About the song
Toby Keith, a name synonymous with country music’s rowdier side, has given us countless anthems that resonate with the working class. Among these, “Get Drunk And Be Somebody” holds a special place. Released in 2005 as the lead single from his album White Trash With Money, this song quickly climbed the charts and became a staple at country bars across the nation.
At first glance, the title might suggest a carefree, party-hard anthem. And while it certainly captures that spirit, there’s a deeper layer to this song. It’s more than just an invitation to let loose on a Friday night; it’s a commentary on the everyday struggles and aspirations of the blue-collar worker.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two friends, tired of their mundane jobs, who find solace in a bottle. As they raise a glass, they’re not just toasting to the weekend; they’re toasting to the idea of escaping their ordinary lives, if only for a few hours. This theme of temporary escape is a recurring one in country music, and Keith captures it with his signature blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.
The song’s chorus, “Get drunk and be somebody”, is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a statement about the human desire for significance. In a world where we’re often defined by our jobs and our possessions, the idea of escaping to a place where we can be whoever we want to be is incredibly appealing. It’s a sentiment that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Musically, the song is a classic country rock number, with a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff. Keith’s vocals are as gritty and authentic as ever, and they perfectly complement the song’s themes. The production is straightforward and effective, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage.
While “Get Drunk And Be Somebody” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying its impact on country music. It’s a song that celebrates the working class, and it offers a much-needed escape from the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Toby Keith or you’re just discovering his music, this song is worth a listen.
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Lyrics
Yeah, the big boss man, he likes to crack that whip
I ain’t nothing but a number on his time card slip
I give him 40 hours and a piece of my soul
Puts me somewhere at the bottom of his totem pole
Hell, I don’t even think he knows my name
Hey, all week long I’m a real nobody
But I just punched out and it’s paycheck Friday
Weekend’s here, good God almighty
I’m going to get drunk and be somebody (somebody)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
My baby cuts hair at a beauty boutique
Just blowing and going ’til she dead on her feet
They walk right in and sit right down
She gives them what they want, and she spins them around
Hey, I don’t think they even know her name
All week long, she’s a real nobody
But I just picked her up, and it’s paycheck Friday
Weekend’s here, good God almighty
Baby, let’s get drunk and be somebody (somebody)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
We’re just average people, in an everyday bar
Driving from work in our ordinary cars
And I like to come here with regular Joes
Drink all you want, be the star of the show
All week long, bunch of real nobodies
But we just punched out and it’s paycheck Friday
Weekend’s here, good God almighty
People, let’s get drunk (let’s get drunk)
All week long we’re some real nobodies
But we just punched out, it’s paycheck Friday
Weekend’s here, good God almighty
People, let’s get drunk and be somebody (let’s get drunk)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
