Why Chris Janson’s ‘Me & a Beer’ Lyrics Were So Challenging

Chris Janson may have needed a beer to crack the lyrics to his new song “Me & a Beer.” Contrary to popular belief, songs like this are the hardest to write.

Talking to Taste of Country Nights, Janson says finding the right rhymes and rhythms for songs like this, “Good Vibes” and “Buy Me a Boat” is a far more challenging task than conjuring emotion for a powerful love song.

“I can write you a poetic justice kind of song that’s really heartfelt — I can write you 10 of those, now,” he says. “But I can’t write a ‘Me & a Beer’ everyday.”

• “Me & a Beer” is the lead single from Janson’s new Wild Horses album.
• Andy Sheridan, Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips helped Janson write it.
• The full interview is coming on Sept. 5.

Related: Tip It On Back — The Best Drinking Songs In Country Music

Taking it easy with a cold beer isn’t new territory for Janson. That’s something he admits he likes to do from time to time, which could surprise fans who believed he’s abstained for over a decade.

“I wanna be clear for the record. I may have said ‘sober’ once in my life,” he says, speaking to anyone who was led to believe he quit drinking because he abused alcohol. “I’ll have a drink every now and again, but really the truth was when I became married, I had two bonus kids … and I just didn’t want to be the party guy anymore.”

“I was never an alcoholic, and I’ve never done a drug ever. Never even smoked pot. I actually liked to drink before I got married.”

He does smoke cigars with some frequency. In fact, while “Me & a Beer” was not a beer-fueled effort, it was produced in a casual manner Janson has come to appreciate. His entire album was made at a cabin-studio on his property, one song at a time.

“We just set up a little studio shop, smoked cigars and did it the old school way,” he shares.

The full Wild Horses record is available at your favorite digital streamer now. Find the lyrics to “Me & a Beer” below.

Chris Janson, “Me & a Beer” Lyrics:

Prettiest girl I’d ever seen / Look at her, man, look at me / I thought I can’t just walk up and ask her to dance / But me and a beer can / I ain’t ’bout to get under that truck / All Saturday long with the summer turned up / Crankin’ that boat ’til the oil’s pouring in the pan / No, but me and a beer can.

Chorus:
I can do hard work all day long / I can be anyone that I want / Get me drinking, sign me up / And I’m singin’ Sweet Home Alabam / Might not get it done by myself / But if I can have a little 12 ounce help / I’ll be good if you just put one in my hand / Yeah, me and a beer can.

I don’t wanna get out on that lake / Reelin’ in nothin’ but my ol’ crank bait / I can’t float all day on a boat just catching a tan / Oh, but me and a beer can / And I don’t wanna sit up in that tree / Watchin’ them bucks not crossin’ that creek / Can’t kill nothin’ but time, sittin’ up there in that stand / Ay, me and a beer can.

Repeat Chorus

Oh, me and a beer can / Well, I might not feel too good / Pop the top and I’m outta the woods / Take a few sips, and I’m like Watch this / Hey y’all, can’t never could.

Repeat Chorus