About the song
Dwight Yoakam’s “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” isn’t just a honky-tonk anthem; it’s a poignant and often darkly humorous exploration of the slippery slope of relapse. It’s a song that understands the seductive comfort of old habits, the way a familiar vice can whisper sweet nothings and lure you back into its embrace. Yoakam, with his signature blend of Bakersfield sound and sharp lyrical wit, crafts a narrative that’s both relatable and cautionary.
Released in 1990 as part of the album “If There Was a Way,” “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” doesn’t glorify drinking; instead, it lays bare the vulnerability and rationalization that often accompany addiction. The narrator isn’t celebrating a return to revelry; he’s confessing to a weakness, acknowledging the pull of the bottle and the consequences that follow. It’s a starkly honest portrayal, delivered with a wry self-awareness that keeps the song from becoming preachy or judgmental.
Yoakam’s vocal delivery is key to the song’s impact. His voice, with its distinctive twang and emotive phrasing, captures the weariness and resignation of the narrator. He sings the lyrics with a world-weary sigh, as if he’s already accepted the inevitable outcome of his choices. There’s a sense of irony in his voice, a recognition of the absurdity of his situation, but also a genuine sadness. He’s not proud of his relapse, but he’s also not entirely surprised.
The lyrics are filled with clever turns of phrase and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a man who’s caught in a cycle of self-destruction. He’s not just drinking; he’s “started drinkin’ again,” implying a previous attempt at sobriety. The song doesn’t delve into the reasons for his relapse; it simply presents the reality of it. He’s back where he started, facing the same demons and making the same mistakes. The lyrics are often humorous, but the humor is tinged with a deep sense of melancholy. It’s the kind of humor that comes from recognizing the tragicomedy of one’s own life.
Musically, “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” is pure Bakersfield sound, a style that Yoakam has championed throughout his career. The twangy guitars, the driving rhythm, and the classic honky-tonk instrumentation create a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. The music perfectly complements the lyrics, capturing the raw energy and emotional intensity of the song. It’s a sound that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, a testament to Yoakam’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.
The song’s impact lies in its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of addiction; it confronts them head-on. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever struggled with a vice, whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or something else entirely. It’s a reminder that recovery is a process, not a destination, and that setbacks are often a part of the journey.
“Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” isn’t a feel-good anthem, but it’s a deeply resonant one. It’s a song that stays with you long after the final note has faded away, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow. It’s a testament to Dwight Yoakam’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in song. It’s a song that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, a true gem of the Bakersfield sound.
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Lyrics
Since I started drinkin’ againSince I started drinkin’ againI ain’t shed one lousy tear over youSince I started drinkin’ againI know that the neighbours are all a-talkin’They swear that I have lost my mindAh but they do not knowThat I’ve just gained controlOf all the heartache that you left behindSince I started drinkin’ againSince I started drinkin’ againI ain’t shed one lousy tear over youSince I started drinkin’ againWell I know that the boss is gonna fire meWhen I stumble in late to work againBut surprise will replace that old scowl on his faceWhen he sees that I do not give a damnSince I started drinkin’ againSince I started drinkin’ againI ain’t shed one lousy tear over youSince I started drinkin’ againI ain’t shed one lousy tear over youSince I started drinkin’Since I started drinkin’Since I started drinkin’ again