I Gotta Get Drunk
Willie Nelson · Both Sides Now
Cuz I know just what I'm gonna do
I'll start to spend my money callin' everybody honey
And I'll wind up singin' the blues
I'll spend my whole paycheck on some old wreck
And brother I can name you a few
Well I gotta get drunk and I sure do dread it
Cuz I know just what I'm gonna do
I gotta get drunk, I just can't stay sober
There's a lot of good people in town
Who like to see me holler, see me spend my dollar
And I wouldn't dream of lettin' 'em down
There's a lot of doctors tell me
That I'd better start slowing it down
But there's more old drunks than there are old doctors
So I guess we'd better have another round
Repeat first verse
I Gotta Get Drunk
Willie Nelson's "I Gotta Get Drunk" appears on the 1975 album *Both Sides Now*, a collection that blends his signature country storytelling with a more introspective, folk-oriented sound. The track exemplifies Nelson's ability to weave personal vulnerability into the broader landscape of American roots music, reflecting themes of escapism and emotional release common in his work during the mid-1970s. Recorded with his characteristic acoustic guitar and sparse arrangement, the song captures the essence of his solo career, where he often explored the complexities of love and solitude without relying on heavy production. As part of his extensive discography, this recording stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, offering listeners a glimpse into the quiet moments of his life and the music that defined an era.