Chris Stapleton began his musical path in Kentucky before moving to Nashville to pursue his career.
Before becoming known as a performer, he wrote songs for major country artists, including Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Luke Bryan, building respect in the music industry.
His 2015 solo album, “Traveller,” earned critical praise for its quality and depth, showing his mix of country and blues tones. A CMA Awards performance with Justin Timberlake that year helped bring his music to new listeners.
Stapleton stands out with his powerful, wide-ranging voice that moves from quiet to strong with ease.
His singing draws from various sources, including Otis Redding’s soul and Waylon Jennings’ country sound, creating a true connection with his audience.
About the Song
Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove wrote “Tennessee Whiskey” in the early 1980s.
David Allan Coe recorded it first in 1981, with George Jones following in 1983. Despite these versions gaining notice within country music, the song stayed mostly in country circles for thirty years.
Chris Stapleton released his version on his 2015 album Traveller. He mixed country with blues and soul, making it slower and more personal than earlier versions. The plain musical setup emphasizes his singing and the song’s story.
With simple drums and guitar work, Stapleton’s take works because it feels both new and classic. His small changes made the song his own while keeping what made it good, helping it reach people who don’t usually listen to country music.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 |
| Original Writers | Dean Dillon & Linda Hargrove |
| Album | Traveller |
| Genre | Country, Rock |
| Duration | 4:53 minutes |
Lyrics of Tennessee Whiskey
[Verse 1]
Used to spend my nights out in a barroom
Liquor was the only love I’d known
But you rescued me from reachin’ for the bottom
And brought me back from bein’ too far gone
[Chorus]
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
[Verse 2]
I’ve looked for love in all the same old places
Found the bottom of a bottle’s always dry
But when you poured out your heart, I didn’t waste it
‘Cause there’s nothin’ like your love to get me high
[Chorus]
And you’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
[Outro]
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey, Tennessee whiskey
You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey, Tennessee whiskey
Key Themes in “Tennessee Whiskey”
The song “Tennessee Whiskey” examines three main themes that connect with listeners through relatable emotions and cultural references.
- Love as Healing – The song illustrates how genuine love can mend what was broken within someone, comparing a loving partner to the soothing warmth of high-quality whiskey.
- Past Struggles – References difficult times and failed attempts at finding love in the wrong places, showing how healthy love replaces harmful habits and destructive patterns.
- Southern Identity – Uses Tennessee whiskey and strawberry wine as cultural symbols, connecting to Southern traditions that many listeners recognize and adding regional meaning.
These themes combine to create a song about love and loss. Personal healing, overcoming mistakes, and cultural pride make “Tennessee Whiskey” more than just a love song.
It becomes a story of redemption that feels both personal and universal, which explains why it connects with so many people across different backgrounds.
Similar Songs to “Tennessee Whiskey”
Here are songs that share qualities with “Tennessee Whiskey” while offering their take on relationships and life’s struggles.
Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
Genre: Traditional Country. This classic track features a singer looking back at a relationship with longing and regret, delivered with Nelson’s distinct vocal style.
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
Genre: Classic Country. Widely regarded as one of country music’s finest songs, it tells a story of devotion that continues even when all hope is gone.
Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton
Genre: Country Folk. This Stapleton song offers the same vocal quality but with a more thoughtful, spiritual message about loss and coming to terms with things we can’t understand.
Live Performance
The 2015 CMA Awards marked a turning point for “Tennessee Whiskey” when Chris Stapleton performed it alongside Justin Timberlake.
This collaboration brought together two distinct musical worlds and caught the attention of both country fans and mainstream audiences.
Similar Artists to Chris Stapleton
If you enjoy Chris Stapleton’s music, these artists offer comparable storytelling depth and vocal talent while maintaining their unique styles.
- Tyler Childers: Kentucky singer who tells detailed stories about Appalachian rural life with a warm, gritty voice that captures real places and people.
- Jamey Johnson: Traditional country artist with deep, rich vocals who sings honest lyrics about hardship and perseverance, staying true to classic sounds.
- Marcus King: Young musician blending country and blues genres with impressive vocal power and guitar skills that stand out in today’s music scene.
Keep the rhythm going, visit our breakdown of “Guilty as Sin Lyrics & Meaning by Taylor Swift.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it Called Tennessee Whiskey?
On a federal level, the definition of Tennessee Whiskey is legally established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
At least one other international trade agreement requires it to be “a straight Bourbon whiskey authorized to be produced only in the State of Tennessee”.
Is There an Ad Chord in Tennessee Whiskey?
The key to this song is dynamics and not killing to guitar. You have to be gentle with your playing. The chords are not too bad, mostly A, D and E but Bm pops in every once in a while.
What Tempo Time Signature is Tennessee Whiskey?
The song has a very slow tempo of 48.7 bpm with a standard 4/4 time signature. Each measure of 4 beats is approx 4.9 seconds long.
Brian Young is a seasoned singer and artist with over 15 years of performance experience. Known for his versatility across genres, Brian has performed on various stages, from local venues to international tours. He offers expert advice to aspiring singers, sharing practical tips on vocal techniques, stage presence, and building a career in music. His passion is to inspire others to find their unique voice and thrive in the competitive world of music.
