Five Gallon Tear
Aaron Tippin · Stars and Stripes
night
When an old cowboy came through the
door
He took a few shaky steps
Then he started to moan
And he keeled over right on the floor
Doc came on over, took his stethoscope
out
He listened and he looked in his eyes
He said, "Boys stick around
I just might need your help
I'm afraid this will be a long night"
CHORUS
Cause there's a five gallon tear, a five- gallon tear
Lodged in this poor boy's heart
By the look in his eyes he ain't cried in
years
And he's reatining a five gallon tear
Doc wrote a prescription to induce him
to cry
It was whiskey and sad country songs
We propped him up in a booth
And poured a drink down his throat
Then we turned that old wurlitzer on
Well he spluttered and he coughed
And he hung down his head
As those lonely songs worked on his
heart
When the memories started coming six
minutes apart
We laid him face-up on the bar
SECOND CHORUS
And then a five gallon tear, a five gallon
tear
Slowly welled up in his eyes
We all yelled, "Push!" and we all gave a
cheer
When he cried that five gallon tear
BRIDGE
That jar by the door don't hold pig feet
no more
The contents are sparkling clear
That liquid within is not moonshine or
gin
It's a reminder to everyone here
THIRD CHORUS
Yeah, it's a five gallon tear, a five gallon
tear
Let this be a lesson to you
Keep your sorrow inside for too many
years
And you'll cry that five gallon tear
Buddy you'll cry
You'll cry a five gallon tear
Reprise: REPEAT THIRD CHORUS
FADE
Five Gallon Tear
Aaron Tippin's 'Five Gallon Tear' stands as a poignant centerpiece on his 1996 album 'Stars and Stripes,' a collection that blends country storytelling with a distinct Southern rock edge. The track exemplifies Tippin's ability to weave narrative-driven lyrics with a driving, rhythmic performance that captures the tension between personal vulnerability and broader social commentary. Released during the height of his career, the song reflects the era's fascination with gritty, character-driven country music, where raw emotion and musical intensity often took precedence over polished production. As part of his discography, the recording showcases his signature vocal delivery and songwriting approach, contributing to his reputation as a key figure in the modern country revival who successfully bridged traditional roots with contemporary rock influences.

