Listen : Gary Stewart’s ‘Drinkin’ Thing’ is a honky-tonk classic that’ll get you in the mood to party!

Gary Stewart’s classic country song “Drinkin’ Thing” is a powerful ballad that speaks to the struggles of addiction and the ways in which alcohol can become both a crutch and a curse. The song was released in 1974 as part of Stewart’s album “Out of Hand,” and quickly became a hit among country music fans.

At its core, “Drinkin’ Thing” is a song about the complex relationship between a person and their addiction. The lyrics speak to the narrator’s constant battle with alcohol and his attempts to come to terms with the role it plays in his life. In one verse, he sings, “I’m fighting my problems with pills and wine / And I know that I’m running out of time.” Here, he’s acknowledging the destructive nature of his addiction and the toll it’s taking on his health and well-being.

Throughout the song, there’s a sense of desperation and resignation that comes through in the lyrics. The chorus features the lines, “Cause I’m just a drinkin’ thing / Made out of flesh and blood / Built for the bottom, built for the ground / Sittin’ here thinkin’, ain’t no way out / Cause I’m just a drinkin’ thing.” These words capture the sense of hopelessness and despair that can come with addiction – the feeling that there’s no escape from a cycle of self-destructive behavior.

However, despite the heavy subject matter, “Drinkin’ Thing” is also a deeply empathetic and compassionate song. The narrator doesn’t judge himself or others who struggle with addiction – instead, he acknowledges that it’s a difficult and complicated issue that affects people from all walks of life. In one verse, he sings, “It’s a long hard road, and a heavy load / And it don’t get no easier to bear.” Here, he’s expressing understanding for the challenges of addiction, and the ways in which it can feel like an insurmountable burden.

In many ways, “Drinkin’ Thing” is a cautionary tale – a reminder of the dangers of addiction and the toll it can take on our lives. At the same time, though, the song is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to capture the complexity of our emotions and experiences. Nearly fifty years after its initial release, “Drinkin’ Thing” remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.