alcohol songs
Generations of songs have long had ties with elixirs of many kinds. Whether an ode to the drink itself or tales of related debauchery, some things go so well together… drink on and rock on…
Cold Gin
Kiss
This version is from 1976. This is not the best audio, but vintage Kiss for sure and it’s more fun to watch a video while listening. This one is cool because it has their often used diatribe at the beginning contemplating various drinks the audience may partake in. Oddly enough Gene Simmons who sings the song doesn’t drink or do drugs but rather has other addictions. Ace Frehley wrote this in regard to a guy who only had his gin to keep him warm.
Postnote: sadly the Youtube account that had posted this video has been deleted, so we’ve replaced that video with this similar 1977 version performed at Budokan, Tokyo.
Gin and Juice
The Gourds
WARNING - EXPLICIT LYRICS
1998. Yeah, you probably know the Snoop Dogg song. This is a cover by an awesome Austin-based Texas-bluegrass band. While their original material is great… this cover song created some additional fame. Although they were actually initially mis-credited back in the Napster days, the bootleg version was tagged as a Phish song. (That’s actually how I was introduced to the song.) This video is courtesy of a creative you-tuber using some old Muppets footage. I was first introduced to “Gin and Juice” (also known as paradise cocktail) by a Jamaican friend who preferred the name-brand juice - Five Alive - with a much simpler mix, but higher-class sippers are known to use Gin, Apricot Brandy and Orange Juice.
Alcohol
Barenaked Ladies
Also from 1998. Like many songs that will end up on this list… a pure and unadulterated tribute to alcohol. During the album-recorded version of this song, the band performed naked (as well as some other tracks over time). Best line:
But Now I Know That There's A Time
And There's A Place Where I Can Choose
To Walk The Fine Line Between
Self-Control And Self-Abuse
Party Time!
White Lightning
George Jones
1959. This was George’s breakout hit. And while he was an amazing songwriter in his own right, this one was written by the Big Bopper. George was drinking so much during recording that it took 83 takes to get a good take. My pappy didn’t have a still, but I grew up in NC, and even in the 80’s one of our town’s most popular folks used to drive around in his late 70’s Ford LTD - carolina-blue with vinyl letters on the side advertising his moonshine business. If you missed it, one of the best ways to learn about George and his love of alcohol is Mike Judge’s “Tales from the Tour Bus” series. Here is a sample - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahqavacBd7c and in any case both seasons are worth watching.
Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)
The Doors
1967. One of my favorite bands ever, this short video is a portion from the Hollywood Bowl concert. Most people have no idea this is actually a cover song. Originally written by Bertolt Brecht as part of a German opera in the late 1920’s. The opera continues to be performed today. I feel like the song is intentionally performed like the The Doors version in modern productions. Here is an older recording (1930) I’m guessing is more like the original. https://youtu.be/EGUjGPrfA6U
Brass Monkey
Beastie Boys
1986. Man, we could probably dedicate an entire page to a Brass Monkey discussion. The song is focused on Brass Monkey, the drink, although many other drinks are noted in the song. The Brass Monkey cocktail is typically Vodka, Rum and OJ over ice. The version the Boys are specifically talking about is a premix that came in a can or bottle originating from the Heublein Company after WWII. I think my first hangover ever came from drinking Brass Monkeys… but eh… who can remember. Anyway, a better version of this segment can be found in their recent video documentary. The song was based on a sample from “Bring it Here” by Wild Sugar - https://youtu.be/M7II1SB6TAI There’s also a killer live DJ demo showing how to mix / scratch this song. https://youtu.be/pQ5NAXe-_RY
The “Brass Monkey” figure of speech comes from reference to a device (brass plate with indents) that is used to keep cannon balls from rolling around on a ship. (And due to the different thermal coefficients of brass and iron, it’s sometimes, “ …cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.”)
Red Red Wine
UB40
1983. An attempt at a reggae version of a Neil Diamond song by a British band. WTF? I hate this song… honestly… Yes the original by Neil Diamond was in 1968 and I guess could be an OK song. UB40 claims they only knew the song by it’s Tony Tribe reggae version - recorded in 1969 (a much better version.) UB40 won some Grammy’s and a lot of people like it so good for them. But they contradict the original song by adding, “…red red wine keeps me rockin’ all of the time,” no, it doesn't. And no one in this video is drinking red wine - appropriate for an English pub but it’s still about red red wine.. Enough raggin’ on the song. If you like it, you like it. I don’t. They are talented musicians. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t hit heavy rotation.
