Career
Carly Pearce was born in Taylor Mill, Kentucky. She dropped out of school when she was 16 and moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in order to perform at Dollywood five times a week, in addition to contributing to bluegrass music compilation albums. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was 19. She signed a developmental deal with Sony Music Nashville in 2012, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
In 2016, she was a featured vocalist on Josh Abbott Band's "Wasn't That Drunk", which charted in the top 40 of Country Airplay. Pearce also toured with the band to perform the song, including a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The song's success led to her working with songwriter and producer busbee on her solo debut single "Every Little Thing". After this song received airplay on Sirius XM's "The Highway" channel, Pearce gained a contract with Big Machine Records, which released the single to country radio on February 22. The song also received a music video, which features Pearce performing the song live at Brown Owl Studio. On October 13th, 2017 her first studio album named after the title track "Every Little Thing" was released.
At the time of its release, Pearce established herself further with further musical projects. This included touring with Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Blake Shelton. Her next single release, "Hide the Wine", was spawned from her 2017 album. It became Pearce's second major hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2018. The same year, she issued a single that was to be the lead release of her upcoming second studio album. Entitled "Closer to You", the song was released in November 2018 and reached the top 40 of the Billboard country charts.
In October 2019, Pearce released a second single from her upcoming second studio album. The song, "I Hope You're Happy Now", was a duet with country artist Lee Brice. The song was her second to reach the number one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. After taking time to marry singer Michael Ray, her self-titled second studio album was issued in February 2020. It would be Busbee's final production project before his death in 2019. It debuted at number six on the Top Country Albums list and number 73 on the Billboard 200.
In June 2020, Pearce revealed that she was recording new music and that her next single will not be a track off of her second album. In September 2020, she released the single, "Next Girl". In February 2021, Pearce released her first extended play, “29”. The album's name was derived from personal setbacks she endured during her twenty ninth year. These events included her divorce from singer, Michael Ray, and the death of her long-time producer, Busbee. The EP received praise from critics, with American Songwriter calling it an "exquisite seven song collection.". Following its release, "Next Girl" reached the top 15 of the Billboard country airplay chart
In June 2021, Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton to become a cast member of the Grand Ole Opry. A month later, she announced the release of her third studio album titled 29: Written in Stone alongside the promotional single "Dear Miss Loretta", a tribute to Loretta Lynn featuring Patty Loveless. The album was a continuation of her 2021 EP. It was officially released in September 2021. It reached number nine on the Billboard country albums chart and number 83 on the Billboard 200. The disc received positive reviews from critics, including AllMusic, which praised her "vulnerability" and Variety, which highlighted its traditional musical sound. The disc spawned the 2021 single, "Never Wanted to Be That Girl", a duet with Ashley McBryde. It became Pearce's third single to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart. In October 2022, Pearce headlined two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium. The album's third single "What He Didn't Do" reached number one on the Aircheck/Mediabase chart, becoming the first woman in 80 weeks to top the country radio charts with a solo track.
In early 2023, Pearce won her first accolade from the Grammy Awards for her performance on "Never Wanted to Be That Girl". In March 2023, Pearce's first live album was released titled 29: Written in Stone (Live from Music City). It featured the entirety of her previous album, along with several additional tracks and special guests.
In 2024, Pearce announced the release of her next studio album Hummingbird. The original release was scheduled for June 14, but Pearce pushed the release date to June 7 to correspond with CMA Fest. Hummingbird rose to number 31 on the US country albums chart. Its lead single "We Don't Fight Anymore" (featuring Chris Stapleton), reached the US country top ten in 2024.
If My Name Was Whiskey
Carly Pearce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd be the first thing on your mind
Every time
And if I wasn't where you thought I'd be
You'd drive around 'til you found me
If it took all night
You'd press me to your lipsSay you never felt like this
And I'd be all you'd need
And you'd get drunk on me
Maybe if I was a neon light
I'd lead your car right back to my door
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
You'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
You might try a different fix
A stronger shot
A harder mix
But they wouldn't get you baby
And if everyone you know
Said you ought to let me go
You'd tell 'em they were crazy, so crazy
Maybe if I was a neon light
I'd lead your car right back to my door
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
You'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
Maybe if I was your last call
My heart wouldn't be like glass all over the floor
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
Then you'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
You never would've quit me
If my name was Whiskey
The lyrics of Carly Pearce’s “If My Name Was Whiskey” talks about a lover's obsession with alcohol and likening their love to whiskey. The lyrics describe how her lover’s devotion to her was stronger than any addiction to alcohol. The singer mentions how her lover couldn’t get enough of her, and he was willing to search for her until he found her. The lyrics also mention how her lover would forget all his worries and let go of his inhibitions whenever he drank her love, and he never wanted the feeling to end.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the connection between the singer’s lover and his love for whiskey. She imagines herself as a neon light, guiding his path back to her, or a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song, making him want one more. The singer then muses that maybe if her name was whiskey, her lover would miss her more.
The song poignantly describes a love that is all-consuming and addictive, much like alcoholism. The lyrics are intense and evoke strong emotions, highlighting the depth of love that the singer wants to be associated with.
Line by Line Meaning
When you got off work at five
Whenever your workday ended, I'd be the first one occupying your thoughts right then and there.
I'd be the first thing on your mind
You'd be thinking about me incessantly and without pause.
Every time
This would happen without fail, every single time.
