THE LORD LOVES THE DRINKING MAN “For God so loved the world…John 3:16”
So I was sitting on the bus, suffering from a real bad case of writer’s block. This Barbed Wire Halo blog had me stumped and a few of my new songs in progress had me stuck dead in my tracks as well. The bus was parked backstage at the Concrete Street Amphitheater in Corpus Christi. My guys were setting up for Fowler Fest, which is obviously hosted by my good buddy, Mr. Kevin Fowler. After a few hours of drawing blanks, my writer’s block felt more like a thirty foot tall brick wall. I decided to call it a day and said, “Lord, I might need some help with this one.” Little did I know, my simple request would be answered with a small hint of a topic suggestion later that night.
So I had finished the show and was visiting with fans when Kevin kicked off his song, “The Lord Loves the Drinking Man.” If you’re into the Texas Music Scene you probably know this tune well. It was a big hit for Kevin and even Mark Chestnut recorded it on one of his albums a few years back. During the second verse this college boy with a bottle in his hand jokingly said, “Hey Aaron, does the Lord really love the drinking man?” I quickly said, “Absolutely, the Lord loves everybody!” The college boy then smiled as if acknowledging that he approved of my simple answer and our conversation ended there. Now I said that the Lord loves the drinking man, but I never said that I thought the Lord approves of all the drinking man’s actions. But that applies to all of us. I know the Lord loves Aaron Watson, but He doesn’t always love the way I act. In defense of the crazy drunk, at least he sort of has an excuse for his actions. When I act like an idiot there’s no one to blame but me! No whiskey, no wine, just that guy in the mirror staring back at me.
We all have imperfections, weaknesses and struggles. It’s important that we NEVER FORGET that no matter how big the problem, God’s love is bigger. His grace can trump any troubles we throw at Him. He loves because that’s what He does and that’s who He is. GOD IS LOVE. His love is unconditional, therefore He loves us even at our worst. I may not agree with all the theology behind the song, but my friend Mr. Kevin Fowler hit the nail on the head when he said “THE LORD LOVES THE DRINKING MAN.”
“HEY AW, WHY DON’T YOU DRINK?”
“Hey Aaron, why don’t you drink” is probably the most frequently asked question that I get. Apparently, being a “non-drinking honky-tonker” is an odd combination and even controversial at times. One night a big corn-fed looking country boy brought me a shot of something and he expected to throw one back with me right there on the stage. When I declined his offer, I must have really offended him big time because he went from fan to foe instantly. Thank goodness his tiny little wife grabbed him by the arm and somehow escorted him away. (Never underestimate the strength of a woman!) He actually came back to another show a few months later and apologized. He said he didn’t even remember the incident but his “better half” informed him of his actions the very next morning. He then laughed and said she had grounded him from the bottle indefinitely. Before he left that night he brought me a Dr. Pepper from the bar. I thought that was pretty cool!
The soul purpose of this week’s blog is not for me to get preachy by telling others how to live their lives. It’s simply for me to share my story and the reasons behind my reasons for not drinking. I’m no “goodie two shoes” so I’m not here to condemn, judge, or criticize. Nobody likes someone pointing a finger in their face, that’s why I’m going to point the finger at myself instead. I’m not going to argue Christian doctrine as to whether alcohol is acceptable or unacceptable. Yes, I know Jesus turned the water into wine and I also know all the bible verses that discourage drunkenness (Proverbs 4:17, Proverbs 20:1, Luke 12:45, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7, 1 Peter 4:3-4, Genesis 19:30-38, Genesis 9:20-26, Proverbs 23:19-20, etc etc). Of course I have my opinions, but at the end of the day they are just one man’s opinions. There are a lot of questions I can’t answer, but there is one thing I am sure of: I am flawed yet forgiven because Jesus died for my sins.
In my short time here on earth I’ve surpassed my life time quota of mishaps. On a positive note, I’ve learned a lot from my many mistakes. You know the saying, “what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.” Well, you would think I’d be as strong as Popeye by now! I look back at some of the things I’ve done and realize I’m lucky to be alive. Through trial and error, I found out that me and alcohol get along about as well as mixing oil and water or perhaps fire and dynamite would be a more accurate analogy. As a young man, the consequences for my actions were less severe than they would be today. I have a lot more on the line than I did ten or fifteen years ago. I’m a husband and a daddy now. I have a responsibility to give my best to my family. My little girl thinks I’m a knight in shining armor and my little boys think I’m a super-hero and I intend to keep it that way.
