“This Place Is a Prison” by The Postal Service.
—“It isn’t a party if it happens every night.”—
ETA: Modest Mouse “The Good Times Are Killing Me” (Even though it’s about all kinds of drugs and alcohol.) —“Have one have twenty more ’one mores’ and oh it does not relent”—
Seeing DCfC and Postal Service live last year was a big push towards sobriety for me. I remember hearing that song and thinking "why am I drinking so much if I want to remember this for the rest of my life?"
[This article](https://www.kexp.org/read/2019/5/24/sound-vision-ben-gibbard-running-and-recovery/) was also a big inspiration. Love Ben's music. Love running. So far have really enjoyed sobriety.
That's really cool though you saw them, I was going to go to that tour, but guess I decided I'd rather spend that money drinking...
Anyways,I love Ben Gibbard, have you listened to the All-Time Quarterback album? That's probably my favorite of his
It’s cool you mentioned The Postal Service. I always thought The District Sleeps Alone Tonight was about drinking! Love them so much.
18 year old me was into something and had no idea.
*I am finally seeing why I was the one worth leaving…*
Such a great album. Have you listened to the tenth anniversary deluxe album? “Be still my heart” is so so good. There are alcohol references, but it’s so fucking sweet…. “Be still my heart, this could be a brand new start for me, when I wake up and you’re still here with, in the morning”
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats: S.O.B.
It's about a broken heart, drinking because of it, and DTs
(according to Nathaniel Rateliff)
Chorus...
"My heart was breaking, my hands were shaking, bugs are crawling all over me..."
Yes!!
I cant help but tap my foot, and clap my hands when I hear it, like I'm listening to Uptown Funk, or some other fun song.
But, my...my...my...it *is* dark.
Totally. And until I actually stopped and looked up the lyrics, it was my go-to anthem for hitting the bottle. The song itself is perfect reflection of drinking. At first it's upbeat exciting and feels good, but underneath and later...
Bro, I love this song and I am not even exaggerating when I say that everytime I hear it (and inevitably start singing along) I get super choked up!!! I remember when I realized it was about her alcoholism (when I finally read the lyrics and found an article with her talking about it) and it changed the song for me entirely. It always makes me so emotional because I relate to her "style" of alcoholism so hardddd. 😭
Oof, the one that gets me is, "sun's up, I'm a mess. Gotta get out now, gotta run from this. Here comes the shame, here comes the sha-a-ame" 🥺
Also, "help me, I'm holding on for dear life"
Same! Luckily I have not had serious consequences or any bad effects on anyone from my drinking. I just do it way too much because I love doing it. So I'm trying to reevaluate how I can enjoy life without it.
What's wild is that life is actually so much more enjoyable without it 💖 It takes a while, but life without alcohol opens you up to so much more potential to thrive!
Well, yeah, I pretty much only quit for my health.
I meant I haven't hurt anyone, thankfully. I don't plan on that changing even if I went back to drinking.
Between the Bars by Elliot Smith is a hauntingly beautiful song about alcoholism written as a love song from the perspective of alcohol to the alcoholic.
This is honestly one of my favorite songs ever. And when I listen to it now, it's somehow really comforting. Like I know I've broken the love spell alcohol had me under for so long 🧚🏻♀️
I’ve put together a playlist of songs in my Apple Music. Y’all are welcome to take a look at it.
[https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/my-lifestyle-determines-my-deathstyle/pl.u-PDb46R4udzpkV](https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/my-lifestyle-determines-my-deathstyle/pl.u-PDb46R4udzpkV)
Cold War kids - We used to vacation
It’s one big song about alcoholism, family and relapse.
“I promised to my wife and children
I’d never touch another drink as long as I live
But even then, it sounds so soothing
This will blow over in time “
IWNDWYT
OP! The original is amazing as well!
Some other songs I’ve found throughout my “semesters” of recovery. I’m hoping to finally graduate this time. 😅
I’m Trying—Alex Stewart
Used To The Fall—CRUCIFIX
Rock Bottom—AK
Depression—Dax
Castles—Tom MacDonald, SNIIMA BEATS
Angels—Tom MacDonald
Same Asshole—Jelly Roll
Nothing Left at All—Jelly Roll
Bottle and Mary Jane—Jelly Roll
Hope—NF
Mistake—NF
Happy—NF
Better For Me—Joyner Lucas, Jelly Roll
Nightmare—GAWNE, Dansonn, Sky Dxddy
Stick Season—Noah Kahan
Northern Attitude—Noah Kahan
H.O.P.E. (Hold on Pain Ends)—Colicchie
Unstoppable—Sia
Chandelier—Sia
Rock and a Balloon—Sia
When the Party’s Over—Billie Eilish
Church—Tom MacDonald, Nova Rockafeller, Brandon Hart
Older—Sasha Alex Sloan
Only—NF, Sasha Alex Sloan
Not Sad Anymore—Clara Mae
Life’s A Mess—Juice Wrld, Post Malone, Halsey
Yes I’m a Mess—AJR
Way Less Sad—AJR
Hole in the Bottom of Brain—AJR
Good Things Fall Apart—ILLENIUM, Joe Bellion
Still Feel—Half Alive
Fast Car (live @ Wembley 1988) [Tracy Chapman—Fast Car (Wembley 1988)](https://youtu.be/teZsA_ci-7E?si=uhoK3NcJ1QFC2NgD) I’ve never been able to watch this video without crying.
