Introduction:
Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink”: A Look Back at the Honky-Tonk Anthem
Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” is a country lament that found its home on the 1980 album “Back to the Barrooms.” The song perfectly captures the down-and-out feeling of seeking solace at the bottom of a glass.
While the exact inspiration for the song remains unclear, its release in 1980 coincided with a period of Haggard’s career where he revisited his honky-tonk roots. The previous decade saw him experiment with a more polished country-pop sound, but “Back to the Barrooms” marked a return to the Bakersfield country style that established him as a star.
The song’s authorship has also been a subject of some debate. Credited solely to Haggard, it was challenged by Pete Dixon of Arkansas who claimed songwriting rights. The dispute remains unresolved.
Despite its origins, “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” resonated with Haggard’s audience. The lyrics paint a picture of a man drowning his sorrows in a bar, seeking refuge from a world that seems to have gone wrong. The simple yet evocative language delivered in Haggard’s unmistakable baritone makes the song a relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the need to escape their troubles with a drink.
This song isn’t just about drinking; it’s about the universal human experience of heartbreak, loneliness, and the search for solace. Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” stands as a timeless classic in the country music canon, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted honky-tonk tune.