A Humorous Hangover Serenade from Two Tarnished Troubadours
John Prine and Steve Goodman’s whimsical lament, “How Much Tequila (Did I Drink Last Night)”, perfectly captures that universal morning-after fog, a blend of regret and amusement that many of us have surely experienced. Though not a chart-topping single in the traditional sense, never gracing the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release, this delightful track from their collaborative album, “German Afternoons” (released in 1986), has nonetheless etched itself into the hearts of listeners who appreciate a good story, a hearty chuckle, and the comforting camaraderie of shared human foibles.
The genesis of this song is as charming and unpretentious as the artists themselves. Both John Prine and Steve Goodman were masters of storytelling through song, weaving narratives that were often poignant, sometimes hilarious, and always deeply human. Their friendship was legendary, a bond forged in the folk music scenes of Chicago, fueled by shared stages, late-night conversations, and undoubtedly, a few shared drinks. “How Much Tequila (Did I Drink Last Night)” feels like a direct reflection of that camaraderie, a lighthearted musical sketch born from the kind of blurry recollection that often follows a night of spirited revelry.
Imagine the scene: two gifted songwriters, perhaps nursing mild hangovers themselves, tossing around lyrical ideas with wry smiles. The question posed in the title isn’t one of deep existential angst, but rather a simple, relatable query that sparks a cascade of humorous and slightly self-deprecating observations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hazy morning, piecing together fragments of the previous evening with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. We hear about lost car keys, unexplained phone calls, and the nagging suspicion that perhaps just one more shot of tequila might have been one too many.
The beauty of the song lies in its understated delivery and the palpable chemistry between Prine and Goodman. Their voices, distinct yet harmonizing beautifully, carry the listener along on this journey of hazy remembrance. Goodman’s playful guitar work adds a touch of jaunty lightness, preventing the song from ever becoming truly morose. Instead, it feels like a gentle ribbing, a shared chuckle at the absurdity of overindulgence.
While the song doesn’t delve into profound social commentary or heart-wrenching tales of lost love, its meaning resonates on a different level. It speaks to the shared human experience of imperfection, the occasional stumble, and the ability to find humor even in our own minor mishaps. For those of us who have navigated a few decades, the song evokes memories of younger days, perhaps nights spent with friends, raising a glass (or two, or maybe more), and the subsequent morning-after debriefing. It reminds us that life isn’t always serious, and that sometimes, the best stories emerge from the most unexpected and slightly blurry of circumstances.
“German Afternoons”, the album that housed this gem, is a testament to the enduring talent of both Prine and Goodman. Though Goodman tragically passed away before its release, his spirit permeates the entire record, a collection of songs that are both insightful and deeply personal. “How Much Tequila (Did I Drink Last Night)” stands out as a moment of pure, unadulterated fun, a reminder that even amidst life’s complexities, there’s always room for a good laugh and a knowing nod to the occasional morning-after mystery. It’s a song that feels like catching up with old friends, sharing a knowing glance and a quiet chuckle over shared memories, both clear and wonderfully hazy.