You’ve heard the saying “BUSINESS IS BUSINESS” but I believe BUSINESS IS PERSONAL, too. I take pride in what I do. My music is a direct reflection of who I am. I feel it’s my duty to put on a good show for the folks who spend their hard-earned money on my concert tickets, CDs, and merchandise, etc. The entertainment business is no different than if I were running a little hometown cafe. If you were to order from “A-DUB’S BURGERS AND FRIES,” how would you react if the fries were ice-cold, the burger was burnt black, and the service was rude and obnoxious? Would you tolerate that? Absolutely not! You would either send that burger back to kitchen or get up and walk out without paying. As a fan of music myself, nothing disappoints me more than to get excited and all dressed up just to show up and watch some drunk yo-yo stutter and stumble all over the stage. There is no excuse for this kind of service/performance. I believe the fans/customers deserve better. I guarantee you that the artist that conducts themselves in such a fashion would change their ways real quick if when they went to get paid out at the end of the night, found that the venue had refunded thousands due to a poor quality show. After all, it’s tough enough remembering 120 minutes worth of music sober…why complicate the issue?
BREAKING MOMMA’S HEART
I can still hear my Momma saying, your Granddaddy was an alcoholic and your Paw Paw was an alcoholic, so you better watch out because alcoholism runs in our family and its been known to skip a generation. Now I don’t know how valid this “skip a generation genetic theory” is. Whether it’s an old wives’ tale or a medical fact really doesn’t matter. In my eyes, if my Momma said it then it must be true.
During my senior year in high school, one of my buddies had the brilliant idea of throwing a party on the baseball field on the school grounds. Genius right!? In the home dugout, there was a 50 gallon trash can full of Cool Aid, Ever-clear and whatever else they threw in there. I don’t remember drinking much, but apparently I drank enough to have a drastic effect on a little 140 pound skinny punk. We eventually got busted by my friend’s dad who took me home and made me wake my Dad up at 2:00 am and tell him what we had done. Dad half asleep said, “Are the police out there?” I said, “No sir.” He got up and went outside to visit with the other dad. When he came back in he said, “Go to bed and we’ll deal with this in the morning.” I only wish it could have been that easy.
As I walked down the hallway to my room, I could hear my sweet Momma in the living room crying on the couch. She called me in there and she hugged me like there was no tomorrow. I had missed curfew by two hours and she had been worried sick! No wonder she was scared! A teenage boy at a nearby high school had died a few months earlier in an alcohol related accident. I felt like the biggest loser on the face of the earth! There’s something sobering about breaking your Momma’s heart.
I remember going straight to my room, I turned off the lights and flopped onto my water-bed. I was dog tired and looking forward to a good nights rest. For a moment, I felt some relief but that was just the calm before the storm. That’s when I opened my eyes and stared through the pitch dark at the red numbers on my alarm clock. All of a sudden those glowing digits began to turn a bit sideways and that’s when it started. Things started spinning. I would close my eyes but things were still spinning. At any moment I expected those hellish-red glowing digits reading 2:22 AM to change to 6:66. Next thing I know, I’m hugging the porcelain pot and hating life. At some point I literally thought I was going to die and as bad as I felt that didn’t seem like too bad of an option. I will spare you the details but I would spend the rest of the night there on the bathroom floor.
Dad woke me up at the crack of dawn with a cup of coffee and a long list of chores. I walked out on the back porch squinting from the sunrise peaking over the tops of the trees. It was a beautiful yet miserable morning. I grabbed the chord on the mower and gave it a painful tug. The sound of the lawn mower firing up sounded more like a freight train inside my head. Later that night, after a hard days work, I watched an Astros game with Dad on the couch. I remember he put his arm around me and then kissed me on the cheek. He didn’t have to say a thing. He knew that I knew I had done wrong. And I knew that he loved me still.
