Country music has a deep connection with real-life emotions, and drinking is one of its most explored themes. Whether it’s heartbreak, celebration, or simply passing the time, alcohol has been a faithful character in countless country songs. From honky-tonk hits to modern ballads, the genre has embraced drinking as a core part of storytelling. This article explores 26 powerful country songs about drinking, each offering a unique glimpse into life, loss, and liquor.
26 Must-Listen Country Songs About Drinking That Hit Deep
1. “Friends in Low Places” – Garth Brooks
Released in 1990, this song became a signature hit for country music artists. It talks about a man crashing his ex’s wedding and finding solace in his “friends in low places.” Its sing-along nature and beer-soaked lyrics made it an anthem in country bars everywhere.
2. “Drink a Beer” – Luke Bryan
Unlike many party anthems, this ballad is a tribute to lost loved ones. Inspired by the deaths of Bryan’s siblings, it’s about sitting alone, reflecting, and drinking a beer in their memory. The slow tempo and raw lyrics struck a chord with many fans.
3. “Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
This haunting duet tells a tragic story of love, loss, and alcoholism. The emotional lyrics and haunting melody make it one of the most heartbreaking country songs about drinking. It shows how alcohol can become a destructive coping mechanism.
4. “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” – Joe Nichols
Light-hearted and cheeky, this 2005 hit is a comedic take on the effects of tequila. It became a party favorite and showed a funnier side of alcohol in country music. Nichols’ delivery added charm to a rather bold theme.
5. “Drunk on a Plane” – Dierks Bentley
This track blends humor and heartbreak. The protagonist drinks heavily on a honeymoon flight he takes alone after being left at the altar. The unique setting and catchy chorus made it a radio hit in 2014.
6. “Bartender” – Lady A
This 2014 release is about a woman reclaiming her confidence after a breakup. She heads to the bar, asking the bartender for strong drinks to forget her ex. The energetic vibe and empowering theme resonated with many listeners.
7. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” – Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett
One of the most iconic drinking songs, it promotes the idea that it’s always time for a drink somewhere in the world. Released in 2003, this hit became a summertime favorite and a modern classic in the country music songs catalog.
8. “Red Solo Cup” – Toby Keith
Known for its simplicity and humor, this song praises the humble red plastic cup – a staple at many parties. It’s silly and fun, and despite mixed critical reception, it became a fan favorite at concerts and tailgates.
9. “You and Tequila” – Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter
This track uses tequila as a metaphor for a toxic relationship. The bittersweet melody and duet vocals made it a standout song about emotional addiction and regret.
10. “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” – Hank Williams Jr.
This 1979 hit pays tribute to Hank Sr. while exploring heartbreak and whiskey. The rawness of the lyrics connects with anyone who’s ever turned to the bottle in times of sorrow.
11. “Beer Never Broke My Heart” – Luke Combs
This song is all about how people disappoint you, but beer stays loyal. Released in 2019, it quickly became a favorite with fans for its rowdy tone and sing-along chorus.
12. “Two Pina Coladas” – Garth Brooks
Unlike his darker drinking songs, this one is upbeat and beach-themed. It’s about escaping troubles with tropical drinks and sea breezes, showing the fun side of country escapism.
13. “I Love This Bar” – Toby Keith
This song isn’t just about drinking; it’s about the bar as a community. The lyrics celebrate diversity and friendship found at the local watering hole. It inspired an actual restaurant chain by the same name.
14. “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo” – Tracy Byrd
This playful song walks through the effects of tequila shots. Each round leads to more chaos and hilarity, making it a classic barroom story in song form.
15. “One Margarita” – Luke Bryan
A modern drinking anthem, it’s catchy, carefree, and loaded with beach vibes. It’s about letting loose with drinks in hand, and it became a party favorite during the summer of 2020.
16. “Straight Tequila Night” – John Anderson
Released in 1991, this song tells the story of a woman who becomes a different person when she drinks tequila. The storytelling is sharp, and the vocals are full of emotion.
17. “Day Drinking” – Little Big Town
This feel-good track promotes the joy of drinking during the day. The harmonies are tight, and the lyrics are simple. It became a hit for its breezy, optimistic message.
18. “Neon Moon” – Brooks & Dunn
Though not directly about drinking, the song is set in a bar and loaded with emotional drinking imagery. It’s a lonely song that resonates with anyone nursing heartbreak under a bar’s neon light.
19. “Wasted” – Carrie Underwood
This song explores both emotional and literal forms of being wasted. It’s about breaking free from addiction and wasted time, showing a deeper, more serious look at alcohol’s grip.
20. “Last Name” – Carrie Underwood
This humorous and wild song tells the story of a woman who drinks too much and wakes up married to a stranger in Vegas. The plot may be exaggerated, but it adds to the fun chaos of a drinking spree.
21. “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” – Hank Williams Jr.
A rowdy party song that celebrates loud music, cold beer, and wild nights. It became the theme for Monday Night Football, showing its wide appeal.
22. “Tipsy” – Jake Owen
This song has a laid-back groove and focuses on getting buzzed with someone you love. It’s more romantic than wild, showing a different side of drinking in music.
23. “Good Time” – Niko Moon
Released in 2020, this song is all about relaxing, partying, and having a good time with some drinks. It combines modern pop influences with classic country themes.
24. “Raise ‘Em Up” – Keith Urban feat. Eric Church
This song uses the act of raising a drink as a symbol of unity, celebration, and memory. Though subtle, it’s another nod to drinking as part of meaningful experiences.
25. “Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland
With a retro country sound, this hit walks the line between humor and tragedy. The narrator claims he doesn’t have a drinking problem – he has it “figured out.” The clever lyrics reflect the duality of bar culture.
26. “Cold One” – Eric Church
This song uses the metaphor of a beer left behind to symbolize a woman walking out. It mixes humor and heartbreak, giving a modern twist to the drinking song trope.
SEE ALSO: 21 Iconic 1980s Female Country Singers Worth Remembering
Conclusion
Country songs about drinking cover a wide spectrum – from comedy to tragedy, from love to loss. Whether it’s drowning sorrows, starting a party, or finding new love, the bar remains a central place in country storytelling. These 26 songs prove how diverse and impactful the theme of alcohol is in country music.
Many of these country music songs were performed by top country music artists, and they reflect real emotions in simple, relatable language. They remind us that sometimes, the best way to tell a story is over a drink — or at least, with a song about one.
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