Daddy Needs a Drink Lyrics
Daddy needs a drink
To deal with all the beauty
To deal with all the madness
To keep from blowing up
Daddy needs a drink
To calm down his badness
To execute his gladness
On the fullness of his cup
Daddy needs a drink
To keep the wheels from rubbing
To compensate for nothing
Or nothing going on
[Chorus]
Daddy needs a drink
So Mama, fix one quick
Pour it nice and strong
With your cleaning outfit on
Daddy needs a drink
So Mama, fix one quick
Pour it nice and strong
With your cleaning outfit on
[Verse 2]
Daddy needs a drink
To hem in all his demons
To hear through baby screaming
Or the TV set turned on
Ain't nothing on the radio
Like the wave my transmitter's on
Put that drinking jacket on
And enjoy a little fog
Daddy needs a drink
So Mama, fix one quick
Pour it nice and strong
With your cleaning outfit on
Daddy needs a drink
So Mama, fix one quick
Pour it nice and strong
With your cleaning outfit on
About
An alcoholic father reflects on how much he wants and needs a drink to break the noise, disappointment and boredom of day-to-day life.
A common Southern trope, most famously brought to life in William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
“Daddy Needs A Drink” really showcases the chemistry we have with Spooner Oldham. His legendary playing has graced some of our favorite records in the world. He co-wrote “I’m Your Puppet” and played on “When A Man Loves A Woman” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)” and “Do Right Woman”. He is the single most creative soul I have ever met and his talent is only exceeded by his charm as he is one of the single sweetest men we have ever met. Every single day on the road and in the studio was brightened by his presence and his contribution to this album is monumental (thus its dedication to him).
–Patterson Hood, via their website
- 2.3 Dimes Down
- 6.Daddy Needs a Drink
- 8.Bob
- 10.Opening Act
- 11.Lisa’s Birthday
- 12.That Man I Shot
- 14.The Home Front
- 18.A Ghost to Most
- 19.Monument Valley
