Misery and Gin - Wikipedia

About the song

Misery and Gin is a song written by Snuff Garrett and John Durrill, and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in June 1980 as the second single from his album Back to the Barrooms. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number four on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.

The song is a first-person narrative about a man who is struggling with alcoholism. He sings about how he drinks to forget his troubles, but it only makes them worse. The song ends with the man realizing that he needs to get help for his addiction.

“Misery and Gin” is a powerful and moving song about the dark side of addiction. Haggard’s vocals are raw and emotional, and the lyrics are honest and unflinching. The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and it is a reminder that addiction can happen to anyone.

Merle Haggard was one of the most iconic and influential country music singers of all time. He was known for his outlaw image and his rebellious spirit, and his music often reflected his own personal struggles. Haggard was a prolific songwriter, and he penned many of his own hits, including “Misery and Gin.”

Haggard was born in Oildale, California, in 1937. He grew up in poverty and had a troubled childhood. He began playing music at a young age, and he was eventually incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison for burglary. While in prison, Haggard began writing songs, and he was released after serving two years of his sentence.

Haggard’s career took off in the early 1960s. He signed with Capitol Records in 1962, and he released his first album, “Strangers,” in 1965. Haggard went on to release dozens of albums and singles, and he became one of the most popular country music artists of his era.

Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994, and he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010. He died in 2016 at the age of 79.

“Misery and Gin” is one of Merle Haggard’s most enduring songs. It is a powerful and moving ballad about the dark side of addiction, and it is a reminder that addiction can happen to anyone. Haggard’s vocals are raw and emotional, and the lyrics are honest and unflinching. The song is a classic country music standard, and it is a testament to Haggard’s songwriting skills and his ability to connect with his audience.

Some other interesting facts about the song:

  • The song was featured in the 1980 film Bronco Billy, starring Clint Eastwood.
  • Haggard was reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing a homeless man drinking gin on the streets of Bakersfield, California.
  • The song has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
  • “Misery and Gin” is considered one of the greatest country music songs of all time. It was ranked number 27 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time” in 2014.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to “Misery and Gin.” If you’re not familiar with the song, I encourage you to give it a listen. It is a powerful and moving ballad that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Video

Lyrics

“Misery And Gin”

 

Memories and drinks don’t mix too well
And jukebox records don’t play those wedding bells
Looking at the world through the bottom of a glass
All I see is a man who’s fadin’ fast.

Tonight I need that woman again
What I’d give for my baby to just walk in
Sit down beside me and say it’s alright
Take me home and make sweet love to me tonight.

But here I am again mixing misery and gin
Sittin’ with all my friends and talkin’ to myself
I look like I’m havin’ a good time but any fool can tell
That this honky tonk heaven really makes you feel like hell.

I light a lonely woman’s cigarette
We start talkin’ bout what we want to forget
Her life story and mine are the same
We both lost someone and only have ourselves to blame
But here I am again…

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