Bingham dropped out of school at 17 and was introduced to rodeo bull riding. He learned the emotional aspect of pain early in life, when shuttling between small towns and family members in the hardscrabble ranching communities of West Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico -- and became well-acquainted with the physical facets of pain during his years on the Southwestern rodeo circuit.
That ache is palpable in the grooves of Mescalito, Ryan Bingham’s Lost Highway debut, but what’s even more plain is the steely strength needed to overcome it -- a tenor that’s evident in both the singer-songwriter’s preternaturally wizened voice and his remarkably poignant songs, which resonate with roadhouse wisdom and rough-and-ready border-town piquancy.
The Beg For Broken Legs Songfacts reports that Bingham's fourth album, Tomorrowland, was recorded in Malibu, California with producer Justin Stanley and self-released through Bingham's new independent record label Axster Bingham Records on September 18, 2012.
He has won an Oscar for the best film song (Crazy Heart - The Weary Kind) in 2010.
Influences include Bob Dylan among others.
Top Shelf Drug
Ryan Bingham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I woke up this morning undressed
Might have been a little too drunk
I can't get you out of my head
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
I got a little taste, now I can't get enough
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
Got me walking in my sleep
Visions all around my bed
I'm loving these crazy dreams
I can't get you out of my head
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
I got a little taste, now I can't get enough
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
Running through my veins like a top shelf drug
No matter what I do or say
You're the butter on my bread
I need you every night and day
I can't get you out of my head
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
I got a little taste, now I can't get enough
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
Running through my veins like a top shelf drug
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
I got a little taste, now I can't get enough
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
Running through my veins like a top shelf drug
Where in the hell have I gone
I woke up this morning undressed
Might have been a little too drunk
I can't get you out of my head
The lyrics of Ryan Bingham's "Top Shelf Drug" convey a sense of intoxication and addiction, but instead of drugs or alcohol, it's a person who is the object of the singer's obsession. The lines "You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love, running through my veins like a top shelf drug" are a clear metaphor for the way love can be just as powerful and addictive as any chemical substance. The singer has been taken over by his feelings for this person, to the point where he can't control his own thoughts or even remember what he did the night before.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of dreams and visions. The singer is "walking in his sleep," and the visions he sees are all about the person he's in love with. These dreams are described as "crazy," which suggests that they might not be entirely healthy or normal. However, the singer is willing to put up with these nighttime experiences because they are linked to his addiction to this other person.
Overall, the lyrics of "Top Shelf Drug" are a powerful depiction of the way love can be just as consuming and addictive as any other substance. The singer is willing to accept the side effects of this addiction because he wants to keep experiencing the "wonderful love" that has taken over his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Where in the hell have I gone
I feel lost and unsure of myself because of the powerful emotions that you have awakened in me.
I woke up this morning undressed
I am so intoxicated with your love that I have no control over myself or my actions.
Might have been a little too drunk
I am aware that my infatuation with you has blinded me and perhaps made a fool of me.
I can't get you out of my head
I am deeply and hopelessly in love with you and I cannot stop thinking about you.
You shot me up, baby, with a wonderful love
Your love has hit me like a powerful drug and now I am addicted to you.
I got a little taste, now I can't get enough
I have experienced just a fraction of the joy and happiness that your love can bring, and I crave more.
Running through my veins like a top shelf drug
The intensity and potency of your love has consumed me completely and I cannot get enough of it.
Got me walking in my sleep
Even in my subconscious state, I am preoccupied with thoughts of you and your love.
Visions all around my bed
I am haunted by daydreams and fantasies of a life spent with you.
I'm loving these crazy dreams
Even though my dreams are wild and unrealistic, I cherish them because they involve you and your love.
No matter what I do or say
I am helpless in the face of my love for you and no amount of logic or self-control can make it go away.
You're the butter on my bread
You are the essential ingredient that gives my life meaning and purpose.
I need you every night and day
My love for you is constant and unrelenting, and I cannot bear to be without you.
Contributed by Jonathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@halfloaf1648
I love your voice, so raw and amazing! Been a fan for a couple years, love your music!!
@mikhailabdurrachman2443
The perfect combination of country and rock 🔥
@buzzardkowalczik4727
We need more singing like Ryan Bingham that is God's truth
@demondowens
The live performance I caught of this is off the chain!
@MarvelousMarvin69
God damn I've been a fan since Mescalito. Your music has helped me through some dark times.
@kellyjones7088
This is such a fuckin rad blue's-ey rock vipe jam! I've loved Ryan for years. I love to watch him play guitar!<3
@user-kh9zc7zc8p
I just downloaded it on my playlist ✌️
@mlittle2082
caught this breezing thru satellite radio, and stopped on outlaw radio,tight song
@lukefisher6700
I put bingham up there with the legends not crap country for sure my generations greats of all time his music will live on after he's gone
@nicolec793
And still listening in 2020! 🖤🤘🏻