About the song
Alright, let’s dive into the world of classic country with this one. You want to talk about a song that just oozes heartache and honky-tonk charm? Look no further than Dean Martin’s rendition of “Little Ole Wine Drinker Me” -((written by Hank Mills and Dick Jennings)).
Now, Dean Martin, the name alone conjures up images of smoky saloons, clinking cocktail glasses, and that effortlessly cool crooning style that made him a legend. But “Little Ole Wine Drinker Me” shows a different side to Dino. It’s a song drenched in melancholy, a tale of a man trying to drown his sorrows in a bottle, and Martin delivers it with a kind of world-weary resignation that’s just heartbreaking.
The song itself, penned by Hank Mills and Dick Jennings, is a classic of the country genre. It’s got that simple, straightforward storytelling that pulls you right in, and a melody that sticks in your head long after the last note fades away. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man caught in a cycle of heartbreak and booze, each one fueling the other. “Woke up this mornin’ with the same old blues,” he sings, “same old hangover, same old booze.” You can practically feel the weight of his despair in every word.
And then there’s Martin’s voice. That rich, velvety baritone, with just a hint of gravel, perfectly captures the protagonist’s world-weariness and regret. He’s not just singing the words, he’s inhabiting the character, making you feel every ounce of his pain. It’s a performance that’s both vulnerable and powerful, showcasing Martin’s incredible vocal range and his ability to connect with an audience on an emotional level.
What’s interesting about this song is that it wasn’t a massive hit for Martin. Released in 1967 on his album “Welcome to My World,” it kind of flew under the radar compared to some of his other iconic tunes. But for those who know it, “Little Ole Wine Drinker Me” is a hidden gem, a testament to Martin’s versatility as an artist and his ability to tackle a wide range of musical styles.
So pour yourself a stiff one, settle into your favorite armchair, and let Dean Martin serenade you with this timeless tale of love, loss, and the allure of the bottle. Just try not to get too caught up in the lyrics – we don’t want you ending up like the “Little Ole Wine Drinker” yourself!
Video
Lyrics
I’m praying for rain in California
So the grapes can grow and they can make more wine
And I’m sitting in a honky in Chicago
With a broken heart and a woman on my mind
I matched the man behind the bar for the jukebox
And the music takes me back to Tennessee
And they asked who’s the fool in the corner crying
I say a little ole wine drinker me
I came here last week from down in Nashville
‘Cause my baby left for Florida on a train
I thought I’d get a job and just forget her
But in Chicago, the broken heartache’s still the same
I matched the man behind the bar for the jukebox
And the music takes me back to Tennessee
When they ask who’s the fool in the corner crying
I say a little ole wine drinker me
I say a little ole wine drinker me