Meaning of "D-R-U-N-K" by David Allan Coe

The lyrics of "D-R-U-N-K" explore the concept of using alcohol as a coping mechanism for heartbreak and emotional pain. The repetition of the phrase "How do you spell relief? I get D-R-U-N-K" emphasizes the narrator's dependence on alcohol to numb the hurt caused by his partner's departure. The mention of taking the pain away and forgetting about tears indicates that the narrator is seeking temporary escape through intoxication.

The lyrics also highlight the idea of self-medication and self-reliance. The line "I don't need no doctor, Tell me what is wrong" portrays a sense of independence and suggests that the narrator believes alcohol is the cure to his emotional anguish. While the use of alcohol may provide temporary relief, it is merely a distraction rather than a true solution. The recurring theme of finding relief through alcohol underscores the narrator's desperation to find solace in any form, regardless of its long-term consequences.

Furthermore, there is an underlying tone of camaraderie and bonding through shared pain. The mention of John Hartford in the lyrics suggests that the narrator is not alone in his struggle and that others have also found solace in alcohol. The line "We're having fun now, ain't we?" serves as an ironic reminder that the camaraderie formed through their shared escape may be a temporary illusion masking deeper issues.

Overall, the lyrics of "D-R-U-N-K" delve into the destructive nature of using alcohol as a coping mechanism for heartbreak. It depicts the allure of temporary relief and the danger of relying on substances to bury pain rather than facing it head-on.