Traditional Drinking Tunes: More Resonant Than You Remember

The cover art for the Lomax Archive's latest release showcases an anthology of age-old drinking melodies.

In recent times, a shift towards moderation and non-alcoholic drinks has been noticeable. Yet, songs that celebrate or recount tales of alcohol consumption retain their charm and popularity.

Consider the song "Three Nights Drunk," which dates back approximately 250 years. It's a narrative about the misadventures of a drunkard who is deceived by his unfaithful wife. This folk tune, believed to have its roots in the British Isles, is also associated with titles like "Our Goodman" and "Seven Drunken Nights."

A couple of versions of this humorous piece appear on a freshly curated collection from the archive of Alan and John Lomax, renowned American musicologists. The recordings include a 1959 rendition by J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers from North Carolina and another captured in Mississippi in 1937 by Jim Henry.

This particular melody has seen numerous reinterpretations over the years by various performers.

An Abundance of Drinking Ballads

John Lomax, a notable figure in the collection of American folk tunes, amassed a vast archive of songs. Out of over 8,000 recordings, around 100 are dedicated to drinking tunes. Two decades ago, a similar record was released from this trove, enhancing the enjoyment of these songs.

Anna Lomax Wood, who currently manages the archive, fondly recalls that both her father and grandfather, Alan and John Lomax, appreciated a good drink.

Anna shares a memory about her grandfather, who would discreetly carry a small flask, lovingly termed 'the water of life,' to enjoy a secretive sip now and then.

Despite their fondness for alcohol, Anna mentions that the Lomaxes refrained from drinking during work, even when capturing performances by inebriated singers. This was evidenced during a 1962 recording session on Grenada where Alan Lomax observed laborers performing 'Roll Roll Roll and Go.'

Timeless Appeal of Bacchanalian Tunes

Melodies tied to alcohol consumption remain attractive, continuing to inspire artists across generations.

There seems to be a common cultural thread connecting people who enjoy a drink and a sing-along, as articulated by Sayre Piotrkowski, a knowledgeable cicerone—a beer expert comparable to a wine sommelier.

Piotrkowski highlights a direct lineage between the performers on the Lomax compilation and contemporary musicians who celebrate or reflect on drinking in their work.

According to Piotrkowski, the finest drinking songs possess a blend of humor and self-awareness, embracing the idea of overindulgence with a sense of pride and charm.