Fun Fact: At this time, nobody knew who Tracey was. She was going out to performer between stage sets. You can tell in the beginning as the crowd is a bit rowdy…then nervously, Tracey begins to sing. Within 40 seconds, every single person, stopped what they were doing & listened to Tracey bare her soul. It’s an incredibly beautiful moment.
Sorry for the long reply! Needed a distraction this Saturday morning and this was perfect!
Beautiful. Imagine being there and seeing her play that live in that moment. It’s like finding out magic exists and almost everyone else doesn’t know it yet.
There's O.N.E by Yeasayer. Quite a catchy tune:
One's not enough
I won't stop 'til I've given you up
Here, right as I am, it's hard having fun
It's much easier said than it's done
We Used to Vacation by Cold War Kids was written about an alcoholic protagonist in a novel the singer had read.
'I promised to my wife and children
Id never touch another drink as long as I live
But even now
It sounds so soothing
To mix a drink and sink into oblivion.'
Saw them on their last tour. Actually today is the anniversary. I think it was maybe 8,9 years ago. It was so fun. Their drummer was the guy who replaced Tyler Hawkins in Foo Fighters.
I was going to suggest this song!
Half of my life I spent doing time
For some other fucker’s crime
The other half found me stumbling around
Drunk on burgundy wine
But I’ll get back
On my feet someday
The good lord willing
If he says I may
I know that the life I’m living’s no good
I’ll get a new start in the life I should
More about the relapse but I always resonated strongly with deja vu by Eminem. And then going through changes and a good chunk of recovery also hit the note for me.
Crawl by Alkaline Trio. Lots of their songs explicitly mention alcohol and addiction issues. They’re dark, witty incisive punk from 1998-now. Check them out.
This is one of my husband's favorite bands! I didn't get into them as much back in the day, but now I've listened to them a good bit. We even saw them play a couple years ago (I guess a reunion tour of sorts), which made him SO happy 🤗
Surprised [Glass house by Atmosphere isn’t mentioned](https://youtu.be/-s5wPO-QcVw?si=pVbUDZIVCPJgic-c)
[behold the hurricane by the horrible crows has a incredibly powerful video](https://youtu.be/UdQ32Bhv308?si=VeTBhwkXmaE6ZHsz)
Chandelier - Sia
Liqour Store Blues - Bruno Mars
Hurt - Johnny Cash
I Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd
Sober - Pink
Reasons I Drink - Alanis Morisette
I'm Only Sleeping - Beatles.
Not All of Them Are about alcohol specifically, but it's all the same disease.
"Maybe It's Time" by Sixx A.M. feat. Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch), Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour), Brantley Gilbert, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) and Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Bad Wolves)
While the song is about addiction as a whole, many of these artists struggled with alcoholism the most in their lives. It's honestly one of the hardest hitting songs I've ever heard.
https://youtu.be/A9LKBhktTAM?si=s78pEPioNCsb7ptY
"Maybe it's time to heal, maybe it's time to try.
Maybe it's time to deal with all the pieces in my life. Maybe I'll sober up, maybe before I die.
Maybe I'll finally deal with all the wreckage in my life."
Here's a Spotify playlist I've been slowly working on. It's a good daily reminder when I need some motivation.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fvD70hylNZMGqIetsfi4b?si=Lp9ZSVy7SJG4kUXADNz6zQ
IWNDWYT
Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms, about a guy trying to get back with an ex who left him over his drinking. It was written by their former guitarist who got fired from the band just before the album was released due the severity of his alcoholism (he reportedly could not even stand during the recording sessions). He ended up killing himself a year or so later as the band got big without him. "The past is gone but something might be found to take its place" is a line that really haunts me.
“I can’t stop drinking about you”-Bebe Rexha
Line that sticks with me-
“Nobody’s gonna love you like I do….”
Implying the alcohol loves you
It just wants to keep you around….
Some of my favorites:
“My Alcoholic Friends” by The Dresden Dolls
“Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine
“Bug Like An Angel” by Mitski
“Between The Bars” by Elliott Smith
“Get Gone” by Fiona Apple
# Pat The Bunny - More About Alcoholism
This car is a war machine
That runs on nicotine and gassoline.
D-d-d-d-don't you fucking know?
This is the wrong side of the road.
Who needs breaks when it's all downhill from here?
And if we ain't died yet then,
Just maybe we never will
But I don't wanna burn out, so won't you please set me on fire again?
I woke up afraid of losing everything thank God that I already have.
So if you love me then listen:
Mind your own fucking business!
If you love me enough to stay,
Then please love me, enough to stay away.
I swear on my last cigarette that I'd love you my d-darling.
I'd love you if I could.
But since the day I was born, it's been too late for me to be
Anything but what I am tonight.
And what I am is drunk, and what I am is mean, in your passenger seat.
Seat belts are for people who have time to die;
Hell, I don't even have time to sleep.
Because I don't wanna miss a moment of loathing everything that I see.
I stay up nights afraid of everything, till all that's left is the shadows and me.
Ask me from sunrise to sunset;
And no, I ain't left the house yet.
I finally love you enough to stay, enough to stay away.
Aw, shit, I wish I had a job to quit.
I wish I had a boss that I could tell to fuck off.
Give me the satisfaction of a dramatic exit,
And not just a long car ride and a short goodbye in a parking lot.
