Three Drinks Behind Lyrics

Three Drinks Behind by George Strait

Meaning of the song. Three Drinks Behind by George Strait explores the theme of seeking solace and escape from life's troubles in a bar setting. The lyrics convey a sense of camaraderie, reflection, and the idea that everyone might be a little behind in coping with their problems, metaphorically represented as "three drinks behind."

Info list.

• Album: Cowboys and Dreamers

Annotations and Meaning.

[Verse 1]

In the opening verse, Strait describes the bar as a sanctuary where he can escape life's burdens. The need for a night without worries or thoughts emphasizes the overwhelming nature of his struggles. The phrase "three drinks behind" suggests that catching up with life's demands or emotions is an ongoing challenge.

[Chorus]

The chorus underscores the shared human experience of feeling down and searching for a reason behind it. The line "Half empty, half full, call it your state of mind" reflects the subjective nature of optimism and pessimism. The repetition of "three drinks behind" reiterates the universal sentiment of being out of sync with life's pace.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, the elements of a typical bar - jukebox, friends, and attractive women - are mentioned, highlighting the atmosphere of distraction and comfort. The lyrics suggest that the world needs more love and less fear, indicating that societal issues contribute to the feeling of being behind. The phrase "a dollar ain’t worth a dime" metaphorically comments on the diminishing value of things, reinforcing the theme of disillusionment.

[Chorus]

The repeated chorus emphasizes the collective nature of the sentiment expressed in the song. The call to "set 'em up Joe" symbolizes the continual need for another round, another attempt to catch up emotionally or mentally.

Overall Analysis.

Three Drinks Behind is a reflective piece that captures the essence of seeking refuge in familiar places and routines when life becomes overwhelming. The song portrays a shared human condition of feeling perpetually behind, using the bar and drinks as metaphors for trying to cope and catch up. The lyrics suggest a longing for simpler, more loving times and a critique of the modern world's complexities and fears.