About the song
John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is an iconic blues track that resonates with its raw emotion and storytelling. Released in 1966, this song has become a classic in the blues genre, showcasing Hooker’s distinctive style and commanding presence as a musician.
The track opens with a gritty guitar riff that immediately sets the tone for the narrative that unfolds. Hooker’s gravelly voice draws listeners in, transporting them to a smoky, dimly lit bar where the protagonist of the song finds himself in a series of unfortunate events.
The lyrics chronicle a tale of woe as the protagonist recounts his troubles to the bartender, seeking solace in the form of bourbon, scotch, and beer. Each verse adds layers to the story, painting a vivid picture of a man down on his luck, dealing with relationship woes, financial struggles, and the harsh realities of life.
Hooker’s masterful storytelling is complemented by his impeccable guitar playing, which weaves throughout the song, punctuating the narrative with soulful licks and expressive solos. His ability to convey raw emotion through both his vocals and instrumentation is what makes “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” a timeless classic.
Beyond its musical prowess, the song also touches on themes of resilience, escapism, and the human experience. It captures a moment of vulnerability and honesty, resonating with audiences across generations.
As the song builds to its climax, Hooker’s vocals soar, carrying the weight of the protagonist’s struggles and ultimately leaving listeners with a sense of catharsis. “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is more than just a song; it’s a journey through life’s trials and tribulations, wrapped in the soulful sounds of blues mastery.
Video
Lyrics
Want to tell you a storyAbout the house-man bluesI come home one FridayHad to tell the landlady I’da lost my jobShe said that don’t confront meLong as I get my money next FridayNow next Friday come I didn’t get the rentAnd out the door I wentSo I goes to the landladyI said you let me slide?I’ll have the rent for you in a monthNext I don’t knowSo said let me slide it on you know peopleI notice when I come home in the eveningShe ain’t got nothing nice to say to meBut for five year she was so niceLoh’ she was lovy-dovyI come home one particular eveningThe landlady said you got the rent money yet?I said no, can’t find no jobTherefore I ain’t got no money to pay the rentShe said I don’t believe you’re tryin’ to find no jobSaid I seen you today you was standin’ on a cornerLeaning up against a postI said but I’m tired, I’ve been walkin’ all dayShe said that don’t confront meLong as I get my money next FridayNow next Friday come I didn’t have the rentAnd out the door I wentSo I go down the streetsDown to my good friend’s houseI said look man I’m outdoors you knowCan I stay with you maybe a couple days?He said let me go and ask my wifeHe come out of the houseI could see it in his faceI know that was noHe said I don’t know man ah she kinda funny, you knowI said I know, everybody funny, now you funny tooSo I go back homeI tell the landlady I got a job, I’m gonna pay the rentShe said yeah, I said oh yeahAnd then she was so niceLoh’ she was lovy-dovySo I go in my room, pack up my things and I goI slip on out the back door and down the streets I goShe a-howlin’ about the front rent, she’ll be lucky to get any back rentShe ain’t gonna get none of itSo I stop in the local bar you know peopleI go to the bar, I ring my coat, I call the bartenderSaid look man, come down here, he got down thereSo what you want?One bourbon, one scotch, one beerWell I ain’t seen my baby since I don’t know whenI’ve been drinking bourbon, whiskey, scotch and ginGonna get high man I’m gonna get looseNeed me a triple shot of that juiceGonna get drunk don’t you have no fearI want one bourbon, one scotch and one beerOne bourbon, one scotch, one beerBut I’m sitting now at the barI’m getting drunk, I’m feelin’ mellowI’m drinkin’ bourbon, I’m drinkin’ scotch, I’m drinkin’ beerLooked down the barHere come the bartenderI said look man, come down hereSo what you want?One bourbon, one scotch, one beerNo I ain’t seen my baby since the night before lastGotta get a drink man I’m gonna get gassedGonna get high man I ain’t had enoughNeed me a triple shot of that stuffGonna get drunk won’t you listen right hereI want one bourbon, one shot and one beerOne bourbon, one scotch, one beerYeahScratch my back, babyAhNow by this time I’m plenty highYou know when your mouth a-getting dryYou’re plenty highLooked down the bar I say to my bartenderI said look man, come down here, he got down thereSo what you want this time?I said look man, a-what time is it?He said the clock on the wall say three o’clockLast call for alcoholSo what you need?One bourbon, one scotch, one beerNo I ain’t seen my baby since a nigh’ and a weekGotta get drunk man ’til I can’t even speakGonna get high man listen to meOne drink ain’t enough Jack you better make it threeI want to get drunk I’m gonna make it real clearI want one bourbon, one scotch and one beerOne bourbon, one scotch, one beer