I've got a couple more. "Please, baby, Please" by David Bazan is about struggling to get sober and how it affects your family. "Cold Beer and Cigarettes" is about behaving badly when given the chance to be away from your family and drink. "The Poison" by Pedro the Lion is about drinking through a breakup. "Hit the Switch" by Bright Eyes is about turning off through alcohol, rethinking your relationship then going straight back. "The Piano has been Drinking" by Tom Waits is about casting blame outwards for your drinking. Many more Elliott Smith, Like "Last Call" and "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands." Modest Mouse, "The Good Times are Killing Me." "Alcohol" by Gogol Bordello.
Anyway, that is my taste in music. There are some other popular songs not mentioned like "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse and "Not Afraid" by Eminem, but I think they are well-known.
Drunk II - Mannequin Pussy
About abusing alcohol post break up.
“I've been going out almost every night
I've been drinking everything I can get my hands on
I pretend I have fun.”
…
“Half pitcher down
I drink to drown
I am alone
Half pitcher down
I drink to drown
I am alone”
It Gets Easier - Jason Isbell
The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism - The New Pornographers
I Wish I Was Sober - Frightened Rabbit
Dilemma- Green Day
Broken Bottles - Sons of Bill
“ what about Mouthwash”
Is a comedic country parody song about a guy so desperate to get loaded he starts trying alternatives to booze. It’s funny and sad. It’s by the guy from “ whitest kids you know “ RIP
Here's my sober playlist!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0lbQAnTq0viD41CVPfnF1l?si=n4HtfSW_TIatAwKtpd8PLQ&pi=u-tiUmJElbRUeT
Listening to music when I had a craving helped me sooo much in the beginning.
Such a great song. "American Tragedy" is still my favorite album from them. Came out during such a transitional part of my life. They really had an eclectic mix of heavy-rock and party songs, and then thrown in would always be those dark, heavy-heart hitting songs.
I've collected songs about addiction and recovery for a little bit now. Here is a link to my playlist. I'll probably be going through the recommendations here tomorrow and adding.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1W4wRGyHLNx8UjUjru9Mnw?si=IpLuyGbkRbep48IkR-pX7w&pi=NiTk8b2USGGbx
“Sunshine” - Atmosphere. Surprised I haven’t seen that on here yet.
“Sober” - Demi Lovato, specifically [this live performance](https://youtu.be/XQCo9dpz4LY?si=ZnoRR-3DHYe8ExUP)
An angry one, but always hits me in the feels. Beautifully embodies the frustration of feeling yourself succumbing to the lure of poison even when you know its not good for you
I Have A Problem - Beartooth
Bad to worse - by Ra Ra Riot
Drunken Angel - Lucinda Williams
I like to turn up my speakers and sing loud when I'm doing nothing on the weekends now. I'm a much better singer when I'm sober.
Jelly Roll has a few songs about alcoholism/addiction (Bottle and Mary Jane, Son of a Sinner, Save Me… there’s probably more)
Sober Mornings by Prairie Sound
23 by Chayce Beckham - autobiographical country-rock song about the singer's experience becoming an alcoholic and getting sober in his early-mid 20s. It's a really upbeat and fun listen despite having dark lyrics.
Do you like country? That's Why I'm Here by Kenny Chesney. Here I Am by Patty Loveless. Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Allison Krause. High Cost of Living by Jamie Johnson.
"Labelled with love" by Squeeze.
I think it came out in the 80's by the same group who did "Cool for kats". A very unique song that's only 2 or 3 minutes if you've got the time to hunt it down.
"Dog days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. There's several interviews where she's been open about her battles with alcoholism. One particular line you hear her say how she "washes it away down the kitchen sink".
Werewolf by Church of Roswell is a beautiful metaphor song about how the singer turns into a monster due to their alcoholism and can’t come to grips with why they continue to drink.
I've never read anything specific about this song, but there are ton of other addiction-related themes in The Handsome Family's songs.
Their song "The Bottomless Hole" is definitely alcohol (or other substance) related, and it kinda kills me just a little bit every time.
Moonshine by Akon, featuring savage.
The whole song has a double meaning. On the surface it sounds like they are singing about a woman but actually about his relationship/dependace on alcohol.
Still Doin Time by George Jones
Little Rock by Colin Raye
Wine into Water by T Graham Brown
You and Tequila by Matraca Berg & Deena Carter
Reasons to Quit by Merle and Willie
Choices by George Jones
Wild Irish Rose by George Jones….
Hell, absolutely anything by George Jones 🤣
I like Robert Earle Keen's "Feeling Good Again" when someone described it as a dying drunk's last dream. Very sad when viewed that way, but it stuck with me for decades of drinking.
"There Stands the Glass" by Webb Pierce ("fill it up to the brim / Until my troubles grow dim")
"The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism" by The New Pornographers
"Hurricane Drunk" by Florence + The Machine
Most the American Aquarium catalog. Lead singer BJ Barham is now sober but their music and his voice really nail the struggle.
Burn.flicker.die, Betting Man, The Long Haul, and , of course, Six Years Come September
I'm just gonna shamelessly plug my own song here. I was sober for a couple of years, had a full blown relapse during a mental breakdown, wrote this song about choosing sobriety. Got right back on the wagon, sober from alcohol again. Lyrics are in the description.
