The Top Ten Drinking Songs

25-Aug-2010 by

The Top Ten Drinking Songs 1. Closing Time - Semisonic There is nothing better than the combination of alcohol and music. Lyricists always enjoy drinking, and writing lyrics and this is proved from my collection of the top ten drinking songs.  The collection has various songs out of which some are new and some of them are old numbers. However, all of the top ten drinking songs are worth to enjoy with a drink.

The Top Ten Drinking Songs 

1. Closing Time - Semisonic

What are the Lyric: "Closing time / One last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer /Closing time / You don't have to go home but you can't stay here" 

This very popular drinking song is from the Semisonic's album 'Feeling Strangely Fine. Nominated for Grammy award of best rock song in the year 1999, ‘closing time’ is a song about the drinking reference of a pregnant woman’s life, as she is not allowed to drink during pregnancy.  

2. One bourbon, One Scotch, One beer - George Thorogood

What are the Lyric: "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"

This ‘One bourbon, One Scotch, One beer’ became very popular in 1978. The vocalist 'George Thorogood was not the first person to sing this song. It was John Lee Hooker who performed the song for the first time ever. Then it was also seen in the thorogood album and the destroyers.   

3. Why Don't We Get Drunk' - Jimmy Buffett

What are the Lyric: "So bar maid bring a pitcher, another round o brew / Honey, why don't we get drunk and screw"

The song Why Don't We Get Drunk' by Jimmy Buffet is basically a parody of various typical country’s love songs. Jimmy Buffett said after the release, "I was hearing a lot of very suggestive country songs -- in particular, Conway Twitty's 'Let's Go All the Way.'

4. 'Bartender Song (Sittin' at a Bar) [Country Mix]' – Rehab

What are the Lyric: "And in my drunken stupor / I did what I should have never done / And now I'm sittin' here, talking to you / Drunk and on the run"

The Bartender Song is the third song from the list of songs in Rehab's album, 'Graffiti the World.' Released in the year 2008, bartender was one of the biggest hits of that time. The second verse of country mix version was sung by Hank Williams Jr. singing the second verse.

Piano Man' - Billy Joel - drinking song5. 'Piano Man' - Billy Joel

What are the Lyric: "And the waitress is practicing politics / As the businessmen slowly get stoned / Yes they're sharing a drink they call loneliness / But it's better than drinking alone"

One of the first hits of Billy Joel, Piano Man is the signature song of Billy. The song was written keeping in mind the piano player’s perspective in a bar. The writer recollects all the customer’s reactions and demands in the bar.  

6. 'Tequila' - The Champs

What are the Lyric: "Tequila!"

This song is popularly known for the saxophone melody and guitar tunes. The other most interesting thing of this song is the lyric 'Tequila!' The champs band never got a chance to enjoy another hit after 'Tequila.’

7. 'Family Tradition' - Hank Williams Jr.

Lyric: "Lordy, I have loved some ladies and I have loved Jim Beam / And they both tried to kill me in 1973"

Family Traditions is the classic drinking songs that was sung by Hank Williams Jr. in the year 1978. The song basically depicts the logic behind Hanks drinking and smoking habits. It states that drinking and smoking is a family tradition.  

8. 'Have a Drink on Me' - AC/DC

What are the Lyric: "I'm trying to walk a straight line / On sour mash and cheap wine / So join me for a drink boys / We're gonna make a big noise"

After “Thriller” of Michael Jackson, “Have a drink on me” was the second biggest selling album of all time. Introduced in the sixth internationally released studio album, the song is basically about drinking with friends.  

9. 'Friends In Low Places' - Garth Brooks

What are the Lyric: “Cause I've got friends in low places / Where the whiskey drowns / And the beer chases my blues away"

This song by Garth Brooks depicts the idea of drinking and draping your arms around the shoulders of the best friend. Featured in 'No Fences,' the song 'Friends In Low Places' was written by DeWayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee.

10. 'Margaritaville' - Jimmy Buffett

What are the Lyric: "But there's booze in the blender, and soon it will render / That frozen concoction that helps me hang on"

Well, I have saved the best for the last. 'Margaritaville' by Jimmy Buffett is probably the best drinking song ever. Featured in the album 'Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,' the song was written in Fort Myers, Florida. The song depicts singer‘s state of mind named as "Margaritaville" with too many margaritas.

These top ten drinking songs are totally as per my personal preferences, and I am sure that there are many more drinking songs left for us to explore. Do comment in to remind me about any of your personal favorites, whether it is on this list or not.

Image Courtesy: