"Bubbles in My Beer" is a
Western swing song that was originally recorded by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys in 1947. It later became a
standard that has been performed by many
country music artists. One critic of drinking songs ranks it number 20, calls it "the ultimate self-pity song," and credits it with "setting the tone for a whole genre of songs about drowning sorrows in the barroom."[3]
The song's origins are the subject of different accounts (see
Tommy Duncan for one); but there is agreement that Texas Playboys vocalist Duncan came up with the song's title and refrain, at which point songwriter
Cindy Walker became involved.[4] Walker has been quoted as saying: "If you can get a real good title, you’ve got something. I always write from the title. I’ve never written a song without the title."[5]
Chart performance
Chart (1948)
Peak position
U.S. Billboard Most-Played Juke Box Folk Records[6]
4
In 1971, a cover version by
Ray Pennington peaked at number 68 on Billboard's U.S. country singles chart.[7]
Album versions
"Bubbles in My Beer" has appeared on albums by Bob Wills and several other notable country artists. The following list excludes compilations: