About The Song
In the realm of classic country music, few artists have wielded the power of plainspoken honesty with as much grace and grit as Loretta Lynn. A trailblazer in both sound and subject matter, Lynn built a career on voicing the struggles and inner lives of everyday women, often saying the unsaid and confronting social taboos head-on. One of her early triumphs in this vein is the 1964 single “Wine, Women and Song”—a fiery, no-nonsense anthem that blends biting wit with emotional resolve, packaged in a honky-tonk rhythm that’s as defiant as it is danceable.
“Wine, Women and Song” tells the story of a woman confronting her philandering husband, whose indulgence in the titular vices has pushed their relationship to the brink. At the time of its release, country music—still largely dominated by male perspectives—rarely gave women the microphone to speak so candidly about marital dissatisfaction or infidelity. But Loretta Lynn, with her fearless songwriting and unmistakable Appalachian drawl, shattered that mold. This song, co-written with Betty Sue Perry, reflects her emerging persona: strong, sharp, and unafraid to put a man in his place.
The lyrics strike a brilliant balance between sass and seriousness. “You came in last night at half past ten / That baby of mine wouldn’t let me in,” she sings, capturing both the mundane realities of family life and the sting of betrayal. But Lynn doesn’t wallow in sorrow; instead, she makes it clear that her tolerance has limits. Her voice—clear, commanding, and full of resolve—conveys a woman not just airing her grievances but reclaiming her dignity in the process.
Musically, “Wine, Women and Song” is driven by a lively shuffle beat, twangy guitar riffs, and classic country instrumentation that gives the song its toe-tapping energy. It’s rooted in the honky-tonk tradition but elevated by Lynn’s distinctive vocal phrasing and emotional candor. There’s a confidence in her performance that foreshadows the outspoken persona she would continue to refine in later hits like “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” and “Fist City.”
What makes “Wine, Women and Song” endure is its timeless relevance. Though rooted in the gender dynamics of mid-20th-century America, the song speaks to broader truths about respect, fidelity, and self-worth. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always roar—sometimes it sings with a drawl, accompanied by a steel guitar.
With this track, Loretta Lynn not only cemented her place as a voice for women in country music but also laid the groundwork for future generations of female artists to speak their minds unapologetically. “Wine, Women and Song” remains a vital piece of her legacy—a bold, unvarnished declaration of independence set to a backbeat of boots and betrayal.
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Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Well, I’m at home a workin’ and a slavin’ this wayYou’re out of misbehavin’ spendin’ all of your payOn wine, women and songWhile I’m a makin’ bed, you’re out a makin’ timeYou robbed my piggy bank and spent my last thin dimeOn wine, women and songWell one of these nights you gonna come homeYou find it’s comin’ on to youYou see what you’ve done and what’s good for oneIt’s also good for twoWhen you in the doghouse with the mingy old pupYou may start to thinkin’ and a givin’ upYour wine, women and songWell one of these nights you gonna come homeYou find it’s comin’ on to youYou see what you’ve done and what’s good for oneIt’s also good for twoWhen you in the doghouse with the mingy old pupYou may start to thinkin’ and a givin’ upYour wine, women and song