Sometimes I’m Drunk

Greg Lanier 1962 (Atlanta, GA)



Sometimes I’m drunk
Sometimes I’m stoned
Sometimes I’m tired
Of being alone
Sometimes I’m up
Sometimes I’m down
Sometimes misguided
Just hangin’ around

Every day’s another day of choices
One more chance to grab what you can get
Nobody wants to hear if you’re dishearted
Or you’re walking…on a wire…without a net

Sometimes I’m bad
Sometimes I’m good
Sometimes I don’t
Even if I should
Sometimes I’m right
Sometimes I’m wrong
Sometimes the music
Ain’t the right song

My picture puzzle’s missing pieces
Kept on my mantle yesterday
You help me find another vision
And throw my…broken puzzles…away

Sometimes I’m up
Sometimes I’m down
Always I’m lucky
That you’re still around

About this poem

Haven’t written in a while. This is a song that’s been lingering in my head for a few years. Got pissed at that I’ve neglected writing for a couple of years, sat down with guitar, and this poured out. I apologize to the purists out there that don’t appreciate my rhythmical style, but I’m a songwriter type. Bernie Taupin is my hero. It’s very simple and unpolished. I understand if you feel the same.

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Written on September 18, 2023

Submitted by GregLanier on September 20, 2023

Modified by GregLanier on October 30, 2023

37 sec read
5,111

Quick analysis:

Scheme xaxxBCxd efaf xgagxhxh eixi BCxd
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 731
Words 124
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 8, 4, 8, 4, 4

Discuss the poem Sometimes I’m Drunk with the community...