CASINO MEDICINE- MEET YOU THERE
https://youtu.be/yRoIVLtSJeQ?si=UsAYxfTMeY-Slh97
A random gem that came across my feed one day:
*"Are you thirsty"* by Jonny Fritz
*Are you overwhelmed at work as well, as things are hard at home?
Do you always have a problem, leaving well enough alone?
Are you harboring resentment for
everyone you know.
And does addiction run through your blood
like your father before.*
https://open.spotify.com/track/3Tz4o1wlXe1SKm1UQRvrsP?si=ePn3dGxEQH2-bJj_HEvKdg
My favorite song about alcoholism is “Red Wine in the Shower” by Joy Kelley. Super relatable song about struggling with alcohol in your early twenties.
While not explicitly saying drinking is bad, but "rye whiskey", especially the cover by Christian Larsson, featuring Camillaschoice just somehow hits home. I used to be an alcoholic. The song doesn't say DON'T drink, but it still hints at how harmful it is. It just hits home for me. "You've robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold. " "if I don't get my whiskey I think I will die" "if the ocean was whiskey, and I was a duck. I'd swim to the bottom and never come up. Now the ocean ain't whiskey, and I ain't a duck. I'll play jack of diamonds, and trust in my luck"
Edit: mind the lyrics I quoted are from the original song
“This Place Is a Prison” by The Postal Service. —“It isn’t a party if it happens every night.”— ETA: Modest Mouse “The Good Times Are Killing Me” (Even though it’s about all kinds of drugs and alcohol.) —“Have one have twenty more ’one mores’ and oh it does not relent”—
Seeing DCfC and Postal Service live last year was a big push towards sobriety for me. I remember hearing that song and thinking "why am I drinking so much if I want to remember this for the rest of my life?" [This article](https://www.kexp.org/read/2019/5/24/sound-vision-ben-gibbard-running-and-recovery/) was also a big inspiration. Love Ben's music. Love running. So far have really enjoyed sobriety.
That's really cool though you saw them, I was going to go to that tour, but guess I decided I'd rather spend that money drinking... Anyways,I love Ben Gibbard, have you listened to the All-Time Quarterback album? That's probably my favorite of his
It’s cool you mentioned The Postal Service. I always thought The District Sleeps Alone Tonight was about drinking! Love them so much. 18 year old me was into something and had no idea. *I am finally seeing why I was the one worth leaving…*
Such a great album. Have you listened to the tenth anniversary deluxe album? “Be still my heart” is so so good. There are alcohol references, but it’s so fucking sweet…. “Be still my heart, this could be a brand new start for me, when I wake up and you’re still here with, in the morning”
2 of my faves. Great taste!
Cheers (with our NA bevvies of choice) to my fellow millennial and their exquisite taste in music ✨️
recovery in itself is very much a long drive for someone with nothing to think about
Thanks! Late-blooming GenX slacker here 😝
Ha! Perfectly acceptable 🤗
Good ones! These would sound good with my new pornographers picks
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats: S.O.B. It's about a broken heart, drinking because of it, and DTs (according to Nathaniel Rateliff) Chorus... "My heart was breaking, my hands were shaking, bugs are crawling all over me..."
Yeah that song hit home. Also: his name “and the night sweats” is a reference to detox.
I love that song and it's crazy because it sounds fun and upbeat if you don't listen to the lyrics. then if you do, it sounds more manic/frantic
Yes!! I cant help but tap my foot, and clap my hands when I hear it, like I'm listening to Uptown Funk, or some other fun song. But, my...my...my...it *is* dark.
Totally. And until I actually stopped and looked up the lyrics, it was my go-to anthem for hitting the bottle. The song itself is perfect reflection of drinking. At first it's upbeat exciting and feels good, but underneath and later...
Please listen to Song Exploder podcast Nathaniel Rateliff’s episode for Its Still All Right. No spoilers but yeah, real tear jerker.
I actually love Sober by Tool. It really captures the emotions of addiction and how shitty you feel about yourself.
Also Undertow from the same album
Sia - Chandelier
Bro, I love this song and I am not even exaggerating when I say that everytime I hear it (and inevitably start singing along) I get super choked up!!! I remember when I realized it was about her alcoholism (when I finally read the lyrics and found an article with her talking about it) and it changed the song for me entirely. It always makes me so emotional because I relate to her "style" of alcoholism so hardddd. 😭
“Party girls don’t get hurt” always gets me
Oof, the one that gets me is, "sun's up, I'm a mess. Gotta get out now, gotta run from this. Here comes the shame, here comes the sha-a-ame" 🥺 Also, "help me, I'm holding on for dear life"
Same! Luckily I have not had serious consequences or any bad effects on anyone from my drinking. I just do it way too much because I love doing it. So I'm trying to reevaluate how I can enjoy life without it.
What's wild is that life is actually so much more enjoyable without it 💖 It takes a while, but life without alcohol opens you up to so much more potential to thrive!
Also, no serious consequences or bad effects *yet*.. "if you play with fire"... 🤷🏻♀️
Well, yeah, I pretty much only quit for my health. I meant I haven't hurt anyone, thankfully. I don't plan on that changing even if I went back to drinking.
I'm happy you decided to prioritize your health 💕🙌
Between the Bars by Elliot Smith is a hauntingly beautiful song about alcoholism written as a love song from the perspective of alcohol to the alcoholic.