It’s on the list because of the memories. When this came out I was into alternative, punk and rock. This was pop BS, but it’s one of those things that creates distinct and clear memories for me. I don’t even know why I was listing to the radio because nothing I listened to came on the radio at the time… but I clearly remember this song coming on the radio. It was 1988. (The reissue version with the rap segment was just topping the charts.) I had just gotten my driver’s license. I was driving to a lifeguard training class. (My parents wanted me to do that before they would let me go surfing on my own.) A recent breakup with a girlfriend was on my mind. It was a very humid night, fog starting to form. When I hear this song, I can smell the vinyl and foam seat in my Toyota RN23 truck, Chapel Rd…..
Alcohol
Gogol Bordello
2007. Gogol Bordello has to have one of the highest energy live shows - go see them if you get a chance. This video is Eugene solo with his trusty acoustic guitar. Simple and definitely in the top 10 of all alcohol songs.
And you know that I'll pick up every time you call
Just to thank you one more time for everything you've done Alcohol
Tequila
The Champs
1958. The original Tequila. This video is from the Beechnut Show - and yes, that is Dick Clark. This was pulled together basically as a jam session in the studio after recording some other things. Oh the beauty of Surf Saxophone.
Highball with the Devil
Les Claypool & The Holy Mackerel
1996. This is from the first side project by my bass playing hero Les Claypool. The fan created video is the Creative Spackle Contest winner from 2007. All about when the brown liquid takes control and the demons bring you pain the next day.
Come the morning
We'll be waiting
And weilding the power
To paralyze
Alcohol
The Kinks
1971. This is a great story-telling song by Ray Davies - downfall of man - driven to drink. All you have to do is listen. Although a timeless story, he was thinking of commonplace post WWII Britain. This video has a slight variation from the album version. The video is a high quality live performance from 70’s Beat Club TV show filmed in Bremen, Germany.
Postnote: sadly the Youtube account that had posted this video has been deleted, so we’ve replaced that video with this similar 1977 version performed at the Rainbow Theatre, London.
Poison Whiskey
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1973. This song was on the first album. Their story is pretty well know so I won’t repeat it here, but alcohol was a constant part of the story and finds it’s way into many of their songs. This video is from the relatively current lineup in 2015 and doesn't quite match up to the album version - so go check it out.
Downbound Train
Chuck Berry
1955. Chuck grew up about 50 miles from where I grew up. Definitely part of the bible-belt and definitely influenced this song. Our protagonist here has a drink induced dream and becomes aware the demon drink can affect anyone, awakens and gives it up - yeah right. No great live performances of this one, so this video will have to do.
Martini Time
The Reverend Horton Heat
This was the title track from the 1996 release. The video is a collection of live footage from 2012. Jim (The Reverend) will show up on this list many times as almost every album has multiple alcohol songs. Anyone who is aware of these guys has great respect and so I can’t say they are underrated, but not well known for as long as they have been around. A power trio that rivals the best. Jim hails from Corpus Christi, TX, which is where I first heard of them and is also where I made my first guitar purchase the same year of their first release… and I’ve been trying to learn those licks ever since. There is one big problem in this song for me… Jim - martinis are made with Gin not Vodka.
I live my life for a layer of ice.
I Like Beer
Tom T. Hall
1975. As great a storyteller and songwriter as Tom T. Hall is, this doesn’t rank high in that regard… yet he had fun with it and made it to number 4 on the country charts. I only learned about the song in the past year, and totally missed it was used in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial. When saw it, I immediately though… this should be Brett Kavanaugh’s theme song. And how fitting is the 45 sleeve picture for the single. (Video from 1990)
Beer Never Broke My Heart
Luke Combs
2019. This technically shouldn’t be here as it’s not on my playlist… but just thought it would be interesting to compare what constitutes “country” songs about beer 45 years apart. Contrast with that last one from Tom T. Hall… Wow!
Arrested for Driving While Blind
ZZ Top
1976. According to the band, none of them ever received a DUI. Sometimes misconstrued as encouragement, this is an anti-drunk-driving song. Video is from 1977-78 New Years show. I think of all liquor, tequila has brought me pretty close to blindness, yet they don’t mention tequila in the song. The Jack Black they reference in the song is Jack Daniel’s Black Label… but it probably wouldn’t be good to have Jack Black right by your side in this situation either.
Blind In Texas
W.A.S.P.
