Really Shouldn't Drink Around You
Teddy Robb Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say that we can be friends, but
Hey let's be honest
There ain't really no such thing
As gin and platonic
Hey, one is gonna turn into
Two is gonna turn into
You and me at a quarter to three
With four shoes under the bed
Yeah, we know it's headed to

I really shouldn't drink around you
It's a risk, it's a gamble
A little more than I can handle
Just a touch of a buzz is
Enough to get me thinkin' things
I really shouldn't think about you
We end up on a fast track
Gettin' back to where we left the past at
You think I would'a learned
My lesson by now, But I never do
I really shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)

Yeah, I know what's gonna happen
If we order another shot
There ain't any way to muster up
The strength that I haven't got
Well, wine is gonna turn into, "Why not?"
And turning the lights off
Blurring the lines and in no time
We're doin' things that friends don't do

I really shouldn't drink around you
It's a risk, it's a gamble
A little more than I can handle
Just a touch of a buzz is
Enough to get me thinkin' things
I really shouldn't think about you
We end up on a fast track
Gettin' back to where we left the past at
You think I would'a learned
My lesson by now, But I never do
I really shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)
I really shouldn't drink around you
It's a risk, it's a gamble
A little more than I can handle
Just a touch of a buzz is
Enough to get me thinkin' things
I really shouldn't think about you
We end up on a fast track
Gettin' back to where we left the past at
You think I would'a learned
My lesson by now, But I never do
I really shouldn't drink around you, oh yeah
I really shouldn't drink around you

You say that we can be friends, but
Hey let's be honest
There ain't really no such thing
As gin and platonic

I really shouldn't drink around you
It's a risk, it's a gamble
A little more than I can handle
Just a touch of a buzz is
Enough to get me thinkin' things
I really shouldn't think about you
We end up on a fast track
Gettin' back to where we left the past at
You think I would'a learned
My lesson by now, But I never do
I really shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)

I really shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)
I really shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)




(I shouldn't drink around you
Really shouldn't drink around you)

Overall Meaning

In Teddy Robb's song "489. Really Shouldn't Drink Around You," the lyrics explore the complicated dynamics of a friendship that has a romantic undertone. The song captures the struggle of trying to maintain a platonic relationship with someone you have feelings for, especially in the context of alcohol. The singer acknowledges that even though they both claim to be friends, there is a strong attraction between them that cannot be ignored.


The lyrics emphasize the consequences of drinking around this person, as alcohol tends to intensify emotions and blur boundaries. The line "A little more than I can handle" suggests that the singer knows that indulging in alcohol will only lead to complications and potential regret. Despite their best intentions, the singer admits that a simple drink together will most likely turn into a night of passion, symbolized by "two is gonna turn into you and me at a quarter to three with four shoes under the bed." This imagery implies that their friendship will inevitably cross the line into a romantic and physical relationship.


The repeated refrain, "I really shouldn't drink around you," serves as a mantra for the singer's internal struggle to resist temptation. They are aware of the risks involved, the potential harm to their friendship, and the repetition of this line signifies their attempt to convince themselves to act responsibly. However, it becomes evident that the singer always succumbs to their desires, as they admit, "You think I would'a learned my lesson by now, but I never do." This admission implies that despite the consequences, they are unable to resist the allure of their feelings and the intoxicating effect of being in close proximity to this person.


Overall, "489. Really Shouldn't Drink Around You" explores the complexity of navigating the boundaries between friendship and romance, highlighting the difficulties of trying to suppress emotions when the desire is palpable.


