“Sick, Sober and Sorry” is one of those timeless tunes that wraps humor and heartache into a neat little package, making it a beloved classic in country music circles. First recorded by Johnny Bond in 1956, the song captures the quintessential barroom regret with a twinkle in its eye, offering a wry look at the consequences of a night of excess.
Imagine sitting across from a friend at a diner the morning after a rowdy night out, and they’re sharing their tale of woe. The song speaks with the rueful wisdom of someone who’s learned their lesson the hard way but can still laugh at themselves. Its charm lies in its blend of self-deprecation and sincerity—a cheeky admission of guilt mixed with a dash of remorse.
As the melody twangs and the lyrics recount the misadventures of a night gone wrong, listeners are drawn into a world of honky-tonks and heartbreak. There’s something universally relatable about waking up with regrets, yet the song manages to keep things light, reminding us that every mistake is a story in the making. It’s not just about the laughter it brings, but also the nod of understanding from anyone who’s ever found themselves promising, “never again.”
The song’s staying power is testament to its ability to connect on a human level, tapping into the shared experiences of misfortune and redemption. It’s a musical confession that invites us to reflect on our own follies without taking them too seriously.
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Lyrics
Well I’m sick, sober and sorry
Broke, disgusted and sad
Sick, sober and sorry
But look at the fun that we had.
Well we met with some gal in a tavern
And oh, what a beautiful dream
Well we had three or four, then had several more
And that’s when I went off my beam.
Well I’m sick, sober and sorry
Broke, disgusted and sad
Sick, sober and sorry
But look at the fun that we had.
The jukebox so loudly was playin’
Each couple havin’ a ball
But of all of them gals, their sweethearts and pals
I’ll bet me and Merle the sickest of all.
Well I’m sick, sober and sorry
Broke, disgusted and sad
Sick, sober and sorry
But look at the fun that we had.
Outside I was hailin’ a taxi
We got one this time without fail
It sported a star, we didn’t go far
Was only three blocks to the jail.
Well I’m sick, sober and sorry
Broke, disgusted and sad
Sick, sober and sorry
But look at the fun that we had.