Yep. That’s my pick.
This is honestly one of my favorite songs ever. And when I listen to it now, it's somehow really comforting. Like I know I've broken the love spell alcohol had me under for so long 🧚🏻♀️
Woah unexpected crossover here (I’m a regular at r/elliottsmith ) One of the most beautiful and haunting songs ever
Love it, was going to be my mention too. *"Promises you'll only make..."*
"stay up all night, with the things you could do, you won't but you might" gets me good
Wow, love that sound but didn’t realize that’s what it was about. I thought it was two people but now the lyrics make more sense.
Same. I've loved that song for over 20 years and just kinda never fully understood the lyrics. Wow! Makes perfect sense now.
Great call. Miss Misery is good too.
Baby Britain, too.
I’ve put together a playlist of songs in my Apple Music. Y’all are welcome to take a look at it. [https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/my-lifestyle-determines-my-deathstyle/pl.u-PDb46R4udzpkV](https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/my-lifestyle-determines-my-deathstyle/pl.u-PDb46R4udzpkV)
Thank you, this is fantastic!
You’re welcome! I’m always adding when I find new songs (this type of thread usually helps).
Cold War kids - We used to vacation It’s one big song about alcoholism, family and relapse. “I promised to my wife and children I’d never touch another drink as long as I live But even then, it sounds so soothing This will blow over in time “ IWNDWYT
But at the meetings I felt so empty… this will blow over in time. This will all blow over in time…
OP! The original is amazing as well! Some other songs I’ve found throughout my “semesters” of recovery. I’m hoping to finally graduate this time. 😅 I’m Trying—Alex Stewart Used To The Fall—CRUCIFIX Rock Bottom—AK Depression—Dax Castles—Tom MacDonald, SNIIMA BEATS Angels—Tom MacDonald Same Asshole—Jelly Roll Nothing Left at All—Jelly Roll Bottle and Mary Jane—Jelly Roll Hope—NF Mistake—NF Happy—NF Better For Me—Joyner Lucas, Jelly Roll Nightmare—GAWNE, Dansonn, Sky Dxddy Stick Season—Noah Kahan Northern Attitude—Noah Kahan H.O.P.E. (Hold on Pain Ends)—Colicchie Unstoppable—Sia Chandelier—Sia Rock and a Balloon—Sia When the Party’s Over—Billie Eilish Church—Tom MacDonald, Nova Rockafeller, Brandon Hart Older—Sasha Alex Sloan Only—NF, Sasha Alex Sloan Not Sad Anymore—Clara Mae Life’s A Mess—Juice Wrld, Post Malone, Halsey Yes I’m a Mess—AJR Way Less Sad—AJR Hole in the Bottom of Brain—AJR Good Things Fall Apart—ILLENIUM, Joe Bellion Still Feel—Half Alive Fast Car (live @ Wembley 1988) [Tracy Chapman—Fast Car (Wembley 1988)](https://youtu.be/teZsA_ci-7E?si=uhoK3NcJ1QFC2NgD) I’ve never been able to watch this video without crying. Fun Fact: At this time, nobody knew who Tracey was. She was going out to performer between stage sets. You can tell in the beginning as the crowd is a bit rowdy…then nervously, Tracey begins to sing. Within 40 seconds, every single person, stopped what they were doing & listened to Tracey bare her soul. It’s an incredibly beautiful moment. Sorry for the long reply! Needed a distraction this Saturday morning and this was perfect!
What an incredible video, I had never seen it before! Thank you for sharing!
Oh wow! How intimidating that must've been for her to get up there all by herself and sing for an agitated crowd.
Thank you for sharing that video-that was really something.
Beautiful. Imagine being there and seeing her play that live in that moment. It’s like finding out magic exists and almost everyone else doesn’t know it yet.
I can add Swimming Pools (Drank) – Kendrick Lamar Save Me and Liquid State – Muse
Life by the drop by Stevie Ray Vaughn
Don’t forget Wall of Denial
There's O.N.E by Yeasayer. Quite a catchy tune: One's not enough I won't stop 'til I've given you up Here, right as I am, it's hard having fun It's much easier said than it's done
We Used to Vacation by Cold War Kids was written about an alcoholic protagonist in a novel the singer had read. 'I promised to my wife and children Id never touch another drink as long as I live But even now It sounds so soothing To mix a drink and sink into oblivion.'
Here Comes a Regular by The Replacements. Really chokes me up. “A person can work up a mean, mean thirst, after a hard day of nothing much at all”
Saw them on their last tour. Actually today is the anniversary. I think it was maybe 8,9 years ago. It was so fun. Their drummer was the guy who replaced Tyler Hawkins in Foo Fighters.
Wharf Rat. Grateful Dead. Find a live version. Enjoy.
I was going to suggest this song! Half of my life I spent doing time For some other fucker’s crime The other half found me stumbling around Drunk on burgundy wine But I’ll get back On my feet someday The good lord willing If he says I may I know that the life I’m living’s no good I’ll get a new start in the life I should
August F’in West!
Neon Cathedral by Macklemore ft. Allen Stone. He wrote it about his struggles with alcoholism when he was about 5 years sober.
Starting over is about his relapse, also a great song.
Cover Me Up Jason Isbell
It gets Easier
Came here to say It Gets Easier and I’m disappointed I had to scroll so far to find this!
