"Chug-a-Lug" is a song written and recorded by

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

country music artist

Roger Miller Roger Dean Miller Sr. (January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992) was an American singer-songwriter, widely known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and his chart-topping Country music, country and pop hits "King of the Road (song), Ki ...

. The song reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, becoming his second pop hit.

Content

The song is a humorous reminiscence of youthful encounters with homemade alcoholic beverages. The expression "chug-a-lug" refers to quickly downing a drink, and the lyrics describe the singer's reaction to the extra-strong liquor. Example: "I swallered it with a smile / (sound of swallowing) / I run ten mile! Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug / Makes you want to holler, 'Hi-dee-ho!' / Burns your tummy, don't ya know / Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug."

History

By July 1964, Roger Miller's monster hit "Dang Me" had run its course in radio, and "Chug-a-Lug" was hitting hard and fast. Concerned about offending their core country audience, Miller and his producer Jerry Kennedy had initially resisted releasing "Chug-a-Lug" as a single, and an alternate version of the song was produced with the word "wine" edited out. But head of Smash Records Charles Fach knew that Miller's ode to forbidden liquid pleasures would be a hit. Of the song’s success, Kennedy said: "Charles was the one who wanted 'Chug-a-Lug’, we didn't know he was testing this thing in places. He said, “The college crowd is eating up this ‘Chug-a-Lug’”. And I said, “Well, we've got our country fans to consider here.” And fortunately they loved it too." Miller said that the song was based on a true story of a friend of his who "could drink a beer in 3 seconds".

Chart performance

Cover versions

*The British group The Swinging Blue Jeans included the song on their 1966 Canada Capitol album ''Don't Make Me Over''. *The song was recorded on the

Kentucky Headhunters The Kentucky Headhunters are an American country rock and Southern rock band originating in the state of Kentucky. The band's members are Doug Phelps (vocals, bass guitar), Greg Martin (vocals, lead guitar), and brothers Richard Young (vocals, rh ...

' 2005 album ''Big Boss Man''. *This song was re-worded and used for the theme of the ''

Hey Hey It's Saturday ''Hey Hey It's Saturday'' was a long-running variety television program on Australian television. It initially ran for 28 years on the Nine Network from 9 October 1971 to 20 November 1999, with a recess in 1978. Its host throughout its entire ...

'' segment

Plucka Duck Plucka Duck is a character on the popular Australian television program ''Hey Hey It's Saturday''. The character "presented" a segment on the show, along with Daryl Somers, which was a self-titled segment of Plucka Duck. Plucka was on the show until ...

. *Country singer Toby Keith included a live version on the deluxe edition of his 2010 album '' Bullets in the Gun''. *A reworded version was used in animated advertisements for "Milk Chug" single-serving milk bottles.

References

5. https://www.rogermiller.com/bio2.html {{authority control 1964 singles Roger Miller songs The Kentucky Headhunters songs Songs written by Roger Miller Songs about alcohol 1964 songs Mercury Records singles Song recordings produced by Jerry Kennedy