Song meaning of What Good Can Drinkin’ Do by Janis Joplin

The lyrics of "What Good Can Drinkin' Do" by Janis Joplin convey a message about the temporary escape and illusionary relief that alcohol can bring to one's pain and sorrow. The song talks about how drinking all night may help temporarily numb the pain, but the next day, the feelings of sadness and emptiness still remain.

The repeated chorus question, "What good can drinking do?" reflects the artist's realization that alcohol cannot truly heal or solve the underlying issues causing her distress. Despite the promise of easing pain, the protagonist discovers that the effects are only temporary, as demonstrated by the line, "But I drink it down, and the next day I feel the same."

The artist expresses her desperation for any type of alcohol, be it whiskey, bourbon, or gin, emphasizing that it doesn't matter what she drinks as long as it drowns her sorrows. This suggests a sense of hopelessness and a desire to escape the reality she is facing.

Furthermore, the lyrics imply that excessive drinking becomes a cycle, starting on Friday night and leading to a chaotic and unsatisfying Sunday morning. This reflects the destructive nature of relying on alcohol to cope with pain, as it only exacerbates the problems rather than resolving them.

Overall, "What Good Can Drinkin' Do" portrays the artist's struggle with using alcohol as a temporary escape from her emotional troubles but ultimately realizing that it cannot bring true peace or happiness. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of seeking solace in substance abuse and the need to address problems head-on rather than relying on temporary fixes.