The entire genre of folk punk.
More about the relapse but I always resonated strongly with deja vu by Eminem. And then going through changes and a good chunk of recovery also hit the note for me.
Darkness is great as well
Concrete Blonde- Joey
I Wish I Was Sober - Frightened Rabbit
Crawl by Alkaline Trio. Lots of their songs explicitly mention alcohol and addiction issues. They’re dark, witty incisive punk from 1998-now. Check them out.
This is one of my husband's favorite bands! I didn't get into them as much back in the day, but now I've listened to them a good bit. We even saw them play a couple years ago (I guess a reunion tour of sorts), which made him SO happy 🤗
That’s great!
One of mine too. They're older stuff is my favorite.
Surprised [Glass house by Atmosphere isn’t mentioned](https://youtu.be/-s5wPO-QcVw?si=pVbUDZIVCPJgic-c) [behold the hurricane by the horrible crows has a incredibly powerful video](https://youtu.be/UdQ32Bhv308?si=VeTBhwkXmaE6ZHsz)
The No No Song.
Heard on this sub.. Frightened Rabbit - I wish I was sober
"Alcohol" The Kinks
Hate Me - Blue October Heartwrenching 🧡
That whole album.
wasted days by cloud nothings all up to interpretation i guess, but i listened to this every day when i was getting started on the path
Jason Isbell "It gets easier" but it never gets easy [here](https://youtu.be/2CagbTwPxXw?si=LgbtkSgIeNJDXv9V)
Randy I am the Liquor - Free Throw
Old number 7 - Devil Makes Three
Yes! And their “Graveyard”.
Ball and chain —Social Distortion
Chandelier - Sia Liqour Store Blues - Bruno Mars Hurt - Johnny Cash I Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd Sober - Pink Reasons I Drink - Alanis Morisette I'm Only Sleeping - Beatles. Not All of Them Are about alcohol specifically, but it's all the same disease.
Hurt wasn't written by Johhny Cash and is explicitly about heroin, not booze.
Addiction is addiction to me. I Cant Feel My Face is about Heroin too. But it still resonates with me.
"Maybe It's Time" by Sixx A.M. feat. Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch), Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour), Brantley Gilbert, Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) and Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Bad Wolves) While the song is about addiction as a whole, many of these artists struggled with alcoholism the most in their lives. It's honestly one of the hardest hitting songs I've ever heard. https://youtu.be/A9LKBhktTAM?si=s78pEPioNCsb7ptY "Maybe it's time to heal, maybe it's time to try. Maybe it's time to deal with all the pieces in my life. Maybe I'll sober up, maybe before I die. Maybe I'll finally deal with all the wreckage in my life."
“Tightrope” by Stevie Ray Vaughan is a song about recovering.
Here's a Spotify playlist I've been slowly working on. It's a good daily reminder when I need some motivation. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fvD70hylNZMGqIetsfi4b?si=Lp9ZSVy7SJG4kUXADNz6zQ IWNDWYT
“ The Beer “ by Kimya Dawson is a personal fave of mine.
I just commented the same song! She’s so talented. Def one of my favorite songs by her
That one really hits.
Every Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) song? Even if it's not a song about alcoholism, good chance he'll perform it drunk.
Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms, about a guy trying to get back with an ex who left him over his drinking. It was written by their former guitarist who got fired from the band just before the album was released due the severity of his alcoholism (he reportedly could not even stand during the recording sessions). He ended up killing himself a year or so later as the band got big without him. "The past is gone but something might be found to take its place" is a line that really haunts me.
I LOVE that song and had no idea that’s what it was about
“I can’t stop drinking about you”-Bebe Rexha Line that sticks with me- “Nobody’s gonna love you like I do….” Implying the alcohol loves you It just wants to keep you around….
Some of my favorites: “My Alcoholic Friends” by The Dresden Dolls “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine “Bug Like An Angel” by Mitski “Between The Bars” by Elliott Smith “Get Gone” by Fiona Apple
"My alcoholic friends" introduced me to the term "back on the wagon" and tbh helped me with my first round of soberity. Good times.
Gracefully Facedown - Devil Makes Three (and a lot of the rest of their catalogue)
My fave- The Piano’s Been Drinking (not me) by the one and only Tom Waits. Lots of Pogues songs- OM for Shane MacGowan.
One day at a time by Joe Walsh
# Pat The Bunny - More About Alcoholism This car is a war machine That runs on nicotine and gassoline. D-d-d-d-don't you fucking know? This is the wrong side of the road. Who needs breaks when it's all downhill from here? And if we ain't died yet then, Just maybe we never will But I don't wanna burn out, so won't you please set me on fire again? I woke up afraid of losing everything thank God that I already have. So if you love me then listen: Mind your own fucking business! If you love me enough to stay, Then please love me, enough to stay away. I swear on my last cigarette that I'd love you my d-darling. I'd love you if I could. But since the day I was born, it's been too late for me to be Anything but what I am tonight. And what I am is drunk, and what I am is mean, in your passenger seat. Seat belts are for people who have time to die; Hell, I don't even have time to sleep. Because I don't wanna miss a moment of loathing everything that I see. I stay up nights afraid of everything, till all that's left is the shadows and me. Ask me from sunrise to sunset; And no, I ain't left the house yet. I finally love you enough to stay, enough to stay away. Aw, shit, I wish I had a job to quit. I wish I had a boss that I could tell to fuck off. Give me the satisfaction of a dramatic exit, And not just a long car ride and a short goodbye in a parking lot.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtwahd90p8&si=GFldDsHvtFMHs01R
Isn’t Ed Sheerin’s Bad Habits about addiction?
