The Meaning Behind The Song: I Drink Alone by George Thorogood
George Thorogood is one of the most iconic blues-rock guitarists and vocalists of our time. With hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” Thorogood has etched a timeless niche for himself in American music history. However, one of Thorogood’s most beloved hits is “I Drink Alone.” Released in 1985, this song details the life of a man who relishes in solitude and finds solace in his liquor. Let’s take a deeper look into the meaning behind the song.
The Lyrics and Sound of “I Drink Alone”
The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets a driving, bluesy tone. Thorogood’s signature gravelly voice then comes in, singing the verse:
“I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
You know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself”
The chorus then kicks in, with Thorogood hammering home the song’s main message:
“I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
Yeah, you know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself”
Throughout the song, Thorogood describes his love for his own company and his inability to rely on anyone else, even when he’s drinking. He talks about needing a “drinkin’ buddy” but acknowledging that he can’t count on anyone else to be there, because he’ll always choose to be alone anyway.
Despite the somewhat melancholic lyrics, “I Drink Alone” is an upbeat, lively song that cheers on the idea of embracing oneself and being unapologetically independent.
The Song and George Thorogood’s Personal Life
“I Drink Alone” has several themes that can be related to George Thorogood’s personal life. First and foremost, Thorogood is widely known to be a solitary person. Despite performing for decades and gaining legions of fans, he has never been one to seek a lot of interaction with others. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Thorogood said:
“I grew up in a place where I was pretty much on my own, man. We had to take care of ourselves. So, you learn, you end up learning to be a hermit. You don’t depend on people. You do what you gotta do yourself.”
This mentality is echoed throughout “I Drink Alone,” where Thorogood embraces his isolation and self-reliance seemingly without regrets.
Furthermore, the song’s portrayal of heavy drinking may also be a reflection of Thorogood’s own past struggles with alcohol addiction. As he admitted in an interview with Musician, he battled alcoholism for years before finally getting sober in the mid-1980s, around the same time “I Drink Alone” was released. He said at the time:
“I was a brilliant drunk. I wasn’t having any decisions from anyone. I was doing just what I wanted, whenever I wanted. But it was killing me.”
Given the autobiographical nature of many of Thorogood’s songs, it’s likely that “I Drink Alone” was an honest account of his struggles with drinking, and how he ultimately had to rely on himself to get help and turn his life around.
The Impact of “I Drink Alone”
“I Drink Alone” has become one of George Thorogood’s signature songs and a classic anthem for those who love to embrace their independence. Even more, the song has transcended music alone and has become a culture icon, referenced in pop culture shows like The Simpsons and movies like Terminator 2.
In an interview with Spin, Thorogood reflected on the success of the song, saying:
“I don’t think it’s really any secret that ‘I Drink Alone’ is a cult classic. I mean nobody’s going to mistake it for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, but you don’t have to do that all the time. The mentality of people has changed since I began recording. They may take things a little lighter and not want to be so serious all the time. I think I’m a breath of fresh air.”
Indeed, Thorogood’s unapologetic embrace of independence and love of rock and roll has endeared him to generations of fans who see him as a beacon of authenticity and uncompromising spirit.
Conclusion
“I Drink Alone” may be a simple, straightforward song about enjoying one’s own company and relying on oneself, but it carries a deeper meaning for George Thorogood and his fans. The song embodies the creative and unapologetic spirit of a true artist, who has carved out a successful career based solely on his personal vision and talents. It also represents the struggles that Thorogood has faced in his life, particularly with alcoholism, and the way he had to rely on himself to overcome those challenges.
As a piece of culture, “I Drink Alone” has become a symbol of independence and authenticity in a world that often values conformity above all else. It’s a song that will continue to be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.
