George Strait, known as the “King of Country,” has crafted numerous hits throughout his illustrious career. Many of his songs touch on themes common in country music, including love, heartbreak, and of course, alcohol. Strait’s discography features several memorable tracks that reference various types of alcoholic beverages, from whiskey to tequila.
These alcohol-themed songs showcase Strait’s storytelling abilities and his knack for capturing relatable moments in his music. Whether singing about drowning sorrows or celebrating good times, Strait’s alcohol-related tracks resonate with fans and have become staples in country music. His songs often paint vivid pictures of bar scenes, drinking rituals, and the emotions tied to imbibing.
1) “The Breath You Take”
“The Breath You Take” is a country song recorded by George Strait for his 2009 album “Twang.” It was released as the fourth single from the album in July 2010.
The song was written by Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Casey Beathard. It became Strait’s 83rd Top 10 hit on the country charts.
Despite its title, “The Breath You Take” does not actually mention alcohol. The lyrics focus on life’s important moments and the value of being present for them.
The song’s message emphasizes that life is about more than just surviving day-to-day. It encourages listeners to appreciate significant experiences and milestones.
“The Breath You Take” received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2011. This recognition highlighted the song’s impact and resonance with audiences.
While not directly related to drinking, the song’s themes of reflection and cherishing life’s moments align with Strait’s broader catalog, which includes numerous tracks about celebrations and contemplative times where alcohol is often present.
2) “Cowboys Like Us”
“Cowboys Like Us” is a popular George Strait song released in 2003 as part of his album Honkytonkville. The track, written by Bob DiPiero and Anthony Smith, reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
While not explicitly focused on alcohol, the song subtly references it as part of the cowboy lifestyle. The lyrics mention “cold beer” as one of the simple pleasures enjoyed by the cowboys in the narrative.
The song paints a picture of freedom-loving cowboys who appreciate life’s basic joys. It portrays them as individuals who find solace in open roads, starry nights, and the occasional cold beer.
George Strait’s smooth vocals and the song’s mellow melody perfectly capture the laid-back essence of the cowboy life described in the lyrics. The track has become a fan favorite and is often performed live.
“Cowboys Like Us” exemplifies Strait’s ability to tell relatable stories through his music. It resonates with listeners who appreciate the simpler things in life, including the occasional drink with friends.
3) “I Got a Car”
“I Got a Car” is a popular song by George Strait, released in 2013 as part of his album “Love Is Everything”. While the song doesn’t explicitly mention alcohol, it tells a story of budding romance and new beginnings.
The lyrics focus on a young couple’s conversation about their future together. The narrator offers his car as a starting point for their journey, both literal and metaphorical.
Strait’s smooth vocals bring the narrative to life, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of a new relationship. The song’s catchy melody and relatable storyline contributed to its success on country music charts.
“I Got a Car” showcases Strait’s storytelling abilities, painting a vivid picture of two people embarking on a shared adventure. The car serves as a symbol of potential and opportunity.
Though alcohol isn’t a central theme, the song embodies the spirit of country music storytelling that Strait is known for. It resonates with listeners through its simple yet powerful narrative about love and possibility.
4) “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You”
“It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You” is a song by George Strait released in 1986. The track became Strait’s 9th number one single on the country music charts.
Written by Dean Dillon and Royce Porter, the song explores the theme of unrequited love. The lyrics describe a man who realizes his feelings are not reciprocated by the woman he cares for.
While alcohol is not explicitly mentioned in the song, the title and lyrics evoke the feeling of drowning one’s sorrows. The narrator acknowledges the foolishness of his intense emotions, lamenting that it’s not “cool” to be so invested in someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
The song appeared on Strait’s album “#7” as the second and final single. Its popularity helped solidify Strait’s position as a leading figure in country music during the mid-1980s.
5) “Drinkin’ Man”
“Drinkin’ Man” is a powerful song from George Strait’s 2011 album “Here for a Good Time.” The track paints a vivid picture of a man’s lifelong struggle with alcoholism.
The lyrics follow the protagonist’s journey, starting from his teenage years when he was “fourteen and drunk by 10 am.” This stark imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song.
Throughout the verses, Strait narrates the man’s attempts to quit drinking and the subsequent relapses. The chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of addiction, with the line “I’m a drinkin’ man” repeated as a somber admission.
The song doesn’t shy away from depicting the consequences of alcoholism. It touches on broken relationships, lost opportunities, and the physical toll of long-term alcohol abuse.
Strait’s delivery is raw and emotional, bringing authenticity to the character’s experiences. The simple, stripped-down instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, enhancing the song’s impact.
“Drinkin’ Man” stands out in Strait’s catalog for its unflinching portrayal of addiction. It serves as a poignant reminder of alcohol’s destructive potential when consumed excessively.
