Released: 2014
Dierks Bentley’s ‘Drunk on a Plane’ is a country song that tells a tale of heartbreak and resilience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who, left at the altar, decides to go on his honeymoon alone, turning the plane ride into a one-man party to drown his sorrows.
The opening lines reveal the protagonist’s initial plan – a romantic honeymoon in Cancún. However, when his bride-to-be bails, he finds himself on the plane alone, resorting to alcohol to numb his pain.
‘I bet the feller on the aisle thought I was crazy’ – Here, Bentley uses a colloquial term ‘feller’, which is a country slang for ‘guy’ or ‘man’. The protagonist’s actions, such as taping his ex-fiancée’s picture to the seat next to him, might seem eccentric to his fellow passengers.
The chorus ‘Buyin’ drinks for everybody… Got this 737 rocking like a G Six’ is a testament to the protagonist’s attempt to create a party atmosphere. The ‘G Six’ is a reference to the Gulfstream G650, a private jet known for its luxury and performance, suggesting that he’s turning the commercial flight into a wild, high-flying party.
The line ‘It’s Mardi Gras up in the clouds’ further underscores the festive atmosphere the protagonist is trying to create. Mardi Gras is a carnival known for its raucous celebrations, and he’s attempting to recreate that on the plane.
The repeated line ‘I’m getting drunk on a plane’ serves as a refrain that underscores the protagonist’s heartbreak and his method of coping – by getting intoxicated.
‘On my way home I’ll bump this seat right up to first class’ – The protagonist is determined to make the most of his unfortunate situation, deciding to upgrade his seat and enjoy the luxuries of first class.
‘And when we land I’ll call her up and tell her kiss my ass’ – This line shows the protagonist’s growing defiance and anger towards his ex-fiancée. He’s beginning to move past his heartbreak and reclaim his independence.
The final lines ‘I might be passed out in the baggage claim, but right now, I’m drunk on a plane’ sum up the protagonist’s state of mind. He’s living in the moment, choosing to deal with the consequences of his actions later.
In conclusion, ‘Drunk on a Plane’ is a story of heartbreak, resilience, and the human ability to find joy in the face of adversity. It’s a testament to Bentley’s ability to craft relatable narratives with a distinct country flavor.
