Background
- Not an Original: “Tennessee Whiskey” was originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove in 1981. It was first recorded by country singer David Allan Coe in 1981 and later by George Jones in 1983.
- Stapleton’s Version: Chris Stapleton released his cover in 2015 on his award-winning album Traveller, propelling the song to new levels of fame. The song’s popularity has surged in recent years.
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Chris Stapleton: Tennessee Whiskey Lyrics
Used to spend my nights out in a barroom
Liquor was the only love I’d known
But you rescued me from reachin’ for the bottom
And brought me back from being too far gone
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
I’ve looked for love in all the same old places
Found the bottom of a bottle’s always dry
But when you poured out your heart, I didn’t waste it
‘Cause there’s nothing like your love to get me high
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Themes
- Heartbreak & Longing: The song’s speaker reflects on a past love, their memories tinged with regret. They find solace in the smooth burn of Tennessee whiskey, which becomes a metaphor for the bittersweet pain of the lingering love.
- Nostalgia: The lyrics paint a picture of a simpler time, filled with the sweetness of love and the comfort of familiar places. Now, it’s only the whiskey that brings fleeting moments of warmth.
- The Power of Memory: Even though the relationship is over, the memory of the love and the associated sensations continue to have a powerful hold on the speaker.
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Style & Impact
- Soulful Rendition: Chris Stapleton’s raw, bluesy voice infuses the song with a profound sense of heartache and longing. His version strips the song down to its emotional core.
- Genre-Crossing: While its origins lie firmly in country music, Stapleton’s take has transcended genres, appealing to fans of blues, soul, and rock, contributing to its huge success.
