About The Song
In the realm of country music, few names evoke the same level of reverence and admiration as Waylon Jennings. A true outlaw, Jennings defied industry norms and forged his own path, leaving behind an indelible mark on the genre. His music, characterized by its raw honesty and heartfelt emotion, resonated deeply with listeners, making him one of the most influential figures in country music history.
Among Jennings’ vast repertoire of hits, “Drinkin’ and Dreamin’” stands as a poignant ballad that captures the essence of his artistry. Released in 1985 as the lead single from his album Turn the Page, the song showcases Jennings’ masterful songwriting and his ability to deliver profound lyrics with a captivating sincerity.
Drinkin’ and Dreamin’ paints a vivid portrait of a man struggling with the harsh realities of life and seeking solace in the fleeting escape offered by alcohol. Jennings’ gravelly voice, imbued with a world-weariness that belies his relatively young age at the time of recording, perfectly conveys the protagonist’s emotional turmoil. The lyrics, penned by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, delve into the depths of human despair, exploring themes of loneliness, regret, and the yearning for a better life.
As the song progresses, the protagonist’s dreams of a brighter future intertwine with his present state of inebriation. The imagery of Texas, Los Angeles, and Old Mexico conjures up visions of escape and new beginnings, offering a temporary respite from the burdens of reality. However, the protagonist’s awareness that these dreams are ultimately unattainable only deepens his sense of despair.
Drinkin’ and Dreamin’ concludes on a somber note, with the protagonist acknowledging the futility of his attempts to escape his troubles through alcohol. The final lines, “Drink ’til I’m dreamin’, a thousand miles out of my mind,” underscore the protagonist’s desperation and the tragic realization that his dreams are destined to remain just that.
Despite its melancholic tone, Drinkin’ and Dreamin’ is a powerful and moving song that resonates deeply with listeners. Jennings’ heartfelt performance and the song’s relatable themes make it a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of country music fans worldwide.
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Lyric
Everybody’s looking for someway inI’m looking for someway outI’ve been wasting my time, standing in lineIf this is what it’s all aboutAll I’ve got is a job that I don’t likeAnd a woman that don’t understandSo tonight in the bar, I’ll get in my carAnd take off for the promise landDrinkin’ and dreamin’, knowing damn well I can’t goI’ll never see Texas, L.A., or ol’ MexicoBut here at this table, I’m able to leave it behindDrink till I’m dreaming a thousand miles out of my mindThis suit and this tie is just a disguiseThis ain’t really meSome people were born to be tied downSome people were born to be freeWhen I look down the road she don’t knowHow it gets under my skinShe’s got my body but my heart and soulAre out there riding the windDrinkin’ and dreamin’, knowing damn well I can’t goI’ll never see Texas, L.A., or ol’ MexicoBut here at this table, I’m able to leave it behindDrink till I’m dreaming a thousand miles out of my mindDrinkin’ and dreamin’, knowing damn well I can’t goI’ll never see Texas, L.A., or ol’ MexicoBut here at this table, I’m able to leave it behindDrink till I’m dreaming a thousand miles out of my mind
