Following the success of his brother Joe, Jimmy Liggins started his recording career as singer, guitarist, and leader of the “Drops of Joy”, on Art Rupe’s Specialty label in 1947. One of his early releases, “Cadillac Boogie”, was a direct forerunner of “Rocket 88”, itself often called the first rock and roll record.
Recordings such as "Tear Drop Blues" and, later, “Drunk”, featuring leading sax players such as Maxwell Davis, made him one of the most successful bandleaders in the jump blues period of the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Liggins left Specialty in 1954, recording "I Ain't Drunk", later covered by Albert Collins, at Aladdin, before fading from the scene.
Drunk
Jimmy Liggins Lyrics
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It's a mean old ball they call moonshine
Red red wine so mellow and fine
Come home at night with a-swimmin' in the head
Reach for the pillow Mr. whole darn bed
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
Get a little taste and you want some more
Start out walking and you just can't go
Reach for the knob Mr. whole darn door
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
It's a low down dog's life spending on the bar
Dusk till dawn then that's were you are
Out on a party get groovin' tight
Come home and forget to kiss your baby good night
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
I keeps on drinking, takes all my goals
Every monday morning my head is sore
Whiskey gin and fine so doggone fine
I'm gonna try you just one more time
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
The song "Drunk" by Jimmy Liggins is a classic blues tune that uses alcohol as a metaphor for life's struggles. The lyrics describe the different types of alcoholic beverages and the effects they have on the drinker. For example, moonshine is described as a "mean old ball," while gin is "mellow and slow." The song also hints at the negative consequences of drinking, such as forgetting to kiss your baby goodnight.
Overall, the song seems to suggest that drinking is a way to escape problems and forget about life's difficulties, but in the end, it only leads to more pain and suffering. This idea is underscored by the repetitive chorus of "drunk, drunk, drunk" which suggests that the singer is caught in a cycle of drinking and regret.
The use of alcohol as a metaphor in this song is not uncommon in the blues tradition. Many blues songs use alcohol and other vices to explore themes of isolation, loneliness, and heartbreak. What sets "Drunk" apart from other blues songs, however, is the catchy melody and upbeat tempo, which makes it a crowd-pleaser at parties and other social events.
Line by Line Meaning
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
The singer repeatedly emphasizes their inebriated state.
It's a mean old ball they call moonshine
Moonshine is a harsh and unpleasant beverage.
Red red wine so mellow and fine
Despite the singer's previous negative description of moonshine, they now praise wine for its smooth taste and quality.
Come home at night with a-swimmin' in the head
The artist returns home feeling dizzy and possibly disoriented from drinking.
Reach for the pillow Mr. whole darn bed
The artist has a strong desire to sleep and lie down in their bed.
Gin is a drink so mellow and slow
The singer views gin as a relaxing and easygoing beverage.
Get a little taste and you want some more
The singer acknowledges the addictive nature of alcohol and how it can lead to craving more.
Start out walking and you just can't go
The artist experiences difficulties with movement or coordination while under the influence.
Reach for the knob Mr. whole darn door
The artist struggles to even open a door while drunk.
It's a low down dog's life spending on the bar
Spending excessive time and money at bars can lead to a depressing and unsatisfying lifestyle.
Dusk till dawn then that's were you are
The singer spends long hours into the night at bars or drinking.
Out on a party get groovin' tight
The artist enjoys partying and dancing while under the influence.
Come home and forget to kiss your baby good night
The singer prioritizes drinking over spending quality time with their family, even neglecting to say goodnight to their child.
I keeps on drinking, takes all my goals
Drinking excessively leads the singer to lose focus on their ambitions or ruin relationships.
Every monday morning my head is sore
The singer suffers from the aftereffects of drinking, such as a hangover.
Whiskey gin and fine so doggone fine
Although the artist acknowledges the negative consequences of alcohol, they also enjoy its taste and effects.
I'm gonna try you just one more time
The artist intends to continue drinking despite any negative outcomes or past regrets.
Drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk
The singer again emphasizes their intoxicated state.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jimmy Liggins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@josedemarco2365
My god.y mother and her sister would do a funky bop " dance" to this song. Never thought I would ever heat this again. I am 67. This has put a huge smile on my face. Thank you so much sharing this music!
@donaldmorrow3096
This is the very definition of badass! Completely necessary blues.
@rogeralsop3479
Marvellous!
@ricogrant2620
LOVE THE HOOK.......DRUNK...DRUNK...CLASSIC.
@zippydoodah1547
Fantastic
@jcd1970
For everybody who reached for the pillow and missed the whole durned bed.
@toddthomas8385
Cheers 🍷 🍸🍾