Meaning of "The Blue Ribbon Blues" by Gary Stewart

The lyrics of "The Blue Ribbon Blues" by Gary Stewart convey a sense of deep despair and heartache caused by an unfortunate romantic relationship. The narrator finds himself caught in a cycle of drinking to numb the pain, but every sip only brings back memories of the person who hurt him. The image of "a black hearse followin' me" suggests a feeling of impending doom or inevitable loss that haunts the narrator. The mention of overdue charge accounts and feeling like a "hardship case of the blues" illustrates the financial strain and emotional toll left behind by the failed relationship. Despite initially believing in a mutual love, the narrator realizes that he was used and left broken. The repeated refrain of "Woe is me when I'm drinking tryin' to drown a mem'ry of you" encapsulates the struggle to escape the emotional grip of the past. Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with heartbreak, regret, and the self-destructive tendencies that can arise from failed love.