"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]

"Bubbles in My Beer"
Single by Bob Wills
B-side"Spanish Fandango"
ReleasedDecember 8, 1947[1]
RecordedOctober 30, 1947[2]
GenreWestern swing
LabelMGM Records 10116
Songwriter(s)T. Duncan, C. Walker, B. Wills

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

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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

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"Bubbles in My Beer" has appeared on albums by Bob Wills and several other notable country artists. The following list excludes compilations:

References

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