6) “That’s What Breaking Hearts Do”
“That’s What Breaking Hearts Do” appears on George Strait’s 2013 album “Love Is Everything.” The song paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and its aftermath.
The lyrics describe someone trying to cope with a broken heart. They mention drinking beers as a way to dull the pain of lost love.
Strait sings about crying tears into “a few more beers” as days turn to weeks. This imagery emphasizes how alcohol becomes intertwined with the grieving process.
The chorus reinforces the connection between heartbreak and drinking. It suggests that turning to alcohol is a common response to emotional pain.
Throughout the song, Strait’s vocals convey the raw emotions of someone struggling to move on. The mention of beers adds to the country music tradition of using alcohol as a storytelling device.
“That’s What Breaking Hearts Do” showcases Strait’s ability to capture complex emotions in his music. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar situations.
7) “I’ll Always Remember You”
“I’ll Always Remember You” is a deeply personal song George Strait wrote about his career and fans. While not explicitly about alcohol, the lyrics mention “raising a glass” to celebrate his journey in country music.
The song reflects on Strait’s experiences since 1981 when he began his professional career. He expresses gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support through the years.
In the chorus, Strait sings about toasting to the memories and connections he’s made. This reference to raising a glass adds a subtle nod to drinking as part of reminiscing and honoring relationships.
The track appeared on Strait’s 2011 album “Here for a Good Time.” It showcases his ability to craft emotional ballads that resonate with listeners.
Though alcohol is not a central theme, its mention reinforces the celebratory and reflective tone of the song. Strait uses the imagery of a toast to symbolize appreciation for his long, successful career in country music.
8) “Living for the Night”
“Living for the Night” showcases George Strait’s ability to capture the essence of heartache through music. Released in 2009 as the first single from his album Twang, the song explores themes of loss and coping with pain.
The lyrics depict a protagonist who finds solace in nighttime activities to escape the memories of a lost love. Alcohol plays a subtle yet significant role in the narrative, as evidenced by the line “I’m a whole lot easier to talk to, when I’ve had a few.”
Strait co-wrote this song with his son Bubba and longtime collaborator Dean Dillon. It marks the 88th single of Strait’s career and his first co-writing credit on a released single.
The song’s portrayal of using nightlife and drinking as coping mechanisms resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles. It demonstrates Strait’s skill in addressing complex emotional topics while maintaining his signature country sound.
9) “Give It All We Got Tonight”
“Give It All We Got Tonight” is a popular song by country music legend George Strait. Released in 2012, it quickly gained traction on country music charts.
The song debuted at number 37 on the Country Airplay chart and number 25 on Hot Country Songs. It also made appearances on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100 charts.
While not explicitly centered around alcohol, the song creates a romantic atmosphere that often accompanies casual drinking. The lyrics paint a picture of a moonlit night and a couple spending time together.
George Strait performed “Give It All We Got Tonight” at the 48th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2013. The live rendition showcased Strait’s enduring appeal and vocal prowess.
The song’s success contributed to Strait’s impressive career achievements. It demonstrated his ability to continue producing chart-topping hits well into his fourth decade as a recording artist.
10) “Here for a Good Time”
“Here for a Good Time” is a country hit co-written by George Strait, his son Bubba, and Dean Dillon. Released in June 2011, it became the lead single and title track of Strait’s twenty-seventh studio album.
The song celebrates living life to the fullest, with a laid-back vibe and upbeat lyrics. It quickly resonated with fans, becoming an anthem for enjoying the moment.
Alcohol plays a role in the song’s carefree narrative. The lyrics mention “sipping on a cold one” and suggest that having a good time involves drinking with friends.
Strait’s smooth delivery and the song’s catchy melody contribute to its popularity. It showcases his ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes and engaging storytelling.
“Here for a Good Time” exemplifies Strait’s knack for choosing songs that capture the spirit of country music. Its success demonstrates his enduring appeal as a country artist, even decades into his career.
11) “Amarillo by Morning”
“Amarillo by Morning” stands as one of George Strait’s most iconic songs, despite not mentioning alcohol directly. Released in 1983, it quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of country music.
The song tells the story of a rodeo cowboy’s life on the road. It paints a vivid picture of the struggles and dedication required in the profession.
While alcohol isn’t explicitly referenced, the song captures the essence of late nights and early mornings that often accompany the rodeo lifestyle. The lyrics evoke images of dimly lit bars and long drives between events.
“Amarillo by Morning” showcases Strait’s ability to convey deep emotions and experiences without relying on common country music tropes. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal themes of perseverance and chasing dreams.
The track’s timeless appeal has made it a concert highlight for decades. Its memorable melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
12) “Troubadour”
George Strait’s “Troubadour” was released in 2008 as the title track of his twenty-fifth studio album. The song reflects on the passage of time and a musician’s enduring passion for performing.
While “Troubadour” does not explicitly mention alcohol, it captures the essence of a seasoned entertainer’s life on the road. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has spent years playing in bars and honky-tonks.
The song’s narrator compares himself to an old troubadour, a wandering medieval minstrel. He acknowledges that his appearance may have changed over the years, but his spirit remains youthful and vibrant.
“Troubadour” reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It resonated with listeners who appreciated its introspective tone and celebration of a lifelong commitment to music.
The song’s themes of aging gracefully and staying true to one’s passion have made it a fan favorite. It showcases Strait’s ability to deliver meaningful, relatable lyrics with his signature smooth vocals.
13) “Carried Away”
“Carried Away” showcases George Strait’s ability to craft a love song with subtle references to alcohol. Released in 1996, this chart-topping hit tells the story of a grounded individual who becomes intoxicated by love.
The song’s opening line mentions whiskey, setting the stage for the contrast between the narrator’s usual composed demeanor and the euphoria of falling for someone. Strait sings, “I don’t take my whiskey to extremes,” establishing his character’s typical restraint.
This restraint dissipates when the object of his affection appears, causing him to get “carried away.” The alcohol reference serves as a metaphor for the dizzying effects of love, comparing the feeling to the lightheadedness one might experience after drinking.
“Carried Away” reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming Strait’s 30th chart-topper. The song’s clever use of alcohol imagery to describe love’s intoxicating nature resonated with listeners and critics alike.
14) “The Chair”
“The Chair” is a beloved George Strait song released in 1985. While it doesn’t explicitly mention alcohol, the setting of the song takes place in a bar on a Friday night.
The narrative unfolds as a man strikes up a conversation with a woman, using the excuse of a mistaken chair. As they talk, the bar atmosphere is subtly implied.
Though alcohol isn’t directly referenced, the social context of a crowded bar on a Friday evening suggests its presence. The song’s clever lyrics focus on the budding connection between two strangers.
“The Chair” reached number one on country music charts in both the United States and Canada. It has since become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Strait’s most memorable tracks.
Songwriters Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon crafted this hit during a late-night writing session. Their collaboration resulted in a unique storytelling approach that captivated listeners.
Exploring George Strait’s Musical Themes
George Strait’s songs often explore universal themes that resonate deeply with listeners. His music skillfully weaves together stories of love, loss, and everyday life experiences.
Alcohol in Country Music
George Strait frequently incorporates alcohol-related themes in his music. Songs like “Amarillo By Morning” mention whiskey, reflecting the honky-tonk culture. Strait’s lyrics often use alcohol as a backdrop for storytelling or to convey emotions.
Drinking serves various purposes in his songs – celebration, coping with heartbreak, or simply setting a scene. This theme connects with country music’s long tradition of referencing alcohol in lyrics.
Strait’s approach to alcohol in music tends to be nuanced. He avoids glorifying excessive drinking, instead using it as a tool to enhance his narratives and create relatable scenarios for listeners.
Emotion and Storytelling
George Strait excels at conveying deep emotions through his music. His songs like “The Chair” and “I Cross My Heart” showcase his ability to capture complex feelings in simple yet profound lyrics.
Strait’s storytelling often focuses on relatable experiences. He paints vivid pictures of small-town life, romantic encounters, and personal struggles. This skill helps listeners connect with his music on a personal level.
His narratives frequently explore themes of love, both its joys and heartaches. Strait’s ability to express vulnerability and strength in his songs contributes to his wide appeal across generations of country music fans.
The Impact of Alcohol References in Songs
Alcohol references in music have become increasingly prevalent and can significantly influence listeners’ perceptions and behaviors. These mentions shape cultural norms and create connections between artists and audiences.
Cultural Significance
Alcohol references in songs reflect and reinforce societal attitudes towards drinking. Studies show a rise in lyrical mentions of alcohol from 5% in 1968 to 19% in 2008. This trend mirrors changing social norms and attitudes about alcohol consumption.
Artists often use alcohol references to set scenes, evoke emotions, or tell stories. Country music, in particular, frequently incorporates alcohol themes to portray rural lifestyles or express heartbreak.
The prominence of alcohol in lyrics can normalize drinking behaviors, especially for younger listeners. This cultural embedding may contribute to the acceptance of alcohol as a common social lubricant.
Listener Connection
Alcohol references in songs can create a strong bond between artists and listeners. Many fans relate to lyrics about drinking experiences, finding comfort or validation in shared experiences.
Research indicates that music with alcohol references can directly impact drinking behaviors. One study found that bars playing songs mentioning alcohol had higher drink sales compared to control songs.
This connection extends beyond immediate consumption. Repeated exposure to alcohol-themed lyrics may shape long-term attitudes and expectations about drinking. For some listeners, these references become associated with specific emotions or memories, further strengthening the impact of the music.