Released: 2023
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Born With A Beer In My Hand’ is a raw, unfiltered look at his struggles with alcoholism. It’s a tale of his journey from a carefree drinker to a man wrestling with sobriety, all set against the backdrop of his Southern roots.
Wallen kicks off the song with a nod to his lineage, mentioning his granddaddy’s fondness for Henny and his daddy’s preference for Light. This sets the stage for his own relationship with alcohol, which he admits can turn any day into a Saturday night – a clear indication of his heavy drinking habits.
He paints a vivid picture of his Tennessee hometown with the ‘hemlock view’, a reference to the local landscape. The ‘smoke’ and ‘blue’ mountains could symbolize the highs and lows of his life, with the ‘blue’ ones possibly representing his bouts of depression or sadness, often drowned in alcohol.
Wallen doesn’t shy away from the consequences of his drinking, alluding to ‘hangovers’ and ‘handcuffs’. This suggests his drinking has led to physical discomfort and brushes with the law. Yet, he admits that the allure of alcohol still lurks in his mind, despite his efforts to stay sober.
The chorus is a powerful confession of Wallen’s struggle with sobriety. He’s ‘living on the side of alive’, hinting at a life that’s merely surviving, not thriving. He also admits that the temptation of alcohol is still ‘chillin’ in the back of his mind’, showing his ongoing battle with addiction.
In the second verse, Wallen reflects on the damage his drinking has caused. He mentions ‘scars off on some trucks’, possibly referring to drunk driving incidents. He also implies that his experiences with alcohol have shaped his music, stating that without it, he wouldn’t have anything to sing about.
Towards the end, Wallen acknowledges his transformation from the ‘devil’ he used to be, suggesting he’s made progress in his sobriety journey. But he also warns of a potential relapse, saying he might ‘be back one day’, showing his awareness of the constant threat of addiction.
Ultimately, ‘Born With A Beer In My Hand’ is a candid portrayal of Wallen’s battle with alcoholism. It’s a song that resonates with many people facing similar struggles, serving as a stark reminder that the journey to sobriety is an ongoing one.
