who can’t seem to shake his drinking problem despite the consequences it has on his life. Its traditional country sound and relatable lyrics make it a standout song in the genre.
3. “Tequila” by Dan + Shay: This 2018 hit is a slow ballad about a man who can’t stop thinking about his ex after drinking tequila. Its emotional lyrics and haunting melody make it a popular choice for slow dances at bars.

These iconic drinking country songs are just a few examples of the genre’s celebration of alcohol and partying.

Here’s a table highlighting some iconic drinking country songs :

Song	Artist	Year	Notable Features
Friends in Low Places	Garth Brooks	1990	Relatable lyrics, classic party anthem, timeless appeal
Whiskey Lullaby	Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss	2003	Emotional ballad, explores the dark side of drinking
Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off	Joe Nichols	2005	Upbeat, humorous lyrics, catchy chorus
Drinkin’ Problem	Midland	2017	Traditional country sound, reflective lyrics
Drunk on a Plane	Dierks Bentley	2014	Humorous narrative, catchy melody, storytelling
Toes	Zac Brown Band	2009	Beachy vibes, laid-back atmosphere, carefree lyrics
Red Solo Cup	Toby Keith	2011	Playful, party anthem, humorous ode to solo cups
One More Last Chance	Vince Gill	1993	Catchy chorus, playful lyrics, humorous take on second chances
I Love This Bar	Toby Keith	2003	Celebratory, showcases the camaraderie of a favorite bar
Beer for My Horses	Toby Keith & Willie Nelson	2003	Advocates for responsibility, addresses social issues
The Bottle Let Me Down	Merle Haggard	1966	Classic honky-tonk feel, reflects the pain of heartbreak

Themes and Motifs

Country music has always been about telling stories, and drinking songs are no exception. These songs often center around themes of celebration, sorrow, nostalgia, and companionship.

Celebration and Sorrow

Many drinking songs celebrate the joys of drinking, whether it’s toasting a good time with friends or drowning one’s sorrows.

Some popular examples include “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks and “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss.

These songs often use upbeat tempos and catchy choruses to capture the festive atmosphere of a night out.

On the other hand, some drinking songs explore the darker side of alcohol, such as addiction and heartbreak. “One More Last Chance” by Vince Gill and “The Bottle Let Me Down” by Merle Haggard are prime examples of this.

These songs often have a slower, more melancholy tone, reflecting the pain and regret that can come with excessive drinking.

Nostalgia and Companionship

Drinking songs can also evoke feelings of nostalgia and companionship, as they often revolve around shared experiences with friends and loved ones. “Toes” by Zac Brown Band and “Beer for My Horses” by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson are great examples of this.

These songs often use vivid imagery and relatable lyrics to transport listeners back to a simpler time and place.

In addition, some drinking songs explore the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that can form over a few cold ones. “I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith and “Drunk on a Plane” by Dierks Bentley are perfect examples of this.

These songs often use humor and wit to capture the playful banter and good-natured ribbing that can occur among drinking buddies.

Overall, drinking songs are an integral part of country music, offering listeners a chance to escape and unwind with friends, or simply reflect on the joys and sorrows of life.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Popular Culture

Drinking country songs has had a significant impact on popular culture. Many of these songs have become anthems for partygoers, and their lyrics have been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

For example, the song “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks has been used in several movies, including “The Hangover Part II” and “Pixels.” Similarly, “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith has been used in commercials for Solo cups.

Moreover, drinking country songs have influenced the music industry as a whole. Many popular artists , such as Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line, have incorporated elements of country music into their songs, including references to partying and drinking.

This has helped to bring country music to a wider audience and make it more mainstream.

Reflection of Societal Attitudes

Drinking country songs also reflects societal attitudes towards alcohol and partying.

Many of these songs glorify excessive drinking and partying, which can be seen as a reflection of the party culture prevalent in many parts of the United States.

However, some artists have used their music to comment on the negative effects of excessive drinking.

For example, the song “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss tells the story of a couple who drink themselves to death after a breakup. This song highlights the dangers of excessive drinking and the toll it can take on individuals and relationships.

Similarly, the song “Beer for My Horses” by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson advocates for responsible drinking and taking action against drunk driving.

Overall, drinking country songs have had a significant cultural impact, influencing popular culture and reflecting societal attitudes towards alcohol and partying.

Conclusion

• Drinking and country music share a long history, with drinking songs becoming an integral part of the genre.
• Iconic songs like “Friends in Low Places” and “Whiskey Lullaby” have defined the drinking culture within country music, resonating with audiences for decades.
• The origins of drinking country songs can be traced back to the early days of country music, with historical roots in the struggles of rural life and the influence of the Prohibition era.
• Themes of celebration, sorrow, nostalgia, and companionship are common in drinking songs, reflecting the diverse emotions associated with alcohol.
• Drinking country songs has left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing movies, TV shows, and commercials and even shaping the sound of other music genres.
• These songs also reflect societal attitudes towards alcohol, sometimes glorifying excessive drinking but also addressing the negative consequences and advocating for responsibility.
• Overall, drinking country songs continue to be a powerful and relatable expression of the human experience, resonating with listeners and contributing to the rich tapestry of country music.

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