Choosing to not drink was not a decision that I came to that day or even the years to follow. By God’s design I’m sure, I was broke in college and could hardly afford to pay the water bill much less buy alcohol. Between school and working two jobs there was little time to play. Then one day I turned around and found myself in a rocking little country band on a honky-tonk stage surrounded by dim lights, thick smoke and lots of neon signs! You can imagine what my Mother must have been thinking when her baby boy came home and said “I’m going to be a country singer!” Despite her hesitation and worries, she was very supportive. She did make me agree to a set of commandment-like expectations. I won’t go into all of them but I promised to get my college degree, to stay away from drinking, and to never accept a beer sponsorship. I agreed to all of Mom’s requests unaware of the temptations that lay ahead of me. Mom’s first time ever in a bar was at the Golden Light Cafe in Amarillo to see her baby boy, “The Honky Tonk Kid” in concert! She was so cute sitting next to my Aunt Bee with her diet coke in hand. I was so proud of her! And wouldn’t you know, during my show, some crazy girl flashed me and I almost died from embarrassment right there on stage. Thank goodness Mom somehow didn’t witness that! If she had, she may have made me sell my guitar the very next morning! Ha ha!
Over the years I have had several beer companies approach me with different business propositions. I always respectfully decline. I had one guy in particular, I won’t mention the brand, get a bit put off by my stance on the issue. He said, “You have got to be kidding me! Are you telling me that if I were to offer you a ton of money you would still refuse a sponsorship just because of a little promise you made to your Mom?” I said, “Yep.” He said, “That’s crazy.” And once again I just said, “Yep.” What can I say; I’m a momma’s boy! Mom is still one of my biggest encouragers. The other day she sent me a text right before my show that said, “I LOVE YOU BOY. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!” I’m trying Momma!
THE WINE, THE JERK, AND THE PERFECT WOMAN
PERINI RANCH STEAKHOUSE in Buffalo Gap, Texas is probably one of my favorite places on earth. This is saying a lot since I have eaten at lots of great places all over the map. The fact that I still love it even after working there in college is a huge compliment as well! This place is five-star! The experience would be worth your drive off the beaten path. Rumor has it that even Waylon Jennings and Robert Duvall used to fly to Abilene just to eat some prime rib and bread pudding. If you ever have a chance to go there, make sure you tell Nan at the front counter that Aaron sent ya!
Kimberly and I have had many a hot date out at Perini Ranch! One such date, sticks out in particular…although it wasn’t exactly a hot date. The girl was about 6 months pregnant with our first child and she said the baby was craving some jalapeno poppers! We were sitting at a corner table in the back of the restaurant. I had ordered a T-bone steak, green chili hominy and some old-fashioned green beans. Oh, and did I mention the hot buttery bread? (My stomach just growled!). The waitress asked If I would like a beer or glass of wine with my meal. I’d had a pretty stressful week and a glass of wine sounded really nice. I glanced at Kimberly, looking for her approval, and she had that “I don’t think so” look in her eyes. I then got a little flustered and just ordered an iced tea. After the waitress walked off I said, “What in the heck is wrong with one little glass of wine?” She said, “There is nothing wrong with one little glass of wine but I just don’t think you should. A lot of young boys look up to you and you never know who might be watching and what they might think.” So I pretty much acted like a jerk the rest of the dinner while my sweet pregnant wife seemed to enjoy her jalapeno poppers despite the poor company.
At the end of dinner, I’m stuffed, feeling like I need a wheelchair to roll me out to the truck. Right as the waitress brought our ticket, a man walked up with his son and said “Aaron, I’m sorry to disturb your dinner, but my son and I are big fans of you and what you do.” He said, “In my son’s eyes you are bigger than George Strait and I just wanted to thank you for always keeping your music clean and showing these kids they don’t have to drink alcohol to have a good time.” I instantly felt a huge lump in my throat. I would have felt horrible if a harmless half glass of wine on my table would have shattered that young boy’s image of me and any good I try to stand for. Because of the reputation of my occupation, many assume that I embrace the “crazy so-called rock star life” that so often surrounds musicians. I want it to be clear what I stand for at all times, both on stage and off stage. It’s never been the issue of whether drinking is right or wrong, but whether it was right or wrong for me, my family, and my job. I knew in my heart that this experience was a way in which God was answering my prayers. After I hung out with the dad and his boy for a while, I paid my bill and escorted my beautiful bride to the parking lot.
Before I could get the car in reverse I heard a little chuckle coming from the passenger’s seat. I looked at Kimberly and she said with that cute little smart-alecky grin that so often ticks me off, “I told you so, that’s why I think you should just stick with iced tea, Mr. Watson.” She was so right! I had to smile and swallow my pride. Did I mention she was right? Did I mention she is perfect?
