The Whiskey Ain't Workin'
Chasing Angels, Leaving Whiskey Behind
Lyrics
There was a time I could drink my cares away
Reflecting on a past time when the speaker could escape problems by drinking.
And drown out all of the heartaches
Using alcohol to numb the pain of heartaches experienced day and night.
That hurt me night and day
Describing the constant emotional pain that drinking helped alleviate.
When the thought of you came crashing through
When thoughts of a specific person (presumably a past lover) became overwhelming.
I'd have one more
Traditionally, having one more drink to cope with the thoughts of the person.
But now the whiskey ain't workin' anymore
Expressing that alcohol is no longer effective in providing relief or escape.
I need one good honky-tonk angel
Expressing the need for a positive influence, specifically a virtuous woman.
To turn my life around
Desiring a significant change in life, signifying a desire for redemption.
That's reason enough for me to lay
Choosing to give up drinking as a symbolic gesture for positive change.
This ol' bottle down
Stating the desire for a warm and willing woman to help turn life around.
A woman warm and willin', that's what I'm lookin' for
Defining the qualities sought in a woman: warm and willing.
'Cause the whiskey ain't workin' anymore
Reiterating that alcohol is no longer a solution for the speaker's problems.
They knew my name at every bar in town
Highlighting the speaker's familiarity in local bars due to frequenting them.
And they knew all of the reasons
Explaining that people knew why the speaker visited bars - to find solace.
Why I was comin' 'round, round, round (sing it, Travis)
A playful encouragement for Travis Tritt to sing the line energetically.
'Cause in my mind, peace I'd find when they'd start to pour
Expressing the hope of finding peace when the bartender starts pouring drinks.
But now the whiskey ain't workin' anymore (sing it, son)
Repeating that alcohol is no longer effective in bringing peace to the speaker.
I need one good honky-tonk angel
Reiterating the need for a positive, transformative influence in the speaker's life.
To turn my life around
Emphasizing that the desire for change is a sufficient reason to stop drinking.
That's reason enough for me to lay
Continuing the decision to quit drinking for a better life.
This ol' bottle down
Stating the need for a warm and willing woman to facilitate positive change.
Well, a woman warm and willin'
Reiterating the qualities sought in a woman: warm and willing.
Lord, that's what I'm lookin' for (that's right)
Confirming the desire for a woman with specific attributes to help transform life.
'Cause the whiskey ain't workin' anymore
Reiterating that alcohol is no longer a solution for the speaker's problems.
Lord, the whiskey ain't workin' anymore
Repeating the statement that alcohol is no longer effective for the speaker.
(That's for sure)
An affirmation of the ineffectiveness of whiskey for the speaker's well-being.
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