Why I'm Drinking chords
Swap ↔ or rotate ↻ the device
Capo 1st fret
[Intro]
Em D
[Verse 1]
Em
Give it to me straight
D
It's okay, this barstool knows I can take it
Em
Don't water it down
Em
The truth is too strong
D
I just don't wanna face it
Em G
And I don't know another way to get your memory out of my head
Em G
It ain't gonna take away the pain, but it'll take off the edge
[Chorus]
D
That's why I'm drinking
Em
I've done wasted all of my time thinking
G
I'd rather drown this hurt than let it sink in
A D
Yeah, that's why, that's why I'm drinking
Em Gm
I got you on my mind 'cause it's a day that ends in "y"
D
That's why I'm drinking
[Verse 2]
Em
Numb me just enough
D
So I can touch someone new and not feel it
Em
Oh, let her wreck my heart
Em
Let her leave her scar
D
So that yours can start healing
Em G
I'm getting pretty good at getting gone now that you're gone for good
Em G
I remember picking out a ring, now I'm wishing my phone would
[Chorus]
D
That's why I'm drinking
Em
I've done wasted all of my time thinking
G
I'd rather drown this hurt than let it sink in
A D
Yeah, that's why, that's why I'm drinking
Em Gm
I got you on my mind 'cause it's a day that ends in "y"
D
That's why I'm drinking
[Guitar Solo]
Em D Em G A
[Chorus]
D
That's why I'm drinking
Em
I've done wasted all of my time thinking
G
I'd rather drown this hurt than let it sink in
A D
That's why, that's why I'm drinking
Em G
A heartbreak like mine don't need no reason why
D
That's why I'm drinking
Em Gm
I got you on my mind 'cause it's a day that ends in "y"
D
That's why I'm drinking
Em Gm N.C.
A heartbreak like mine don't need a reason why
[Outro]
D
X
How to Play "Why I'm Drinking" by Denning Travis on Guitar
Capo: 1st fret - This gets the pitch of the chords closer to the
original recording yet it also allows for friendlier chord shapes.
Intro
Chords: Em and D
Strumming: Use a down-up-down-up pattern and just pick the
downstrokes on the beat.
Verse 1
Chords: Em, D, and G
Strumming: Strum down-up consistently in an even tempo.
Accentuate the first downstrum in each bar for a solid feel.
Chorus
Chords: D, Em, G, A, Gm
Strumming: Use a slightly more energetic strumming pattern with
down-up strums, accentuating the downstrokes.
Transitions: Practice moving between D and Em smoothly,
as well as Em to G and G to A.
Dynamics: Build up the intensity by strumming harder as you
approach the end of the chorus.
Verse 2
Chords: Em, D, G
Strumming: Same as Verse 1. Work really hard on nice changes
and maintaining the feel.
Guitar Solo
Chords: Em, D, Em, G, A
Perform the Solo: If you are improvising, play from the E minor
pentatonic scale. Listen to the recording to get a feel and timing of the solo.
Outro
Chords: Em, G, Gm, D
Strumming: Simply slow it down a bit towards the end to let it say
that final feel to the song.
Typical Mistakes:
Make sure there is a smooth transition between the chords,
so you don't lose the rhythm.
Strumming Consistency: Ensure that strumming patterns are consistent
so that it maintains the flow of the song.
Timing: Stay with the groove, especially on the chord changes.
Song Information and Meaning: "Why I'm Drinking" is a song by Denning Travis
that has themes of heartbreak and coping mechanisms. The lyrics relay a story
where the protagonist is howling over the shards of a broken relationship,
searching for solace in liquor, if only for a little emotional rescue. The song gives
a brutally honest, realistic expression concerning loss and how hard it truly can be
to move on. What makes Denning Travis a mastermind in his brand of storytelling
is the way he reaches the listener with his universal themes. His sound often leans
into traditional country roots, matching the old and new ways for a truly innovative
voice heard and embraced by many.