About the Song 

Ernest Tubb was a country music legend, known for his distinctive voice and his songwriting skills. One of his most popular songs is “Drivin’ Nails in My Coffin,” a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

The song was written by Jerry Irby and released in 1946. It tells the story of a man who is slowly destroying his life with alcohol. He sings about how his drinking is driving away his loved ones and ruining his health. He knows that he is on a path to self-destruction, but he is powerless to stop himself.

The song is a powerful and moving ballad that has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a reminder of the high cost of alcohol abuse and the importance of seeking help if you are struggling with addiction.

The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. They paint a vivid picture of the pain and suffering that addiction can cause. The singer’s voice is full of emotion, as he expresses his regret and despair.

The song’s melody is also haunting and memorable. It is a slow, mournful ballad that perfectly captures the song’s message.

“Drivin’ Nails in My Coffin” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving ballad that is sure to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was released in 1946 and reached number five on the Billboard country charts.
  • It has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard.
  • The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Video 

Lyrics: Drivin’ Nails in My Coffin

My sweetheart is gone and I’m so lonesome
She said that she and I were through
So I started out drinking for past time
Driving nails in my coffin over youI’m just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I’m just driving nails in my coffin
Driving those nails over you

Every since the day that we parted
I’ve felt so sad and so blue
I’m always worrying about you love
And I just can’t quit drinking that old booze

I’m just driving nails in my coffin
Every time I drink a bottle of booze
I’m just driving nails in my coffin
Driving those nails over you

You Missed

Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.