Wine
Tillis Mel Lyrics
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It cost me my family cost me my home and gave me a dark dirty street to roam
Made me a drifter made me a bum a lookin' for a hand out a lookin' for a chum
To get wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
Wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
It's cold in the country cold in the town
It's cold anywhere when you sleep on the ground
From wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
The song "Wine" by Mel Tillis paints a grim picture of the consequences of alcoholism, particularly the addiction to red wine. The repetition of the phrase "wine pretty red wine" throughout the song emphasizes the hold that this addiction has on the singer's life. The lyrics describe how this addiction cost the singer his family, his home, and his dignity, leaving him homeless and desperate for a handout or a friend.
The singer is portrayed as a drifter and a bum, wandering the streets in search of his next fix. The coldness of the environment serves as a metaphor for the bleakness of his life, as he has lost all sense of purpose and direction. Despite his desperate circumstances, the singer can't escape the allure of red wine, which has become both his savior and his downfall.
The song's message is clear: addiction can destroy lives and those who suffer from it need help and support. Through the use of vivid imagery and repetition, "Wine" offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcoholism and the importance of seeking help to overcome addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
The singer is obsessed with wine, and repeats the phrase to emphasize its importance.
It cost me my family cost me my home and gave me a dark dirty street to roam
Drinking wine caused the singer to lose everything he had and become homeless.
Made me a drifter made me a bum a lookin' for a hand out a lookin' for a chum
Because of his addiction to wine, the singer has become a wandering beggar and is in search of companionship and support.
To get wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
The artist's sole motivation at this point is to obtain more wine, no matter what the cost.
It's cold in the country cold in the town
It's cold anywhere when you sleep on the ground
Being homeless and sleeping outside in any location is uncomfortable and difficult, whether in a rural or urban area.
I lost all my courage lost all my pride where oh Lord can a wino hide
The singer has lost his sense of self-worth and is searching for a place to escape the harsh realities of his life as a drunkard.
From wine pretty red wine pretty red wine pretty red wine
The obsession with wine continues, as the singer longs for a way to escape his problems and find solace in its effects.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sandra Durham
"Awe" he shouldn't have drunk all that wine. Love the song Bill, I love his voice too, thanks for sharing.
Trent Page
One of my favorites he has recorded.
Daniel Burns
this song went to #14 on the country charts in 1965!!!
Jenny Sauvola
Thanks darl,Mel Tillis,another fantastic singer,love it.
Anita Music
Beautiful!
Marielle Martin
Reminds me so much of my late brother. He loved this song. I miss you brother. 😭
Rebecca D
Mel Tillis. Thank you Bill 👍
Marryann Lamb
Added to my W. B. Playlist
Lorne Bain
How come you know all the songs??????
Wicker Bill
if Mel does it, it's gonna be good