Line by Line Meaning

You say that we can be friends, but
You claim that we can maintain a platonic friendship, but


Hey let's be honest
Let's be truthful


There ain't really no such thing
In reality, it doesn't truly exist


As gin and platonic
As a purely platonic relationship


Hey, one is gonna turn into
Eventually, one drink will lead to


Two is gonna turn into
Then two drinks will escalate into


You and me at a quarter to three
Both of us together at 2:45 AM


With four shoes under the bed
Leaving behind evidence of our encounter


Yeah, we know it's headed to
Yes, we understand it's heading towards


I really shouldn't drink around you
It's not wise for me to consume alcohol in your presence


It's a risk, it's a gamble
It's a risky and uncertain decision


A little more than I can handle
More than I am capable of managing


Just a touch of a buzz is
Even a slight intoxication is


Enough to get me thinkin' things
Sufficient to make me have certain thoughts


We end up on a fast track
We quickly find ourselves on a path


Gettin' back to where we left the past at
Returning to the place we left our previous connection


You think I would'a learned
You would expect me to have learned


My lesson by now, But I never do
From my past experiences, but I never do


I really shouldn't drink around you
It truly is not advisable for me to drink when you are present


(I shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't consume alcohol around you


Really shouldn't drink around you)
Truly, it's not a good idea to drink when you are around)


Yeah, I know what's gonna happen
Yes, I'm aware of what will occur


If we order another shot
If we request another serving of alcohol


There ain't any way to muster up
There is no way to gather up


The strength that I haven't got
The necessary strength that I don't possess


Well, wine is gonna turn into, "Why not?"
Well, wine will quickly transform into the question of "Why not?"


And turning the lights off
And then turning off the lights


Blurring the lines and in no time
Confusing the boundaries, and before long


We're doin' things that friends don't do
We find ourselves engaging in activities that friends shouldn't do


I really shouldn't drink around you
It's not wise for me to consume alcohol in your presence


I really shouldn't think about you
It's not advisable for me to entertain thoughts about you


You think I would'a learned
You would expect me to have learned


My lesson by now, But I never do
From my past experiences, but I never do


I really shouldn't drink around you
It truly is not advisable for me to drink when you are present


(I shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't consume alcohol around you


Really shouldn't drink around you)
Truly, it's not a good idea to drink when you are around)


I really shouldn't drink around you
It truly is not advisable for me to drink when you are present


I really shouldn't think about you
It's not advisable for me to entertain thoughts about you


We end up on a fast track
We quickly find ourselves on a path


Gettin' back to where we left the past at
Returning to the place we left our previous connection


You think I would'a learned
You would expect me to have learned


My lesson by now, But I never do
From my past experiences, but I never do


I really shouldn't drink around you
It truly is not advisable for me to drink when you are present


(I shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't consume alcohol around you


Really shouldn't drink around you)
Truly, it's not a good idea to drink when you are around)


I really shouldn't drink around you
It truly is not advisable for me to drink when you are present


(I shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't consume alcohol around you


Really shouldn't drink around you)
Truly, it's not a good idea to drink when you are around)


(I shouldn't drink around you
(I shouldn't consume alcohol around you


Really shouldn't drink around you)
Truly, it's not a good idea to drink when you are around)




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Anthem Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSHUA SHAUN OSBORNE, SHANE MCANALLY, TREVOR ROSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@CountryDoublePlay

What a great line...."There's really no such thing as gin and platonic"

@beetlehound

Looking forward to seeing this guy at Carolina Country Music Fest this year in SC!! Thursday night is gonna be lit! Jake Owen, Riley Green, Larry Fleet and Teddy!

@kristig2

Heard this for the first time on Apple's Breaking Country playlist! I'm obsessed. Looking forward to hearing more from you in the future! Cheers!

@kareneiro11

Great song, great voice... You got a hit, Teddy!

@TeddyRobb

thank y'all for watching!

@dannietucker7187

I grew up in grand lake, super cool to see that tiny town in a video like this. Kuddos

@nicolemead6127

Teddy, I'm sure you know this by now, but I'm gonna tell you anyways... This song, without a doubt, will be every country music fan's favorite song (if not already) by next week. You hit the nail on the head with this song's message. You're extremely talented.

@veronicafletcher3817

Your very welcome..thanks for keeping it 💯! I'm waiting for you myself.

@rickhooton

just heard this in the uk, i love the lyrics its so me and my ex EX

@DeeQuo

A Real HeartThrob Lyrics

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