If you walked into a Texas dive bar in the late seventies, you’d hear exactly what Midland captures in their breakout hit. It’s that smooth, honey-dripped sound of a pedal steel guitar crying over a glass of cheap whiskey. But there’s a reason people are still obsessing over the Midland drinkin problem lyrics years after the song first climbed the charts in 2017.
It isn't just about getting buzzed. Honestly, it’s a masterclass in songwriting wordplay that flips a serious issue into a cheeky, defiant anthem.
The Story Behind the Lyrics
The magic of this song didn't happen by accident. It was a perfect storm of Nashville heavyweights and a band that looked like they stepped off the set of a vintage Western. Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy teamed up with songwriting legends Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne to pen this track.
Interestingly, the central hook was inspired by an old episode of M.A.S.H. There’s a scene where one character accuses another of having a drinking problem. The retort? He didn’t have a "problem" drinking at all. He was actually quite good at it. That bit of dialogue became the foundation for one of the most clever choruses in modern country music.
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It’s All About the Perspective
When you listen to the Midland drinkin problem lyrics, you’re hearing a guy who is tired of the town gossip. He’s not looking for a support group. He’s looking for the bottom of a bottle to numb a specific kind of ache.
The line "They call it a problem, I call it a solution" is the ultimate middle finger to judgment. It’s a "broken-hearted thinkin’ problem." By reframing the addiction as a reaction to a lost love, the song makes the protagonist sympathetic rather than just a hopeless drunk.
Why the Lyrics Caused a Stir
Not everyone was a fan of how "light" the song seemed to make substance abuse. Critics pointed out that real-life alcoholism isn't usually this melodic or stylish. There was a fair bit of debate about the band's authenticity. People wondered if three guys who met at a high-end wedding in Wyoming (as the story goes) could really sell the "hard-luck" lifestyle.
But here's the thing: country music has always been about the "lovable loser" archetype.
Think about it.
Merle Haggard did it.
George Jones lived it.
Midland just polished it for a new generation.
The song doesn't claim to be a documentary on addiction. It’s a vibe. It’s about that specific moment in a breakup where you’d rather talk to a bartender than a therapist.
Breaking Down the Best Lines
The song is packed with "liquid" metaphors that hit home. One of the best—and arguably most underrated—lines is: "Just stayin' here to keep from hatin' her." That's a heavy sentiment. It suggests that the alcohol isn't just for fun; it's a preventative measure. If he stays drunk, he stays in a haze where he doesn't have to face the anger or the reality of the girl who left him.
And then you have the play on words in the chorus:
"People sayin' that I hit rock bottom / Just 'cause I'm livin' on the rocks."
That’s classic Nashville. It’s a triple threat of meaning. "Rock bottom" is the low point, "on the rocks" is how you order your whiskey, and "living on the rocks" implies his whole life is as cold and precarious as the ice in his glass.
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A Traditionalist Rebellion
In 2017, country radio was dominated by "Bro-Country"—lots of electronic beats, snap tracks, and songs about tailgates. Midland went the opposite direction. They brought back the 4/4 shuffle and the rhinestone suits.
The lyrics reflect this "throwback" mentality. There are no mentions of iPhones or Uber rides. It feels timeless. You could play this song for your grandpa, and he’d think it was recorded in 1974. That’s probably why it eventually went 5x Platinum. It tapped into a nostalgia that people didn't realize they were starving for.
The "Solution" vs. The "Problem"
The song basically argues that the "drinking" part is just a symptom. The real "problem" is the girl who isn't there.
- The Narrative: The narrator acknowledges the town's concern but dismisses it.
- The Motive: Escapism. He’s "just sitting here with all my grand illusions."
- The Result: A 3-minute and 1-second escape for the listener, too.
How to Get the Most Out of the Song
If you’re trying to really "feel" these lyrics, don't just stream it on your phone speakers. This is a song meant for a specific environment.
First, find a pair of decent headphones to catch the subtle harmonies between Mark, Jess, and Cameron. Their blend is what makes the "sad" lyrics feel so "smooth."
Second, pay attention to the Spanish version they recorded, called Brindemos. It translates the same weary emotion into a different tongue and proves that the "thinking problem" is universal.
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Honestly, the best way to appreciate the songwriting is to look at how they structured the tension. It builds slowly, like a guy getting a little more talkative with every round. By the time that final chorus hits, you aren't just listening to a song—you’re sitting in the booth right next to him.
Actionable Next Steps
- Watch the Music Video: Directed by band member Cameron Duddy, it’s a visual love letter to the 70s that adds a whole new layer of irony to the lyrics.
- Compare the Covers: Listen to the acoustic version. Without the lush production, the "broken-hearted" aspect of the lyrics feels much more raw and less "fun."
- Check the Credits: Look up Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne’s other work. You’ll start to see a pattern of how they use clever wordplay (like in Sam Hunt’s "Body Like a Back Road" or Kacey Musgraves’ "Merry Go 'Round") to tell a deeper story.