“Everybody Needs A Drinking Song” lyrics by Rie Sheridan Rose, music by Marc Gunn

Performed by Marc Gunn
From CD: Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits

*Everybody needs a drinking song
Everybody needs a carol–
Everybody needs a drinking song
So tap another barrel!

Some like to drink the whole night long
Some like to drink like fishes
Some like to drink the whole night long
So best bring in more dishes!

Some like to munch on mushroom pie
Some like to eat stewed rabbits
Some like to munch on mushroom pie
So hone your cooking habits!

Some like to smoke Old Toby leaf
Some like to smoke a pipe
Some like to smoke Old Toby leaf
So don’t let’s hear you gripe!

Some like to dress in their best clothes
Some like to dress real fine
Some like to dress in their best clothes
So show me yours, I’ll show you mine…

Some like to sing along with me
Some like to sing quite cheery
Some like to sing along with me
So let’s make this one “beery!”

Some like to drink the whole night long
Some like to drink all night
Some like to drink the whole night long
So let’s do it up right!

Chords: Key D

[D]Everybody [A]needs a drinking [Bm]song
[D]Everybody needs a [A]carol–
[D]Everybody [A]needs a drinking [Bm]song
So [G]tap, tap, [A]tap another [D]barrel!

[A]Some like to drink the whole night [D]long
[Bm]Some like to drink like [A]fishes
Some like to drink the whole night [D]long
So [G]best bring [A]in more [D]dishes!

Background

I never expected this song to be one of anyone's favorite songs. It was very repetitive when I recorded it. Short verses. Short song. I thought it would be a mediocre song at best. A possible throw away.

But Daniel I. Briggs responded to my call for musicians to record on Don't Go Drinking with Hobbits. He and his friend Jon Richardson added vocals. Daniel added guitar and bass. Jon added concertina. They sent the tracks back. It was an instant favorite.

It might be short. It might be light-hearted. But that captures hobbits to a Tee. The final recording was delightful and fun to sing.

Now whenever I do my Hobbit Drinking Songs show at science fiction conventions, it's a must. Frequently, it's also the first song of my set. It sets the stage for so much fun!

Everybody Needs a Drinking Song Videos

from a recording PurgaTorre

from late night evening ALEP (A Long Expected Party) in 2013

from Celtic Invasion of Brittany in 2017

Musicians Performing on the Song

• Marc Gunn: autoharp, vocals
• Daniel I. Briggs: acoustic guitar, acoustic bass guitar, vocals;
• Jon Richardson: concertina, vocals;
• Terry Griffith: guitar, vocals