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The Heartache of “Drinking Again” by Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington, often referred to as the “Queen of the Blues,” is a name that immediately evokes feelings of soul, passion, and deep emotional resonance. Known for her powerful voice and unmatched ability to convey pain and longing, Washington’s 1961 song “Drinking Again” is a masterclass in expressing heartache and personal struggle. This track, with its captivating melody and vulnerable lyrics, is a quintessential example of Washington’s ability to take listeners on an emotional journey through the blues.
The Story Behind “Drinking Again”
“Drinking Again” tells the story of a woman who finds herself returning to alcohol as a means of coping with emotional pain and heartbreak. In the song, the narrator confesses that she’s “drinking again, and thinking of when you loved me.” It’s a poignant narrative that captures the cycle of using substances to numb the ache of loss. The song is a vivid portrayal of how difficult it can be to move on from a relationship that has left you broken, as the pain continues to haunt and spiral back into self-destructive behaviors.
Washington’s voice serves as the perfect vessel for this tale of sorrow. Her phrasing is slow and deliberate, with every word filled with a sense of longing and regret. As the chorus repeats, “I’m drinking again, and thinking of when you loved me,” the sense of emotional torment becomes palpable. Listeners can feel the weight of the narrator’s pain as she tries to escape the memories of a love that is now lost.
The Power of Dinah Washington’s Voice
Dinah Washington’s vocal delivery is the heart of this song. Known for her ability to transform sorrow into something almost tangible, she brings a sense of intimacy to “Drinking Again” that makes the listener feel as if they are hearing a deeply personal confession. Washington was not only a technically skilled vocalist, but she also had the rare ability to convey complex emotions with every note she sang. Her voice is rich with texture—smoky, powerful, yet tender when needed.
In “Drinking Again,” she weaves a story of vulnerability and pain, yet there’s also strength in her delivery. Washington doesn’t simply sing the words; she feels them, and that emotional connection is what makes the song so moving. The vulnerability in her voice mirrors the pain of the song’s protagonist, who, despite her best efforts to move on, finds herself caught in a cycle of yearning for a lost love.
A Song About Loss and Coping Mechanisms
The subject matter of “Drinking Again” speaks to the darker side of human emotions. The song explores the destructive ways in which people cope with grief and sorrow, as the narrator turns to alcohol to escape the emotional weight of lost love. This is a theme that many can relate to, as people often look for ways to dull the pain when a relationship falls apart. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from the reality of addiction and the emotional scars that linger long after a relationship has ended.
Yet, while the song is about the pain of drinking to forget, there’s also an element of self-awareness in the lyrics. The narrator acknowledges that the alcohol won’t fix the underlying heartache, but she drinks anyway, caught in a cycle of temporary relief and subsequent regret. This complexity adds depth to the song, making it more than just a simple story of heartache—it becomes a reflection of the struggles many face when trying to heal from emotional wounds.
The Blues and the Universal Theme of Heartbreak
At its core, “Drinking Again” is a classic blues song. The blues genre has long been a vehicle for expressing deep personal pain and loss, and Washington’s track exemplifies the way in which the blues can articulate emotions that are often difficult to put into words. While the song is deeply personal to the narrator, its themes of heartbreak, regret, and the struggle to move on are universal.
The power of blues music lies in its ability to connect listeners to their own experiences. Whether through Washington’s raw vocal performance or the emotionally charged lyrics, “Drinking Again” serves as a reminder that heartache is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a shared human experience, and music can often be the most effective way of processing and understanding it.
A Legacy of Soul and Heartbreak
“Drinking Again” stands as one of Dinah Washington’s most poignant songs, showcasing her remarkable ability to convey vulnerability and raw emotion through music. Her vocal delivery, coupled with the simplicity and depth of the lyrics, creates a powerful listening experience that resonates long after the song ends.
Dinah Washington’s contributions to the world of blues and jazz are immeasurable, and “Drinking Again” is a perfect example of why she is considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time. It’s a song that speaks to the heartache of lost love and the difficult journey of healing, a theme that will always be relevant and powerful in the world of music.
Conclusion
“Drinking Again” is more than just a song about loss; it’s a reflection of the complicated emotional terrain that many navigate when dealing with the pain of a broken heart. Through her hauntingly beautiful performance, Dinah Washington captures the essence of human fragility, making it impossible not to feel connected to her struggle. In the world of blues, she remains a queen—her voice echoing the timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption that will forever resonate with audiences.
Lyrics
Ooh, it’s almost twoBeen sitting here wishing that I could see youThat’s why I’m drinking againAnd thinking of when you loved meI’m having a few, and wishing that you were hereI’m making the rounds and buying the rounds for strangersYes, I’m being a fool, just hoping that you’ll appearSure, I can borrow a smoke, maybe tell some joker a jokeBut who’s gonna laugh, who’s gonna laugh at a broken heart?That’s why it’s better, drinking againAnd thinking of when you left meCan’t you see I’m trying to make it on home?And ain’t got nothing but a memoryMaybe I can borrow a smoke, maybe tell some joker a jokeBut, who’s got the nerve, the nerve to laugh at my broken heart?That’s why it’s better drinking againAnd thinking of when you left meI’m trying to make it up on homeWith just a memoryI know you heard me the first timeI said I’m trying to make it on homeAnd ain’t got nothing, nothing but a memory