BOTTLE IN MY HAND
I have friends who drank occasionally in high school and then “occasionally” evolved into “very frequently” in college. They went on to graduate, get married, have kids, and then one day they turned around and realized that over the years they had slowly developed a very big problem. Their drinking life was silently yet drastically interfering with their family life. Instead of racing home after work to play with the kids, they were consumed with consumption, racing to get their next fix. Or how about the full-time touring band that plays anywhere from 150-225 shows a year. Two or three beers before the show is no biggie…right? Until 2 or 3 turns into a 12 pack, the 12 pack turns into whiskey, and the whiskey turns into something even more destructive. All this trouble for something that started from nothing. I would never name names, but I’m talking about real people, and real life situations. My heart goes out to those whose lives are controlled by a substance of any kind; those who neglect and harm themselves and their loved ones because of some powerful addiction. Moderation, you say? I often hear the argument for moderation. I believe there is something in the saying “anything in moderation is ok”…except for that theory wouldn’t work too well for me. I am an all or nothing kind of guy. I’m in no way telling the world to stop drinking. I’m not saying walk to the fridge, clear out those silver cans, rid that liquor cabinet of all the hard stuff and then head to the bathroom and pour your Listerine down the toilet. And there’s no way I’m saying stop going to those Aaron Watson and Kevin Fowler concerts! Ha ha! Like I’ve said, I don’t believe the issue is as much “drinking” as it is getting wasted and all the bad decisions and bad results that occur from that. I came to my decision through prayer, asking God for direction. God never once whispered in my ear, sent me a burning bush or a postcard from heaven, but I feel he guided and influenced me through my experiences. What some call a coincidence, I call an answered prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I like to have fun as much as the next guy, if not more! But at the end of the day it would be a struggle for me to glorify God with a bottle in my hand.
Once I was asked in a radio interview what my choice of beer was. I said, “I don’t know. I don’t have one.” There was a moment of awkward silence, so I jumped in and said, ”Well I’d like to think I’m more of a connoisseur of cheap truck stop coffee. But if I had to choose, being a die-hard Texas boy, I would obviously have to go with Lone Star or Shiner Bock. With that being said, I would much rather prefer a Dublin Texas Dr. Pepper made with real cane sugar any day…but hey that’s just me!”
Here’s my toast to all of us – making the most of this life, giving God the Glory with every breath we take.
Cheers!
AW
Barbed Wire Halo Blog 
I love reading your blog, it’s always very inspirational! Your concerts have been my favorite to go to not only because of your music, but also because of the way you present yourself. Being in college now there are many parties to go to and the temptation to drink is always there, but reading this makes turning down a drink seem easier. I love how you are not afraid to stand up for what you believe in and not have your beliefs swayed just to get someone to like you. I’m sad I can’t make it to your show at Billy Bob’s tonight, but I’ll definitely be there when you come back to Nac (hopefully during fall semester).
Another great post! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony with us! And Perini is always a stop for my parents on the way out to our ranch!!! 🙂
Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration to so many!!!
Great Job, as always. Keep it up buddy & Have a great 4th! – RG
Most of my friends picture anything Texas country as a rip roaring honky tonk party with lots of beer. It’s so nice to be able to share your music and testimony with them! Being a teacher, I have the same mindset as your wife…you never know who may be watching and looking up to you and following you. Your family sounds like a great bunch 🙂 Thanks for sharing…PS: I love being able to play Barbed Wire Halo getting ready for church every Sunday. Hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Great job bud…love the story! I am truly impressed with your Christian testimony…keep up the good work and great music.
I absolutely enjoyed reading these!!!! I love your music,but this makes me love it even more!!!!You seem to be an amazing,sweet & honorable person for that us fans Thank You!!!!God Bless & May you have an amazing career…Your Mom & Dad did an excellent job..:-)
Another reason to be a Aaron Watson Fan.. I love that you are such a great person and family man… not to forget Singer as well! Thank you for being an honest and honorable. I am super sad I am not a Billy Bob’s tonight to see you… I am normally front row and loving every minute! Hope you have a great show! Keep up the amazing work!! 🙂
Aaron, that’s an amazing testimony! Your story is an inspiration to more people than you could ever know. To God be the glory in all things. I love your music and wish you all the best.
Man, Aaron! I have truly struggled today in my walk with the Lord, I have been angry at God, and honestly I have been questioning his love for us. But you have convicted me, thank you for your words, and I want you to know that GOD has used you to save me from a long dark walk holding the devil’s hand!
That post was well worth the wait. Keep doin what your doin Aaron, and I would have to agree with you about Perini ranch, the best!
Aaron, you are truly one of a kind…you have a special something in your heart…and it shows through in your music, and the way you chose to stick by your beliefs. Don’t EVER change! Your doing it the way it should be done!!!
and that is why I love and respect you Aaron…I took notice of that at the 1st concert we saw you at..you were playing at Graham’s here in San Angelo..I was telling my now hubby “now that is what you call one hell of a man, as you can see; he don’t drink and yet he can throw on an awesome concert” … when he noticed that as well after attending a few of your concerts, he too said for him to be able to do what he does and being a country singer coming out, is cool..plus we notice how people act more human than inhuman when you play..we too have been to Fowler concerts and you see girls flashing him and stuff..he will just laugh, but still the respect is not there…love all you great singers..whether you choose to drink or not, y’all are awesome in sharing your wonderful music with us all
Growing up, I had an uncle and cousin who were alcoholics, and I was scared of them when they were drunk. Based on those experiences, I decided I would never drink. By God’s grace, I’ve been able to stick with that decision for over 36 years. But it hasn’t been easy. I’m usually questioned, and a lot of people feel uncomfortable around a non-drinker. Yet, it’s the only choice for those of us with a genetic disposition towards alcoholism. Thanks for echoing so much of what I’ve felt and faced and for not being afraid to share your faith. May God bless you with a long, successful career as you continue to bring glory to Him!
AW,
My cousin is a fan and sent me your blog…. Good stuff sir. Amazing job addressing a hot issue that is embedded in the country music culture. You said exactly what the father wanted. If you need a FOH guy in DFW, I’m in….
God Bless
Danny
[…] In his latest blog post, Aaron Watson writes about why he doesn’t drink and tells of some of the complications and misu…. […]
I love your music and I am very encouraged by your blog! Sometimes it is hard to stand up for God when the world is telling you that you are missing out. But, I know God is pleased with your decision to not drink and to try to follow in Jesus’ footsteps everyday! It is nice to know that someone else has the same outlook on life as you do, (I also don’t drink and want to live a set apart life for Christ)! Keep it up-everyone here in Nebraska is a huge fan!
Great post! We have been fans for years. I have 4 kiddos and they all LOVE you and Gary P. We follow you and him from time to time. How GREAT to read this blog and see how it all does fit together with great country music and the Kingdom of God. The Lord does use you! I had cancer a few years ago and with my four small children in the dirty white suburban….you sang the praises and reminded us all of the amazing grace. God Bless you! I have a blog too…crazy country and spiritual stuff. Check it out! facingtrialsandfindingblessings@blogspot.com
Perini Steakhouse is the best! My hubby proposed to me in front of a roaring fire in the back room one cold December night in 2003. Oh, and the food was good, too!
Your message is purely INSPIRED – and inspiring – today. Thank you for sharing it! I admire your guts and integrity in taking a stand in today’s world. Stay strong!
[…] You can give it a gander HERE. […]
I love that I can take my kids and my mom to your shows and not get worried about what they might hear. My son, Cody, just adores you. He missed seeing you last week at County Line in SA. I waited in line afterwards with all the drunk fools for you to autograph a CD we didn’t have. I had most of the songs on my IPod, but there is just something about holding the CD. When I spoke to him the next day, he was so excited that we now own the Barb Wire Halo CD that you autographed for me and a guitar pick you handed me at the end of the concert. Thank you for showing my son what a real man does and that singers can walk along with Jesus too.
I have learned that I am allowed one drink. My children have learned that this equals moderation and responsibility. How can I be a good mom if I am recovering from the night before and trying to teach them not to get drunk? Thank you for your choice and speaking openly about it. Many blessings to you and your family.
Very Good Aaron Your A Good Person And Your Mama Too.God Bless You And Your Family And The Band.Take Brother See Yall Down The Road.Mike.
Amen.
Awesome blog yet again. I appreciate you taking the time out to do this. Gig ‘Em & God Bless!
Gabe
I have to say, you are one of my all time favorites (right up there with George Strait) and this blog (and post) has given me another reason to be!
I completely agree with you with the whole drinking and getting wasted thing…I’ve never seen a problem with having a drink, but have had with being totally wasted. What you said at the end about glorifying God with a bottle in your hand…love it!
Loved hearing your testimony.
I respect and admire you!!
Keep at it, and keep seeking the Lord!
This is so inspiring for the people who don’t actually drink!!! Your an amazing artist and showing your faith in God and how you don’t have to drink is just great!! I’m proud to say your my favorite musician but for young kids also!! God Bless you and your family!!!
