Introduction:
George Strait’s Drinking Champagne, released in 1990, is a cornerstone of the neotraditional country movement. This subgenre of country music, flourishing in the 1980s and 1990s, emphasized a return to the roots of the genre, featuring prominent use of steel guitars, fiddles, and themes centered around everyday life and relationships. Drinking Champagne perfectly embodied this philosophy, becoming a major hit and solidifying Strait’s reputation as a country music powerhouse.
The song stemmed from the songwriting talents of Bill Mack, who released his own version in the mid-1960s. However, it wasn’t until Cal Smith’s cover in 1968 that the song garnered national attention, reaching #35 on the country music charts. Decades later, George Strait’s version, produced by Jimmy Bowen, breathed new life into the track. Drinking Champagne was the second single released from Strait’s Livin’ It Up album and became a fan favorite. The song climbed the charts, reaching a peak position of #4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in October 1990.
Drinking Champagne’s popularity stemmed from its ability to capture the essence of celebration. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody provided the perfect soundtrack for joyous occasions. The lyrics, though simple, paint a relatable picture of raising a glass with loved ones to commemorate life’s special moments. Drinking Champagne became an anthem for weddings, graduations, and any situation that called for a toast.
Strait’s smooth vocals and signature neotraditional country arrangements resonated with audiences. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to perfectly capture the celebratory spirit and the importance of sharing life’s milestones with those we hold dear. Drinking Champagne continues to be a staple on country radio playlists and a go-to choice for anyone looking for a song to raise a glass to the good times.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’m drinking champagne, feelin’ no pain till early mornin’.
Dinin’ and dancin’ with every pretty girl I can find.
I’m having a fling with a pretty young thing till early mornin’.
Knowin’ tomorrow I’ll wake up with you on my mind.
[Chorus:]
Guilty conscience I guess, though I must confess
I never loved you much when you were mine.
So I’ll keep drinking champagne feelin’ no pain till early mornin’.
Dinin’ and dancin’ with every pretty girl I can find.
Havin’ a fling with a pretty young thing till early mornin’.
Knowin’ tomorrow I’ll wake up with you on my mind.
[Chorus:]
Guilty conscience I guess, though I must confess
I never loved you much when you were mine.
So I’ll keep drinking champagne feelin’ no pain till early mornin’.
Dinin’ and dancin’ with every pretty girl I can find.
I’ll keep havin’ a fling with a pretty young thing till early mornin’.
Knowin’ tomorrow I’ll wake up with you on my mind.