There's a very dark story going on in this song and there's a very good chance that that story plays out often in reality. I come back here often to try and imagine what may have gone on. Like the proverbial train wreck, I can't stop watching and listening.
I was a bartender a long time ago. This song resonates with me, because after a while, I began to despise the regulars who came in day after day. Not who they were when they first arrived, but what they became after a few drinks. It wore me down and, unlike Charlie, I managed to get away. If I’d stayed any longer, I’d have become one of them.
Wow. Hats off to you to having the wherewithal to avoid such a direct influence my friend very good to hear you were able to stay clean despite your occupation at the time. Wow. very happy for you having the ability.
Speaking as a Former Alcoholic, cheap wine was a pretty standard go to when I'd drunk my pay away on cheap whiskey, Now 3 years sober I can say the underlying loneliness and depression I was trying to hide from won't go away if you let the booze do the feeling and thinking for a night, it's still there in the morning along with a hangover. I really love this song because its meaning has completely changed from when I was still drinking. As I'm sure it does to many others.
I like how he says he wishes he could sell the store and sail away and then he says he keeps the store open late sometimes so he doesn't have to go home.
Every tired act using 10 dollar words feel like a song , then Ol solid gold Charlie here feels like he's just read you a novel from the ol West in the space of 2 minutes and appreciates a Dollar in the hat in front of him. Truly a musician.
when he sings “I’ll buy me a boat and sail away” It grabs ahold of my soul and for a split second I close my eyes and I feel as though I’m drifting away. I bet I’ve listen to this song a thousand times and it never gets old!
Charlie brings the American music roots back to us on so many levels. As a musician, as a story teller, (this song has some awesome power as a story) as an American artist, Awesome, just freaking awesome.
Was lucky enough to see him at an intimate gig in Birmingham, UK in the Summer of 2016. Dark songs some of them, strangely uplifting performance though. Would love to see more of him. I smiled all the way home.
I always hear people say they wish this type of music was on mainstream radio. I guess I'm just happy that there are still muscians like Charlie out there. Thanks for posting this.
@@TheChino1211 Actuallly we can be gratefull that this isn't on the mainstream radio. When being pop this song would lose much of its meaning. It's the soul in this song that makes it special. Being popular would destroy it i believe
He has a way to put you in his music and feel not hear what he is saying. His resonance becomes trapped in your own body. You know what he feels. I am so happy to have stumbled upon this master.
The Brewhouse in Duluth would host Charlie Wednesday nights and serve $2 or $3 pints I can't remember it was 15-20 years ago. No cover. Charlie played in the corner, it was dark and peaceful. After a few hours the beer would be hitting and Charlie would have the whole place jumping, and stompin and dancing. Some of the best nights of my life. Maybe 40 people just dancing and drinking getting lost in the bliss of Charlie's steel slide guitar.
i heard Charlie playing in Ireland about 10 years or more ago, i became addicted in 10 minutes, he reminds me of the best of irish folk singers /storytellers / poets.
So haunting and beautiful...he's a consummate storyteller. Make sure you check out the whole song cycle and backstory, there's a lot going on here and you'll appreciate it even more.
damn it's refreshing to see great American music still out there. been trying to keep my kid steeped in quality but it's a difficult compete with that Perry chick. I play and can't even get her into learning. I hope this isnt a sign of the apathy of her generation, though in retrospect, I'm a Gen X'er and I am not sure any generation could top us. Where the hell am I going with this, don't ask. Amazing talent here
[Chorus] I see all these old ladies Coming in here and buy cheap wine They ain't no better They ain't no better than all these bums That come in here and buy cheap wine [Verse 1] I'm leanin' against the counter on a gloomy day Snow fallin', clear the sidewalks and the entry way For all the old folks, and the bums and hustlers and the rude kids I can't stand the sight of any of 'em I wish I could sell this place I wish I could buy a boat And sail away [Chorus] I see all these old ladies Coming in here and buy cheap wine They ain't no better They ain't no better than all these bums That come in here and buy cheap wine [Verse 2] And I know I ain't got it so bad I can go home at night and sometimes I quit drinkin' when I want to There ain't nobody here to bother me There ain't nobody here to bother me I keep the liquor store open past curfew some nights So I don't have to go home [Chorus] I see all these old ladies Coming in here to buy cheap wine They ain't no better, lord No better than all these bums That come in here and buy cheap wine [Verse 3] I never meant to do anything wrong or do any harm I framed that kid, he wasn't so bright He wasn't so bright, he was just drunk all the time Anyway they killed him not me I've got a business here to run I've got property here He had nothing [Chorus] I see all these old ladies Coming in here to buy cheap wine They ain't no better, lord They ain't no better than all these bums That come in here and buy cheap wine [Verse 4] But I'm better than all this Crazy derelicts can go to hell I'm better than this I make my own way And sometimes I'll open the store an hour before daybreak And put all the labels facing out I'm so tired of all these labels Why don't they just say it It's cheap wine [Chorus] I see all these old ladies Coming in here to buy cheap wine They ain't no better, lord No better than all these bums That come in here and buy cheap wine [Outro] Leanin' against the counter On a gloomy day, snow fallin' Clear the sidewalks and the entry way
Only just heard this guy and my god this songs just amazing what a great artist this guy is! Someone please do a guitar tutorial on this, I am trying to figure it out but can't for the life of me!
Whats the word "THUNDERBIRD":) me and my drinking buddies Mogan & David would have gave$ 1.99 for these lyrics 30 yrs ago :) great jammin. thanks Peace takes Practice. Rick
