Alan Jackson has been a mainstay in the country music scene for over three decades, with hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When” cementing his status as a beloved artist. However, his 2015 album “Angels and Alcohol” showed a different side of the singer-songwriter, with its introspective lyrics and stripped-down sound. One standout track from the album is the titular song, “Angels and Alcohol.”
The song was co-written by Alan Jackson himself, along with Jim McBride and Keith Stegall, and it explores the complexities of addiction and self-destructive behavior. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, describing the allure of alcohol and the pain it can bring:
“Angels and alcohol, they don’t mix
I learned that the hard way, folded wings and scars that won’t heal
The devil he poured it, God he drank it up
Angels and alcohol”
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Jackson revealed that the song was inspired by his own struggles with alcoholism. He admitted that he had been a heavy drinker in the past, and that it had taken a toll on his personal and professional life. However, he also emphasized that the song was not meant to be a condemnation of drinking, but rather a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess.
“Alcohol has been a big part of my life and my career, but I’ve seen it ruin a lot of people, too,” Jackson said. “I wanted to write a song that was honest about both sides of it.”
The song’s music video, directed by P.R. Brown, also reflects this duality. It features footage of Jackson performing in a dark, smoky bar, interspersed with scenes of a young couple’s tumultuous relationship. The video ends with the couple reconciling and finding hope, suggesting that even in the midst of darkness, there is always a chance for redemption.
Overall, “Angels and Alcohol” is a powerful and honest reflection on the ups and downs of life, and a testament to Alan Jackson’s enduring talent as a songwriter. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Artist: Alan Jackson
Album: Angels and Alcohol
Released: 2015
Lyrics
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
I don’t think God meant for them to get along
When it takes control, you can’t love no one at all
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
You can’t blend whiskey with a good woman’s love
They don’t go together, love’s already hard enough
You think you can handle, how it feels or what it does
You can’t blend whiskey with a good woman’s love
You can’t change lonely with a bottle of wine
It might ease the heartache for one short easy time
In the end you have to face what’s hiding in your mind
You can’t change lonely with a bottle of wine
You can’t mix angels and alcohol
An angel once loved me, I traded it all
I let the bottle drive my life into a wall
You can’t mix angels, and alcohol