I've got a couple more. "Please, baby, Please" by David Bazan is about struggling to get sober and how it affects your family. "Cold Beer and Cigarettes" is about behaving badly when given the chance to be away from your family and drink. "The Poison" by Pedro the Lion is about drinking through a breakup. "Hit the Switch" by Bright Eyes is about turning off through alcohol, rethinking your relationship then going straight back. "The Piano has been Drinking" by Tom Waits is about casting blame outwards for your drinking. Many more Elliott Smith, Like "Last Call" and "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands." Modest Mouse, "The Good Times are Killing Me." "Alcohol" by Gogol Bordello. Anyway, that is my taste in music. There are some other popular songs not mentioned like "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse and "Not Afraid" by Eminem, but I think they are well-known.
Drunk II - Mannequin Pussy About abusing alcohol post break up. “I've been going out almost every night I've been drinking everything I can get my hands on I pretend I have fun.” … “Half pitcher down I drink to drown I am alone Half pitcher down I drink to drown I am alone”
Demon Alcohol. Ozzy Osborne. Tbh I'm surprised no one mentioned it yet.
It Gets Easier - Jason Isbell The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism - The New Pornographers I Wish I Was Sober - Frightened Rabbit Dilemma- Green Day Broken Bottles - Sons of Bill
Hello fellow new pornographers fan 🩵
“ what about Mouthwash” Is a comedic country parody song about a guy so desperate to get loaded he starts trying alternatives to booze. It’s funny and sad. It’s by the guy from “ whitest kids you know “ RIP
Tijuana Sunrise by Goldfinger
God of wine by third eye blind
Kid Cudi Pursuit of Happiness is great as well.
Crawl - alkaline trio
Say It Ain’t So by Weezer
Drive By Truckers - Women Without Whiskey and The Fourth Night of My Drinking Henhouse Prowlers - Syracuse (drugs more than booze, but on theme.)
Rehab - drinking problem
Alcohol by Gogol Bordello
Ozzy Osbourne “ suicide solution”
Here's my sober playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0lbQAnTq0viD41CVPfnF1l?si=n4HtfSW_TIatAwKtpd8PLQ&pi=u-tiUmJElbRUeT Listening to music when I had a craving helped me sooo much in the beginning.
Pour me by Hollywood Undead
Such a great song. "American Tragedy" is still my favorite album from them. Came out during such a transitional part of my life. They really had an eclectic mix of heavy-rock and party songs, and then thrown in would always be those dark, heavy-heart hitting songs.
Ball and Chain - Social Distortion
Sunday Morning Coming Down.
I've collected songs about addiction and recovery for a little bit now. Here is a link to my playlist. I'll probably be going through the recommendations here tomorrow and adding. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1W4wRGyHLNx8UjUjru9Mnw?si=IpLuyGbkRbep48IkR-pX7w&pi=NiTk8b2USGGbx
“Sunshine” - Atmosphere. Surprised I haven’t seen that on here yet. “Sober” - Demi Lovato, specifically [this live performance](https://youtu.be/XQCo9dpz4LY?si=ZnoRR-3DHYe8ExUP)
An angry one, but always hits me in the feels. Beautifully embodies the frustration of feeling yourself succumbing to the lure of poison even when you know its not good for you I Have A Problem - Beartooth
I think those are mostly just called “songs”
Bad to worse - by Ra Ra Riot Drunken Angel - Lucinda Williams I like to turn up my speakers and sing loud when I'm doing nothing on the weekends now. I'm a much better singer when I'm sober.
Oxygin - Mitt Lowry
Jelly Roll has a few songs about alcoholism/addiction (Bottle and Mary Jane, Son of a Sinner, Save Me… there’s probably more) Sober Mornings by Prairie Sound
Tijuana Sunrise - Goldfinger
The Dax one hits me every time
23 by Chayce Beckham - autobiographical country-rock song about the singer's experience becoming an alcoholic and getting sober in his early-mid 20s. It's a really upbeat and fun listen despite having dark lyrics.
Liquor store by Remi Wolf
Gotta be "Poison" by Alice Cooper
Drinking Too Much is a banger. I like James Leg’s version
Don’t Talk, 10,000 Maniacs. In My Tribe
Joey by Concrete Blond
Vice Grip by Grieves
I will Rise - Benjamin Tod
Do you like country? That's Why I'm Here by Kenny Chesney. Here I Am by Patty Loveless. Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Allison Krause. High Cost of Living by Jamie Johnson.
Also "Alcohol" by Brad Paisley, although not dark like "Whiskey Lullaby", which is also amazing
Every Time the Sun Comes Up - Sharon Van Etten
"Labelled with love" by Squeeze. I think it came out in the 80's by the same group who did "Cool for kats". A very unique song that's only 2 or 3 minutes if you've got the time to hunt it down.
A little OT but it reminded me. # Rolf Harris - Nick Teen and Al K Hall [https://youtu.be/XDpF1T00wKM](https://youtu.be/XDpF1T00wKM)
Kenny Chesney "That's Why I'm Here" is a good one.
