Meaning of "Drinking Song" by Loudon Wainwright III

The lyrics of "Drinking Song" delve into the various facets of alcoholism and the effects it has on individuals. The song portrays the erratic behavior of drunk men, from emotional vulnerability to aggression, illustrating the duality of their personalities when under the influence. The repetition of the line "That drunkards go to great extremes" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of alcoholism, highlighting how it impacts every aspect of a person's life. By describing the physical toll that excessive drinking takes on the body, with blood vessels breaking and bags under the eyes, the song also addresses the destructive consequences of alcohol abuse. Furthermore, the notion of there never being a "perfectly straight line" suggests that the path of an alcoholic is filled with twists, turns, and extremes, highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction. Overall, the lyrics offer a poignant commentary on the complexities of alcoholism and the destructive impact it can have on individuals.