The third track on Blanco County Lights is called "Drink (Drink Drink)."

The title "Drink" was actually a working title throughout the production of the record that ended up being the acual title (plus a couple parentheses and some repetition, much like the song itself). It's a to-the-point title that suits the overall tone of the tune.

I'm a big fan of Don Williams. His voice is among my all-time favorites in country music and his vocal delivery and song selection is tops. (If you haven't picked up his latest record, Reflections, I highly recommend it.) Songs like "Good Ole Boys Like Me" and "If Hollywood Don't Need You" were profoundly inspirational to my craft as a songwriter.

I was listening to a lot of Don (we're on a first-name basis in my mind) just before going into the studio and this song idea popped in my head. It actually came to me as we were heading to play a Valentine's Day show at Hill's Cafe in Austin. As I was exiting, I had this melody I was kicking around. Not wanting to lose it, I pulled off and sang it into my phone.

I sing random thoughts and song ideas into my phone fairly often. There are likely many ways in which technology has hindered or stifled the creative process, but it has absolutely been a Godsend for forgetful folks like myself when it comes to capturing it. If ever my phone is lost, a snooping finder will likely encounter several hours of confusing sound bytes in my voice notes. (Have fun!)

Anyways, it's been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result. That maxim was the basis for this song. So I put it in a smoky bar, soaked it in beer and added some heartbreak. Thus, "Drink" was born.

Now, I'm not saying this is a Don Williams song. I'm just saying his music inspired it. And I figure if he ever hears it, my fellow Texas-born musical compadre will say "Good job, Brant. You're an alright guy." (Someday I'll tell you all about my wild imagination and the ever-present party taking place inside my head.)

With respects to the mechanics of the song, I (totes/obvs) sang and played my Martin acoustic (mental note: think up name for guitar) on the track. Jack Saunders provided the thumpy bass line and the background vocals. Rick Richards played drums. Lastly, we were fortunate enough to have the dobro-playing mastery of Lloyd Maines tie the entire track together.

I like it.

-Brant

Track 2 - "Doing Well"

Track 1 - "When You Come to Me"