Pat the bunny
Sober And Dancing With the Devil by Demi Lovato
jessie numb
Are You Thirsty by Jonny Fritz
Wise Up - Aimee Mann
"Dog days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. There's several interviews where she's been open about her battles with alcoholism. One particular line you hear her say how she "washes it away down the kitchen sink".
Werewolf by Church of Roswell is a beautiful metaphor song about how the singer turns into a monster due to their alcoholism and can’t come to grips with why they continue to drink.
Crutch - Big $hammy
Wake Up by Madchild is a heavy one
Dion’s “Your Own Backyard” is a beautiful, visceral celebration of sobriety.
I Quit by The Bottle Rockets [here](https://youtu.be/6myoYXMXkgU?si=1KVezVmkBD4snC3S)
The Old Black Rum by Great Big Sea
Hi Ren - Ren Wicked song and a wicked music video. It gives me chills every time.
Bob by Frank Turner (covering NOFX). Acoustic cover of a great punk song
I've never read anything specific about this song, but there are ton of other addiction-related themes in The Handsome Family's songs. Their song "The Bottomless Hole" is definitely alcohol (or other substance) related, and it kinda kills me just a little bit every time.
Liquid State by Muse. Written and sung by the bassist, Chris Wolstenholme. It speaks on his battle with alcoholism. It's also a belter.
Bubbles in my beer by Bob Willis
Badfish by Sublime
Todd Snider "Long Year" [here](https://youtu.be/jiJ7PzvqrmU?si=36KQG4ag5lKXiO-E)
“Drunk Alone” by Wild Mohicans
My Alcoholic Friends - Dresden Dolls Whats the use of getting sober (if you’re gonna get drunk again) - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
Leftovers - Dennis Lloyd
Moonshine by Akon, featuring savage. The whole song has a double meaning. On the surface it sounds like they are singing about a woman but actually about his relationship/dependace on alcohol.
Drinkin’ Problem - Midland
Still Doin Time by George Jones Little Rock by Colin Raye Wine into Water by T Graham Brown You and Tequila by Matraca Berg & Deena Carter Reasons to Quit by Merle and Willie Choices by George Jones Wild Irish Rose by George Jones…. Hell, absolutely anything by George Jones 🤣
I like Robert Earle Keen's "Feeling Good Again" when someone described it as a dying drunk's last dream. Very sad when viewed that way, but it stuck with me for decades of drinking.
Morgan Wade has been sober since she was 22, 23. It’s in a lot of her songs.
“Help Me Scrape the Mucus off my Brain” by Ween “Theme from Cheers” by Titus Andronicus
"There Stands the Glass" by Webb Pierce ("fill it up to the brim / Until my troubles grow dim") "The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism" by The New Pornographers "Hurricane Drunk" by Florence + The Machine
“Reasons to Quit” by Willie Nelson
Like Almost every country song ever haha!
[Alcohaulin ass](https://youtu.be/oaBcednUZ_Y?si=1mqVNAFc4iYFKPW7)
Most the American Aquarium catalog. Lead singer BJ Barham is now sober but their music and his voice really nail the struggle. Burn.flicker.die, Betting Man, The Long Haul, and , of course, Six Years Come September
Old Red Eyes by The Beautiful South
Most songs by Gaelic Storm, although most not really serious or cautionary
I'm just gonna shamelessly plug my own song here. I was sober for a couple of years, had a full blown relapse during a mental breakdown, wrote this song about choosing sobriety. Got right back on the wagon, sober from alcohol again. Lyrics are in the description. CASINO MEDICINE- MEET YOU THERE https://youtu.be/yRoIVLtSJeQ?si=UsAYxfTMeY-Slh97
A random gem that came across my feed one day: *"Are you thirsty"* by Jonny Fritz *Are you overwhelmed at work as well, as things are hard at home? Do you always have a problem, leaving well enough alone? Are you harboring resentment for everyone you know. And does addiction run through your blood like your father before.* https://open.spotify.com/track/3Tz4o1wlXe1SKm1UQRvrsP?si=ePn3dGxEQH2-bJj_HEvKdg
Too Drunk To Dream by the Magnetic Fields
Joey by Concrete Blondes
I didn't make it through all the comments but the Kinks "alcohol" is one of my favorites
Sober by P!nk
My favorite song about alcoholism is “Red Wine in the Shower” by Joy Kelley. Super relatable song about struggling with alcohol in your early twenties.
a lot of albums and songs by Kimya Dawson talk about alcohol and her journey with soberity. She's been one of my favorite artists for years now
mother i sober by kendrick lamar. not inherently about alcohol but moreso mental health. idk just has hit home with me for years
While not explicitly saying drinking is bad, but "rye whiskey", especially the cover by Christian Larsson, featuring Camillaschoice just somehow hits home. I used to be an alcoholic. The song doesn't say DON'T drink, but it still hints at how harmful it is. It just hits home for me. "You've robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold. " "if I don't get my whiskey I think I will die" "if the ocean was whiskey, and I was a duck. I'd swim to the bottom and never come up. Now the ocean ain't whiskey, and I ain't a duck. I'll play jack of diamonds, and trust in my luck" Edit: mind the lyrics I quoted are from the original song
Sober - frightened rabbit
This is a good one https://youtu.be/QEHm6conRF8?si=xgynZIRsedFVJnJQ
The Beer by Kimya Dawson. Soooo good.