“Liquor Store Blues” is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars from his first album called “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” which was released in 2010. The song features Jamaican artist Damian Marley.
The song tells the story of a guy who is facing financial difficulties and turns to his local liquor store as a way to find comfort in alcohol. It suggests that he finds hope by getting drunk today, believing that everything will be better tomorrow.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the meaning behind the song’s lyrics.
“Liquor Store Blues” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Damian Marley]
Now greetings to da world (All of you)
Voice of da one called Bruno Mars, ‘long side gong to da zilla
(Ya know I mean? I roll)
In the intro of the song, Damian Marley greets the world and introduces Bruno Mars.
He mentions Bruno’s nickname, “Gong to da zilla,” and express a sense of camaraderie or partnership.
The intro sets the tone for the song with a casual and friendly vibe.
[Verse 1: Bruno Mars]
Standing at this liquor store
Whiskey coming through my pores
Feeling like I run this whole block
Lotto tickets, cheap beer
That’s why you can catch me here
Tryna scratch my way up to the top
In Verse 1, Bruno Mars describes standing outside a liquor store. He mentions that he feels like he’s in control of the neighborhood.
He talks about buying lottery tickets and cheap beer, which is his way of trying to improve his situation, as expressed in the line “Tryna scratch my way up to the top.”
[Pre-Chorus: Bruno Mars]
‘Cause my job’s got me going nowhere
So I ain’t got a thing to lose
Take me to a place where I don’t care
This is me and my liquor store blues
In the Pre-Chorus, Bruno Mars expresses his frustration with his job, which he feels is going nowhere.
He mentions that he has nothing to lose, and he longs to be in a place where he doesn’t care about his troubles.
[Chorus: Bruno Mars]
I’ll take one shot for my pain
One drag for my sorrow
Get messed up today
I’ll be okay tomorrow
One shot for my pain
One drag for my sorrow
Get messed up today
I’ll be okay tomorrow
In the Chorus, Bruno Mars sings about using alcohol and drugs to cope with his pain and sorrow.
He talks about taking one shot and one drag to numb his emotions and feels that it will help him feel better today, even if he expects to be okay tomorrow.
[Verse 2: Bruno Mars]
Me and my guitar, tonight
Singing to the city lights
Tryna leave with more than what I got
‘Cause sixty-eight cent just ain’t gon’ pay the rent
So I’ll be out here ’til they call the cops
In Verse 2, Bruno Mars mentions that he’s with his guitar, singing to the city lights.
He’s trying to make more money than he currently has because he can’t afford his rent with just 68 cents.
He implies that he’ll stay out and continue performing until the police intervene.
[Verse 3: Damian Marley]
Here come Junior Gong
I’m flying high like Superman
And thinking that I run the whole block
I don’t know if it’s just because
Pineapple kush between my jaws
Has got me feeling like I’m on top
Feeling like I woulda stand up to de cops
And stand up to de bigga heads
Becaw de whole ah de mah saps
All de talk dem a talk
And dem fly make nah drop
Nuff ghetto youth cannot escape de trap
In Verse 3, Damian Marley joins the song and describes feeling high like Superman, believing he can control the neighborhood.
He attributes his confidence to smoking pineapple kush (a type of marijuana), as he sings, “I don’t know if it’s just because, Pineapple kush between my jaws.”
In the lines “Feeling like I woulda stand up to de cops, And stand up to de bigga heads,” Damian suggests he’s so bold that he could confront the police and the influential figures in the area.
He also mentions the challenges faced by many young people in the neighborhood who can’t escape their difficult circumstances, with lines like, “Nuff ghetto youth cannot escape de trap.”
[Outro Spoken: Damian Marley]
Now greetings to da world
Voice of da one called Bruno Mars, ‘long side gong to da zilla
A.K.A. Damian junior gong Marley, yes sir
Ya best believe, ha ha (Now, neh)
In the Outro Spoken part, Damian Marley and Bruno Mars exchange greetings again.
The line “Voice of da one called Bruno Mars” introduces Bruno Mars as the singer with the name “Bruno Mars.” The phrase “‘Long side” is a slang way of saying “alongside” or “together with.” It indicates that Bruno Mars and Damian Marley are collaborating or performing together.
In the phrase “Gong to da zilla,” “Gong” refers to Damian Marley’s nickname, which pays tribute to his father, Bob Marley, who was sometimes called “Tuff Gong.” “Da zilla” is a creative and informal term that doesn’t have a specific dictionary definition but is likely used to emphasize their unity or partnership.
The name “Damian junior gong Marley” is a reference to Damian Marley’s full name and nickname. Damian Marley is a reggae artist, and “Junior Gong” is one of his stage names.
When Damian sings, “A.K.A. Damian junior gong Marley, yes sir,” he’s essentially referring to himself as “Damian Marley, the son of Bob Marley.”
Deeper Meaning Behind “Liquor Store Blues”
“Liquor Store Blues” by Bruno Mars explores the struggles of a guy facing financial hardship and the coping mechanisms he turns to in search of solace. The song depicts him visiting the local liquor store, where he seeks refuge in alcohol, particularly whiskey.
In the lyrics, Bruno Mars sings about taking a shot for his pain and a drag for his sorrow, illustrating how he uses substances as a temporary escape from his troubles. He acknowledges that this may not solve his problems, but it provides a momentary reprieve from the weight of his circumstances.
The line, “I’ll be okay tomorrow,” suggests a glimmer of optimism, despite the bleakness of the present. It conveys the idea that sometimes people cling to immediate pleasures and distractions as a way to endure difficult times, with the hope that a better future awaits.
The song “Liquor Store Blues” is titled as such because the character uses alcohol as a way to temporarily alleviate his emotional and financial troubles. “Blues” can refer to a genre of music known for its melancholic and reflective themes, often addressing life’s challenges and sorrows. In addition, “blues” can also signify a feeling of sadness or melancholy, which is prevalent in the song’s lyrics.
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