Meaning of "Three Or Four Times A Day" by Vern Gosdin

The song "Three Or Four Times A Day" delves into the complex relationship between pain, alcohol consumption, and emotional healing. The protagonist, guided by the advice of Doc. Tender, uses alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with the hurt and heartache caused by missing someone. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is not drowning their sorrows in alcohol, but rather seeking solace in controlled consumption to alleviate the emotional turmoil. This illustrates a common coping mechanism in real life, where individuals turn to substances to numb emotional pain temporarily. The repetition of drinking "one or two, three or four times a day" reflects the cyclical nature of seeking relief, only to face the pain again when the effects wear off. Additionally, the rejection of pills for the chills due to their incompatibility with alcohol underscores the character's commitment to Doc. Tender's advice. Overall, the song acknowledges the complexities of using alcohol to cope with emotional pain and the desire to keep heartaches at bay through controlled consumption.