Meaning of "Cheap Tequila" by Johnny Winter

The lyrics of "Cheap Tequila" paint a bleak picture of a life filled with emptiness, disillusionment, and decay. The references to cheap perfume, a lonely smell, and a low-rent tomb evoke a sense of sadness and despair, while the descriptions of a sad old rag, sad young hag, and washed-up dream speak to themes of aging, lost aspirations, and faded beauty. The chorus, with its directive to drink up and be happy, reflects a hedonistic coping mechanism of drowning one's sorrows in alcohol to escape from the harsh realities of existence, even if only for a fleeting moment. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of seeking instant gratification and numbing the pain through self-destructive behaviors, highlighting the darker aspects of human existence and the desperate pursuit of fleeting joy in a world filled with broken dreams and shallow pleasures.