A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey – Song Shakedown
Alright, let’s dive into “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey and see what we can learn about songwriting from this genre-blending track.
Shaboozey kicks off the song with a masterful use of contrast, immediately drawing listeners in. The opening lines paint a picture of everyday pressures and responsibilities:
My baby want a Birkin, she’s been tellin’ me all night long
Gasoline and groceries, the list goes on and on
This 9 to 5 ain’t workin’, why the hell do I work so hard?
Then, he swiftly transitions to the escape of a night out:
I can’t worry ’bout my problems, I can’t take ’em when I’m gone
This contrast serves multiple purposes. It creates tension in the narrative, establishes relatability with the audience, and sets up the justification for the party atmosphere that follows.
Tip: Use contrasting scenarios in your verses to create depth and interest in your storytelling. Start with a relatable problem, then introduce the solution or escape your song offers.
The chorus of this song is a textbook example of effective simplicity:
Someone pour me up a double shot of whiskey
They know me and Jack Daniels got a history
There’s a party downtown near Fifth Street
Everybody at the bar gettin’ tipsy
The last line, “Everybody at the bar gettin’ tipsy,” is repeated multiple times, making it the primary hook. This repetition makes it incredibly easy for listeners to remember and sing along, which is crucial for a song’s popularity.
Tip: Don’t overcomplicate your choruses. A simple, repeatable phrase often works better than complex lyrics. Find your hook and don’t be afraid to lean into it.
Shaboozey employs several clever lyrical devices throughout the song. The most prominent is the counting mechanism used in multiple verses:
One, here comes the two to the three to the four
Tell ’em bring another out, we need plenty more
This serves multiple purposes: it adds rhythm, creates a sense of progression, and ties into the drinking theme. It’s also a nod to hip-hop traditions, showing how Shaboozey blends genres even in his lyrical approach.
Another example of wordplay is in the line “I’ve been Boozey since I’ve left,” which is likely a play on the artist’s name and the theme of the song.
Tip: Look for unique ways to incorporate rhythmic elements and wordplay into your lyrics. This can help tie your words more closely to the beat and add layers of meaning for attentive listeners.
The lyrics reflect Shaboozey’s blend of hip hop, country, rock, and Americana. References to whiskey and two-stepping evoke country music, while the overall flow and storytelling style lean more towards hip-hop. Lines like “Two steppin’ on the table, she don’t need a dancefloor” perfectly encapsulate this blend.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix influences from different genres in your lyrics. This can help create a unique sound and appeal to a wider audience. Look for unexpected combinations that reflect your personal style.
The lyrics excel at building a vivid atmosphere. Specific references help the listener visualize the scene:
There’s a party downtown near Fifth Street
…
When it’s last call and they kick us out the door
These details make the song more immersive and relatable. Shaboozey doesn’t just tell us about a generic party; he puts us right in the middle of a specific night out.
Tip: Use specific details in your lyrics to help listeners immerse themselves in the world of your song. Think about all five senses when describing a scene.
While the chorus remains consistent throughout the song, each verse adds new elements to the story. The first verse sets up the situation, the second talks about the singer’s lifestyle, and the third describes the end of the night. This balance of familiarity and progression keeps the song interesting from start to finish.
Tip: When using a repetitive chorus, make sure your verses are moving the story forward or adding new information. Think of your song as a mini-movie, with each verse representing a new scene.
The song’s structure is worth noting. It starts with a verse, moves into a pre-chorus (“One, here comes the two…”), then hits the chorus. This pattern repeats, but with variations each time. The third chorus is preceded by a slightly different pre-chorus, adding to the sense of the night progressing.
Tip: Play around with song structures. While verse-chorus-verse is common, adding elements like pre-choruses or bridges can help keep your song dynamic.
Throughout the song, Shaboozey touches on themes of escapism and living in the moment. Lines like “I can’t worry ’bout my problems, I can’t take ’em when I’m gone” and the repeated focus on getting “tipsy” emphasize the desire to leave everyday troubles behind, if only for a night.
Tip: Consider the deeper themes in your songs. Even party songs can touch on relatable human experiences and emotions.
Conclusion
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a masterclass in modern songwriting. By blending genres, using clever wordplay, creating vivid imagery, and balancing repetition with progression, Shaboozey has crafted a memorable and engaging track. The song’s strength lies in its ability to be both simple and layered – it works as a fun party song on the surface, but offers deeper storytelling and thematic elements for those who listen closely.
As you write your own songs, consider how you can incorporate these elements to create something unique and captivating. Remember, great songwriting often comes from balancing familiarity with innovation, and from finding fresh ways to tell universal stories.
Grammy award winning producer & songwriter (Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, James Hersey)
@iamwillhicksLet’s take your songwriting skills to the next level
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