Story Behind The Song

I served my musical apprenticeship in the pubs and clubs in and around the east of Scotland. At one stage in my early twenties, I had a regular gig playing for the women in the back lounge of a local social club. My job was to sing a few songs and play along when they sang those sad country songs. The songs would be the usual country and western tear-jerkers by Hank Williams, Don Gibson and the like. Usually, after many many vodkas, the tears would start to flow and this is the inspiration for this song "Pure Vodka Tears". It was during this time that I really started appreciate the songs of Hank Williams, Don Gibson, George Jones etc. These great songs were absorbed during these times and have stayed with me all my life. If a fraction of the brilliance of these songs comes through in my own, I'd be well pleased!

Song Description

She has had a hard life but takes refuge in alcohol and sad country songs. When singling along to these songs she cries and the tears are pure vodka.

Lyrics

Laughing when she should be crying,

Singing though she feels like dying,

Wash the dishes clear the sink as the radio plays,

The favorite songs for long lost lovers,

Secrets stashed away,

Pass the time thinking of all her yesterdays,

Chorus

And when she cries it rains in heaven as days disappear,

Pours herself another drink of pure vodka tears

Verse 2

Those billy boys and tartan specials,

Singing songs of love and hate,

Uniforms and party songs,

She missed the chance she had to take,

He used to sing her favorite song,

"Put your sweet lips closer to the phone",

If only she'd answered, if only he'd known

Chorus

Now this place called home is badly broken,

Memories smashed and trust kicked in,

Little lies are softly spoken, half-truths sound promising,

So one more drink before the bell rings,

One more chance to make amends,

One more song for the good times,

She looks into his eyes and pretends

Chorus x 2