Introduction:
Get Drunk and Be Somebody: A Celebration of the Working Week Escape
Released in December 2005, “Get Drunk and Be Somebody” by Toby Keith became an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever punched a clock. The song, co-written by Keith, served as the lead single for his album “White Trash with Money” and marked his debut with Show Dog Nashville.
“Get Drunk and Be Somebody” taps into the universal experience of the workweek grind. The lyrics paint a picture of two blue-collar workers, weary from their monotonous jobs, yearning for Friday night liberation. The song opens with a relatable scenario:
“Same old clothes, same damn job
Punch the clock, feel like a slob”
Keith cleverly portrays the escape that a night of drinking offers. It’s a chance to shed the workaday persona and embrace a temporary sense of freedom:
“But when that whistle blows on Friday night
We’re gonna wash this work week right out of sight”
The song doesn’t glorify excessive drinking, but rather highlights it as a shared ritual for those seeking a break from the daily routine. The chorus is a catchy declaration of this sentiment:
“We’ll get drunk and be somebody
Tonight we’ll trade these overalls for liberty”
“Get Drunk and Be Somebody” resonated with millions of listeners who identified with the blue-collar experience. It became a mainstay at country radio stations and on countless playlists for those seeking a soundtrack to their weekend escape. The song’s success solidified Toby Keith’s image as a working-class hero, a voice for the everyday American toiling away for a better life.
While the song’s lighthearted tone focuses on the celebratory aspect of letting loose, it also carries a subtle undercurrent of longing. The desire to “be somebody” hints at a yearning for something more fulfilling than the daily grind. This relatable sentiment adds another layer to the song’s enduring appeal.
So, crank up “Get Drunk and Be Somebody,” raise a glass with your fellow weekend warriors, and celebrate the release from the work week, if only for a night.