Cheaper Than a Shrink

Album: Cold Beer Conversation (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This finger-popping, humorous ditty finds Strait explaining why a case of beer is a better solution than a psychiatrist. The song was penned by Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson, and Buddy Cannon. The same trio also penned George Strait's 2006 single "Give It Away," which won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year award.

    Jamey Johnson also sings backup on the tune.
  • So why is a psychiatrist sometimes called a shrink? The word is a shortening of "head-shrinker" a slang term for a mental health professional, which was used historically to express a distrust of practitioners in the field. It is now not as belittling or trivializing.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?