Introduction:
The year is 1982. Country music, once a genre steeped in tradition, is starting to feel the tug of a more polished, pop-influenced sound. However, two giants of the genre, Merle Haggard and George Jones, join forces to deliver a song that celebrates the raw emotion and storytelling heart of classic country music: “Must’ve Been Drunk.”
Merle Haggard and George Jones were no strangers to success by 1982. Haggard, known as “The Hag,” had risen to prominence in the 1960s with a string of working-class anthems and outlaw ballads. Jones, nicknamed “No Shoes” for his rebellious streak, possessed a powerful and emotionally nuanced voice that defined what many consider “pure country.” Both artists were facing changing tides in the industry, but “Must’ve Been Drunk” served as a reminder of their enduring connection to the genre’s roots.
The song, written by Max D. Barnes and Vern Gosdin, is a humorous and relatable look at the struggles of overcoming alcoholism. It opens with a spoken-word intro, where Haggard and Jones, each in their signature gravelly voices, trade barbs about their inability to stick to their commitment to sobriety. Lines like, “And I said, ‘How come your talkin’ about walkin’ on water. To two drunks who can’t even crawl?'” set the comedic tone while also acknowledging the characters’ struggles.
The song then settles into a classic country shuffle groove, driven by a simple guitar and steel guitar arrangement. Haggard and Jones deliver the tongue-in-cheek lyrics with a perfect blend of humor and weariness. The chorus, “Well, we must’ve been drunk. When we said we’d stop drinking,” is a catchy refrain that perfectly captures the song’s lighthearted exploration of a very real issue.
“Must’ve Been Drunk” was produced by Billy Sherrill, a legendary country music producer known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound. However, on this track, Sherrill allows Haggard and Jones to shine with a more traditional arrangement, showcasing their vocal mastery and the raw emotional power of country music storytelling.
While not a chart-topping hit, “Must’ve Been Drunk” became a beloved track among fans of both Haggard and Jones. It appeared on their collaborative album, “A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine,” a record that celebrated the classic country sound and solidified their place as country music legends. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable themes of addiction and self-deprecation, delivered with a wink and a twang by two of the genre’s most iconic voices. “Must’ve Been Drunk” serves as a reminder of the importance of tradition and humor in country music, a legacy that Haggard and Jones embodied throughout their illustrious careers.