[…] no one to blame but me! No whiskey, no wine, just that guy in the mirror staring back at me. ~ Barbed Wire Halo Blog by Aaron […]
I’m a bartender, and it absolutely baffles people when they offer to buy me a shot and my reply is that I don’t drink. Oh, I’ll actually enjoy a beer or two, or maybe a Makers and Diet on occasion, but those instances are about as rare as a blue moon. I-like you, I’m sure-have seen the effects of too much alcohol through my job, and I know it’s not for me. It took a lot of time and soul-searching (and some awesome friends and somehow, the good sense to only drink hard when those good friends were around) to get me to this point, and I sure don’t want to go back. Now I definitely don’t blame those singers who want to throw one back ( and I love Kevin Fowler, who actually pointed me to your music back about 6 years ago over beers one night in Tennessee….when I really wasn’t legal to be drinking those beers) but it is nice to see someone who stands for the opposite viewpoint. And I really like some of your points- the Lord doesn’t always love the ACTIONS of the drinking man, and it’s just not for me and my family. That’s exactly what I try to point out to people who criticize me for being a bartender who doesn’t drink. I am gonna help them have a good time as long as they’re being responsible, but I can have fun without the alcohol and I’ve had too many mornings waking up with a hangover to want to do that anymore. It’s not for me these days. Keep listening to your wife-she sounds like a very smart lady! And maybe one of these days you’ll tour in the east….cause we love your music over here too!
I didn’t know this about you and now I’m glad I do, because it only makes me respect you more. I love listening to your music but we don’t go to your shows much since they are all in bars in this area. My husband drinks on occasion but I don’t let him make it a habit b/c I don’t want our son to grow up in that atmosphere.
Thank you for your music!
AW, you are the BEST AT WHAT U DO. Great country singer, love of God and Your Family. You really have a way the words on your Barbed Wire Halo Blog. PLEASE just keep on doing all you do for country music, family life and by the way let’s not forget about the Golf game. How is your golf game? Are you still having an annual tournment?
I would like to stay in contact with you because you do keep people grounded.
Take care,
PDP
Speaking for Maple and John Wilson (with big smiles)…so proud of you!
Saw you play in Miles for the second time a couple of days ago, and it was just as AMAZING if not more than the first time. I didn’t know you wrote a blog, but this was great. Something I really needed to hear. Thank you so much for what you do. Your actions toward your fans is amazing and its awesome to know that you stick by your testimony, even in an enviroment that makes it hard. Come to San Angelo all that you can because we love you!
Wow there are so may people out there that just don’t under stand that sometimes drinkin doesn’t make it better . Now I truly claim to be one of the last south texas honky tonkin recdnecks left !!!!!! It was the way I was rasied . My Grammy ” I miss you more every day ” was a waitress at the farmers daughter in San Antonio for many years and she worked at the silver saddle and some other well know honky tonks . So all of my family were honky tonk heroes . Wich I was for a long time as well . But when I got older I didn’t want to fight and get slobberin drunk and they made fun of me about it and it use to get to me . But now I haven’t been to prison I’m not adicted to drugs or booze either . Now don’t get me wrong I have a drink about 2 times a year but I was drinkin dancin and honky tonkin across south texas when I was 15 so I had my fill I just grew out of it . Fyi if your around ne san antonio there is a town named Bracken TX there is a bar named Big Johns Hangin Tree Saloon you have to go there but go in the spring so that way you can go thru the swingin doors . That’s one I grew up in and is still my fav . And I just wanted to say thank you for shareing the gift GOD gave YOU with US . I don’t listen to the radio any more because of the stuff tha is on there . Your bringin it back to us bubba and I thank you !!!!!
I love your music but you are one of the few Texas artists I have never seen live, so I didn’t know you don’t drink. You just became my favorite! I’m a 52 year old woman and even though I love the music I feel like a fish out of water at the clubs. Waitresses don’t know what to do with you when you order iced tea or Diet Coke (even though I’m a great tipper). You articulated your reasons for not drinking very well. I have never felt my life is missing anything of value because of my decision not to drink. And I have never heard anyone say “man, I wish I had drunk more during my lifetime.”
Thanks so much for this post and I will pray for your family in the loss of your beautiful and much-loved Julia Grace.
If someone asked me my choice of beer I’d say the only beer I drink is Root Beer!