And if I wasn't where you thought I'd be
In the rare event that I wasn't where you expected me to be, perhaps due to miscommunication or other factors...
You'd drive around 'til you found me
...you'd go on a search, driving around until you located my whereabouts to set things right.
If it took all night
You would persevere and continue your hunt until you found me, even if that meant staying up all through the night.
You'd press me to your lips
You'd hold me close and kiss me passionately.
Say you never felt like this
You'd vocalize how incredibly strong your feelings were for me, not having experienced such intensity before.
And I'd be all you'd need
You would be completely content and fulfilled by having me alone, without any other distractions or concerns.
And you'd get drunk on me
You'd describe how drinking me in would intoxicate and exhilarate you thoroughly.
Maybe if I was a neon light
If I took the form of a bright and flashy neon sign...
I'd lead your car right back to my door
...you would be able to easily find my abode, drawn in by my fluorescent radiance.
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
Or perhaps if I manifested as a music-playing jukebox, with the stylus landing squarely on a thematic drinking song...
You'd want one more
...you'd feel compelled to have another swig of me.
If my name was Whiskey
If I was called 'Whiskey', another popular alcoholic beverage...
Maybe right now you'd miss me
...you'd likely be feeling my absence deeply at the present moment.
You might try a different fix
If you were seeking a replacement or alternative to me...
A stronger shot
...you might try having a harder, more potent drink.
A harder mix
Or maybe you'd try mixing things up with another kind of alcohol altogether.
But they wouldn't get you baby
However, these substitutes would ultimately leave you unsatisfied and unfulfilled.
And if everyone you know
And even if all of your acquaintances...
Said you ought to let me go
...recommended that you move on from me...
You'd tell 'em they were crazy, so crazy
...you'd argue that they were completely unreasonable and foolish for suggesting such a thing.
Maybe if I was your last call
Perhaps if I was your final phone call at the end of a long night of drinking...
My heart wouldn't be like glass all over the floor
...I wouldn't be completely shattered emotionally and on the brink of falling apart.
Then you'd want one more
In that case, after hearing my voice once more, you'd crave having another sip of me.
If my name was Whiskey
Again, if I was called 'Whiskey', another popular alcoholic beverage...
Maybe right now you'd miss me
...you'd be experiencing pangs of longing for my presence at the current moment.
You never would've quit me
You would have never been able to let me go, overcome with strong sensations and feelings whenever you thought of me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Michael James Ryan Busbee, Shane L/ McAnally, Carly Pearce
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sarahstovin7242
Lyrics:
When you got off work at five
I'd be the first thing on your mind
Every time
And if I wasn't where you thought I'd be
You'd drive around 'til you found me
If it took all night
You'd press me to your lips
Say you never felt like this
And I'd be all you'd need
And you'd get drunk on me
Maybe if I was a neon light
I'd lead your car right back to my door
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
You'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
You might try a different fix
A stronger shot
A harder mix
But they wouldn't get you baby
And if everyone you know
Said you ought to let me go
You'd tell 'em they were crazy, so crazy
Maybe if I was a neon light
I'd lead your car right back to my door
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
You'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
Maybe if I was your last call
My heart wouldn't be like glass all over the floor
Oh, maybe if I was a jukebox needle dropping on a drinking song
Then you'd want one more
If my name was Whiskey
Maybe right now you'd miss me
You never would've quit me
If my name was Whiskey
@laurenralph1246
As a person trying to get and stay sober, this song hit differently. Everyone has something they struggle with. Nobody wakes up wanting to be chemically dependent. For those of us who actually WANT to have a better life, it's not as easy as just saying "stop drinking, stop smoking". It is a daily struggle. Feeling numb is better than feeling spirit breaking sadness, uncontrollable anger and guilt about failing AGAIN. My addiction is my fault. I have to choose different. The people I love most deserve the best version of me. Prayers for those who understand. 🧡🙏
@vickibentley5420
Do the best you can everyday. One day at a time
@roncatton7101
At least you are honest and i do hope you can get the help needed, and find that willpower to stop and i wish you good luck.
I have to say though that until you find that help and willpower to stop, yoi cannot expect others or loved ones to be able to go through the abuse and pain of seeing you like that or being around you like that, even if they do love you. It will only hurt and partly destroy them too.
Good Luck my friend.
@davidstevenson5429
This is my favorite Carly Pearce song. This is what got me listening to her. Such a fantastic voice. OMG how beautiful. Fellow Kentuckian 🤩
@ambriahculbertson1709
Carly Pearce is an amazing country singer.
@sunnywelker7056
This song hits home for sure! I haven’t seen or spoken to my mom in over 4 years because she continually chooses alcohol, drugs, and men over her own children everyday. I tried desperately to be enough to make her happy, but it was out of my control. I pray for her healing and salvation every single day
@gabriellaporazzi6182
Amazed by her power! She needs to release more music.😍
@matthewellenberger1905
Now I remember what this reminds me of! A dramatic retelling of the classic tune!
"I'm gonna hire a wino / to decorate our home / so you'd feel more at ease here and you won't need to roam... we'd take out the dining room table, put a bar along that wall; and a neon sign to point the way to the bathroom down the hall..."
@tripsleft7648
She put so much emotion into this song. It's so beautiful
@brendacartee3879
I am so hooked on this song. I definitely have it on replay. An amazing songwriter!