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Introduction
Have you ever heard a song that feels like it’s been pulled straight from the depths of someone’s soul? That’s exactly what An Empty Glass by Gary Stewart delivers—a raw, heart-wrenching anthem for anyone who’s ever wrestled with heartbreak, regret, or the haunting silence of a lonely night.
Gary Stewart, often hailed as the “King of Honky-Tonk,” had a way of pouring his emotions into his music, and An Empty Glass is no exception. Released in the 1980s, this song became a staple for country music fans who craved something deeper than the surface-level storytelling. It’s not just a song—it’s a confession, a cry for help, and a toast to the bittersweet pain of love lost.
What Makes It Special?
The magic of An Empty Glass lies in its simplicity and honesty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man sitting alone at a bar, staring into the bottom of his glass, trying to drown his sorrows but finding no escape. It’s a scene so universal that it feels like it could belong to anyone who’s ever tried to drink away their pain.
The line, “An empty glass, a last cigarette, it’s closing time, and I’m drunk again,” hits like a gut punch. It’s not just about the alcohol—it’s about the emptiness that lingers long after the last drink is gone. Stewart’s voice, with its signature quiver and emotional depth, makes you feel every ounce of that loneliness.
The Story Behind the Song
While Gary Stewart didn’t write An Empty Glass—it was penned by Hoyt Axton and Doodle Owens—he made it his own in a way that only he could. Stewart’s life was marked by personal struggles, including battles with addiction and the tragic loss of his wife, which makes his delivery of the song feel even more authentic. It’s as if he’s not just singing the words; he’s living them.
Why It Resonates
What’s so powerful about An Empty Glass is how it captures the human condition. It’s not just a song about drinking—it’s about the search for solace in the face of overwhelming pain. It’s about the moments when life feels too heavy, and all you can do is sit with your thoughts, your regrets, and your empty glass.
For fans of traditional country music, this song is a reminder of why the genre is so beloved. It’s real, it’s raw, and it doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of life. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel seen, even in your loneliest moments.
A Legacy of Emotion
Though Gary Stewart’s career didn’t always get the mainstream recognition it deserved, songs like An Empty Glass have cemented his place as one of country music’s most authentic voices. It’s a track that continues to resonate with listeners decades later, proving that great music doesn’t just entertain—it connects.
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Lyrics
An empty glass
That last cigarette
It’s closing time
And I’m drunk again
But somehow I’ll make it home
And cry myself to sleep
That’s how my day ends
Every night for me
Every night I’m in some bar
Pouring whiskey on a heart that’s on fire
Forgetting you is no easy thing
Each night for me always ends the same
With an empty glass
That last cigarette
It’s closing time
And I’m drunk again
But somehow I’ll make it home
And cry myself to sleep
That’s how my day ends
Every night for me
Every night I’m in some bar
Pouring whiskey on a heart that’s on fire
Forgetting you is no easy thing
Each night for me always ends the same
With an empty glass
That last cigarette
It’s closing time
And I’m drunk again
But somehow I’ll make it home
And cry myself to sleep
That’s how my day ends
Every night for me.
Yeah, that’s how my day ends
Every night for me