Meaning of "Bar Exam" by The Derailers

The song "Bar Exam" by The Derailers uses the metaphor of a bar exam to depict the emotional turmoil and coping mechanisms of a person dealing with heartbreak. The protagonist has gained immense knowledge in pain and sorrow, comparing it to a PhD, while their understanding of life's hardships is likened to a B.S. in barstool philosophy. The honky-tonk bar serves as their classroom, where they engage in a form of escapism through alcohol and music, attempting to pass the final test of moving on from the person who inspired their "higher education." The repetition of "drink by drink" emphasizes the incremental progress in healing and the struggle to overcome their emotions. The lyrics suggest that the singer is determined to graduate from their sorrow, signaling a readiness to let go of the past and look towards a brighter future.