The Bottle Let Me Down

Merle Haggard, Merle Haggard & the Strangers

About The Bottle Let Me Down

"The Bottle Let Me Down" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in August 1966 as the second single from the album Swinging Doors. The song peaked at number three on the U. S. Billboard Hot Country Singles.


Year:
2007
2:50
45 
#1

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Each night I leave the bar room when it's over
Not feeling any pain at closing time
But tonight your memory found me much too sober
Couldn't drink enough to keep you off my mind 

Tonight the bottle let me down
And let your memory come around
The one true friend I thought I'd found
Tonight the bottle let me down

I've always had a bottle I could turn to
And lately I've been turnin' every day
But the wine don't take effect the way it used to
And I'm hurtin' in old familiar ways 

Tonight the bottle let me down
And let your memory come around
The one true friend I thought I'd found

Tonight the bottle let me down 
Tonight the bottle let me down

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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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Written by: Merle Haggard

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"The Bottle Let Me Down" was released in August 1966, marking Haggard's early success in the mid-60s.
Songwriter
Merle Haggard himself wrote "The Bottle Let Me Down", proving his talents not only as a performer but also as a songwriter.
Popularity
The song reached number 3 on the Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing Haggard's popularity within country music genre.
Album
"The Bottle Let Me Down" was part of the album "Swinging Doors," which was Haggard's second studio album.
Themes
As one of the many popular drinking songs in country music, "The Bottle Let Me Down" showcases Haggard's ability to write about serious themes delivered in a light, understandable way.
Public Response
It's a classic drinking song in country music and helped solidify Haggard's reputation as one of country’s greatest artists.
Genre
The song is characterized under the honky tonk genre, a style of country music that emerged in the 1940s and 50s, characterized by melancholic lyrics and a western swing influence.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several music artists across different generations, including Emmylou Harris, LeAnn Rimes, and Brooklyn country band The Defibulators, which demonstrates the song's enduring appeal.
Background
The song apparently reflects Haggard’s own experiences with alcohol during his days as a struggling musician.
Musicians
Along with Haggard's voice and guitar, the song features famed session musician James Burton on dobro, Ralph Mooney on pedal steel, Glen Campbell on guitar and Haggard's band The Strangers.
Recognition
The song, in many ways, proved to be a landmark recording in Merle Haggard’s career as it was one of his earliest hits and helped establish his unique approach to country music.

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