1985. And just to contrast another similarly themed song… maybe this helps explain what Billy and the boys were doing.
Titties ‘n Beer
Frank Zappa
WARNING - EXPLICIT LYRICS
1976-1977. Good ol’ Zappa storytelling. This is a not so classic Rock-N-Roll tale of making a deal with the devil. Bozzio, rocking’ as always, plays the devil in the act. Zappa went on to later record portions of Stravinsky’s 1918 L’histoire du Soldat, considered some of Stravinsky’s master works. I can only imagine Zappa listening, learning and working out his arrangements of L’histoire du Soldat and thinking of the story. The title translates as, “A Soldier’s Tale.” The story is of the soldier’s dealings with the devil. You can catch Zappa playing the Royal March mashup form here: https://www.facebook.com/InventionisMater/videos/983434961736459/
Red Solo Cup
Toby Keith
Not technically about a specific type of alcohol, but more about one of the most universal containers for it.
Toby shows how to throw a great party and film a music video at the same time.
See how many famous people you can name in this one - from all walks of life.
Let’s Drink Beer
Ikena Dupont
A little Hawaiian Raggae for you? This one is not as famous as many on this list, but will make you happy and bring a big smile to your face every time you listen to it. The chorus is easy to drink along with :)
Also points out, many times over, that a good beer can clear your mind and focus you on what is important in life. Listen to the lyrics - and live them.
Keep Hauling
Fisherman’s Friends
You can’t make a list of alcohol songs without an Irish drinking song on this list. The Fisherman's Friends are a male singing group from Port Isaac, Cornwall, who sing sea shanties. They have been performing locally since 1995, and signed a record deal with Universal Music in March 2010. Whilst essentially an a cappella group, their studio recordings and live performances now often include traditional simple instrumentation.
A movie was made about this group which was release in 2019. Great flick. Have some Irish whiskey and give it a watch. And yes, I am Irish, thanks for asking.
Life’s Been Good
Joe Walsh
Probably the most famous song and person on this list, from Joe Walsh of the Eagles. This is the story of a life based on alcohol, and the eventual realization of needing to make a change.
This version is from the Eagles famous reunion tour, when Hell Freezes over. Arguably one of the best music concerts of all time and the introduction of the “helmet cam”.
Another reminder of what’s most important in life whether it involves alcohol or not.
The astute observer will see that Glen can’t keep a straight face when playing with Joe. Neither can I.
"Joe is an interesting bunch of people..."-Glen Frey
(BTW - although I have no provenance, my vintage EP-3 Echoplex was supposedly once owned by Joe.)
Postnote: sadly this Youtube video is no longer available due to a copyright claim, so we’ve replaced that video with this similar undated version.
Beer Barrel Polka
André Rieu
Any good list of drinking songs needs to include the Germans. If you are a member of the “greatest generation” you likely know this song well.
This is also a tribute to my mom, who is German, and would always request this song when she got the opportunity - then proceed to embarrass the kids, as parents were meant to do.
Get out your lederhosen and stein and sing and dance along!
Drink with the Living Dead
Goultown
2016. I just ran across this song last weekend… oh yeah… no dates in this thing, so stardate = 74701.2. Another take on making deals with the devil - thrashabilly style.
Beer:30
The Reverend Horton Heat
1993. Another one from the Rev. There are a few songs out there now with similar title… but probably none with as few lyrics, short enough, I’ll just post the whole damn song here…
Yeeeehaaaa!!!!!
Party!
Get naked!
Buy us beer!
Throw furniture!
Gin 'n Tonic!
Get naked!
Nice fan video with some vintage beer ads.
Bathtub Gin
Phish
1990. Tough to find a video for this one that’s not a 25 minute jam session. This one does it fair justice at only 13 min. Listen for the references to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The song makes fairly good sense to me as a story leaning more literal or more towards imagery, but still can’t quite figure out why all the Phish-Heads like to scream “…we love to take a bath.”
Pour Some Lager on Me
Festmeister Hans
2016. While Festmeister Hans is probably more well know for the SoCal Oktoberfest hot-spot, Alpine Village, you can also catch him at Newbury Park’s Edelweiss Bierhaus and occasionally at Enegren Brewery. Hans has a few more parody videos you can check out on his YouTube channel. You know he’s the real deal as he can even hold his own as a fesmeister in Germany. If you do get a chance to see Festmeister Hans, my favorite is his rendition of Rammstein’s Du Hast.
Alcohol
Butthole Surfers
1993. The BHS are definitely an acquired taste. I first saw them on Lalpalooza 1991, Reston, VA. I don’t think they performed alcohol, but I was amazed that they pulled off the recorded sounds live including tape looping / distorting the vocals.
I took a lot of pain but you know I've got a friend
And his name is alcohol
Dead, Drunk and Naked
Drive-by Truckers
2001. Part of the Southern Rock Opera, this track like much of the double album, blends stories of growing up in Alabama with the “southern thing” and the true history of Lynyrd Skynyrd. While Patterson describes the origins during the opening of this example, there is still parallel with Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins.
more coming right after I finish this flaming moe…
