Drinkin' Smokin' Cheatin'

Album: Big Day in a Small Town (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the only track on Big Day in a Small Town that Brandy Clark wrote on her own. She recalled to Radio.com: "I started it at the very top, and it started with that groove. I just liked that groove, and I was playing my guitar, and I just sang that first line, 'I ain't been drinking, but if I was drinking, I think I'd be drinking bourbon.'"

    "And it sort of became a daydream, if you could just sort of kiss your reality goodbye and responsibilities goodbye, what you would do? And in my mind I had the characters figured out in my head, and they lived in a place where the dishes were stacked two sinks high, just kinda had it with each other."
  • Shane McAnally came in and sang on the song with Clark. The Washington songstress has a long history of collaboration with the Texan songwriter. McNally worked on much of her acclaimed debut, 12 Stories, and he also has a credit on Girl Next Door.

    According to Clark, McAnally didn't feel confident in his vocal. However, producer Jay Joyce only did two takes, as he wanted it to feel very real. Clark said: "Somebody mentioned to him, 'It sounds like you and Shane are singing to each other in that,' and I was like, that is so perfect."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

Sam Phillips

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.