29 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    It is still spirited Greg, and even more importantly, it is relatable to many of us concerning the ups and downs in our lives. That is what makes it magnetically appealing.
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Keen observation on the “co-ex” factor involved in the poem of the two strange bedfellows, my deliberately suggesting a separation while maintaining a necessary connection. Such indeed is the nature of science and religion. Oh, on the matter of that other matter, the theme of occasional (“on the occasion “) drunkenness for science, religion and life in general is both physically and spiritually consuming, if not uplifting to the soul. Thought I’d attempt a connection. 
    LikeReply 14 months ago
    • GregLanier
      I wish it was that good, Karl…’it’s a simple, country song.. Hopefully inspiring
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Stanleylove
    Very deep, pouring out the complicated depth of one's inner soul
    LikeReply 14 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks Love, it is complicated, but hopefully for those going thru Hell, they keep the courage to keep on walking until they get to the Love at the end of the tunnel.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • JhainDoh
    Keeping writing some will get you and some may not but work hard and give it all you got. I liked it
    LikeReply4 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks JhainDoh…keep reminding me of those good old gospel “spiritual”’s
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Arman_1
    This is life
    LikeReply 15 months ago
  • Arman_1
    This is poetry????
    LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      No, Arman. Just pure emotion in a 15 minute unuttered challenge to prove I’m can write something off the cuff. As StanLeyLove said, it just sort of “poured” out. He’ll, I was originally embarrassed to post it because I thought the same thing…this isn’t poetry…it’s country music written to the formula. But it wasn’t. It was true. It came out. So I posted it. Thank you for the honesty that I desired. 
      LikeReply4 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Damn autocorrect “Hell”, not “he’ll”
      LikeReply4 months ago
    • Arman_1
      glad it emanated through - you inspired a few of my pieces…
      LikeReply 14 months ago
  • kiwiDave
    I like this piece as a lot of it makes sense, in my life. Nicely written and clear thoughts. Well done
    LikeReply 25 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks, Dave. Bar Chatter is good! Needs a little more and I’d make it a song. Read your bio..,been there…let go of the life line, bud. You’re among friends that will save you before you drown. Give us the full measure…not just a couple of very creative lines. Inspire us with something spectacular. I know…that you know…you have it in you. 
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • davids.75192
    this one hit me pretty rough
    im going thru a tough time rn
    great poem
    LikeReply 15 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Hang in there, brother, one day at a time
      LikeReply 25 months ago
    • GregLanier
      BTW: Friend of Bill too. Hope you are as well. Some of the smartest and most talented people I’ve ever met was not on campus…but in “the rooms”.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • aoibhinnoneill2007
    Relatable and well written
    LikeReply 25 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Wine Glass? Holy shit, bro! That’s visionary. I can’t express how VIVID that was to me. Jesus H! Wow! True soul, my brother.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • GregLanier
    Thanks Ronald. It is a love song.
    LikeReply 15 months ago
  • ruthmae528
    Love it
    LikeReply 15 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Ruthie, A Drug Called Love has serious promise. Keep polishing. See my comment. Would love to collaborate.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • ZGOZIJ2
    TOP POEM
    LikeReply 25 months ago
  • RonaldBunch
    Great job. I truly enjoyed at the end how it seemed like a love song.
    LikeReply 15 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks Ronald
      LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Free Once Again has a lot of promise. Grabbed me! Polish it up and you’ve got a masterpiece.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Mitchthefridge
    Great poem man, I've been meaning to turn a few of my poems into songs with my guitar for a long time but just can't seem to make them work.
    LikeReply 36 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Go for it, Mitch. Putting them to music helps me improve the poem, weeding out rough spots to improve the flow.
      LikeReply 25 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Let’s figure out how to collaborate. I play a little guitar too.
      LikeReply4 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Mitch, see my comments on “Sentence”
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Stanleylove
    Pure emotion poured out the fountain of deep, had to read over again to feel the emotions hidden in the lines
    LikeReply 26 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks for the feedback.
      LikeReply5 months ago
  • thomasc.35413
    Great job Greg
    LikeReply 26 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks Thomas
      LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      I think you’re on to something with “Nature…” Thomas. The line “
      erect and strong, reach” is shockingly erotic in the middle of a sanguine soliloquy. You’ve got something there. It’s not ready for prime time, but you’re close. 
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • zaidandd715
    This made my day
    LikeReply 26 months ago
    • GregLanier
      You made my day. Thanks!
      LikeReply 16 months ago
  • ZachMistry
    I really quite like it. It's very earthy and direct, and I love how it doesn't try to hide behind flowery language.
    LikeReply 26 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks Zach. I was worried it wouldn’t rate without the flowery stuff, but I liked the way it flowed. I appreciate your appreciation of its simplicity.
      LikeReply 26 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Why won’t the writer write anymore, Zach?
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    I really love the lyrical upbeat of this poem, can literally hear the tune ringing in my ears in a a mystical melodious jazzy kind of rhythm. It’s a winner for me, not a downer.
    LikeReply 16 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thanks Karl
      LikeReply6 months ago
    • GregLanier
      The Co-Existence…” is great. I can’t say I’ve fully absorbed it yet, but it harkens on themes between science and religion that I have often struggled with coexisting. I’m a son of a Pentecostal preacher in the Deep South that grew up to be a nuclear engineer. I’m sure you can appreciate the “co-existence” issues I feel when I go, on those rare occasions, home. Good job. 
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Molly_Smiles
    I love it. I too have let my writing go to the back burner for a while. "I apologize to the purists..." lol.
    One thing I wish someone would've told me is, "Never apologize for your truth. The critics will howl anyways." 
    LikeReply 16 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Fantastic perspective. I’ll remember that. Thanks and keep writing.
      LikeReply6 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Molly…time to share
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • talygarza
    Great composition I loved how you end: “That you’re still around”, I understood while not everything is ok the singer has someone to share time making something beautiful.
    LikeReply 36 months ago
    • GregLanier
      That ending just popped out. Surprised me too. Thanks for the review.
      LikeReply 15 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Tanya, read Vanity tonight. Loved it! For some reason makes me feel the same as when I read Paradise Lost. Are you a Fitzgerald descendant?
      LikeReply4 months ago
    • talygarza
      no I’m from Mexico, thanks for your kind appreciation. Hope to read you again!
      LikeReply 14 months ago
  • amberp.35129
    This poem was very strong indeed good job!!!!!
    LikeReply 27 months ago
    • GregLanier
      thanks
      LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      You! my dear. are a lyricist! Fading Moonlight is churning in my brain. It’s not finished, but I can play it and sing it already. GIVE ME MORE! You’re not Bernie Taupin, but I’m sure there’s some relation  
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • ritchiechelle
    When I read this to my husband, he said to me"when did you write that?!" It's brilliant... I said I didn't. It really sounds like something I would write. Totally relate to all of this 
    LikeReply 37 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Too funny. Thanks
      LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Michelle, I don’t mean to be vulgar, but “Very pleased to meet you” grabbed me by the nuts and twisted hard! Wow! Gem! You’ve got game, girl!
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Soulwriter
    This is great Greg - you need to keep writing! Thanks for sharing your talent with us all
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Thans Soul. You keep sharing as well. Great stuff.
      LikeReply 16 months ago
    • Soulwriter
      thanks for the encouragement - ever appreciated...
      LikeReply5 months ago
    • GregLanier
      It’s ironic, Charlotte, that you and I both have poems called “Sometimes” and yours could be prologue to my inhibitions about posting it.
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Vixility
    Lovely, and I can imagine it to be even more so when sung.
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • Soulwriter
      Couldn't agree more
      LikeReply7 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Let’s work on “The Witch of Aberdeen”, bud. I can hear it already. Good stuff!
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • garryg.63803
    Some of the best songs are simple in construction a decent memorable melody you got a hit.
    LikeReply 27 months ago
    • GregLanier
      I LOVE “Seaside that’s Mine Not Yours” Damn! Paints a portrait in my mind, my friend. Thank you for what you do!
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • Charles2
    Outstanding!
    LikeReply 27 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Dude, you are prolific. I’m trying to read thru all your works, but I keep coming back to, and re-reading, “Spiritual”. I personally don’t think it’s finished, but who am I to judge? I just know it grabbed me, and I really don’t know why, but there’s something there. Let it flow…and let it go. It truly is…spiritual. 
      LikeReply4 months ago
  • JoseCanUC
    I get it and can relate. Thanks for sharing.
    LikeReply 27 months ago
    • GregLanier
      Damn, Joe! We throw some choruses on those lines and people would be calling us “”Sir”! Wow…Broken Pieces is sweet! I can hear Chris Stapleton singing it, but I’d rather it’d be me. Let’s figure out how to work on this. 
      LikeReply 14 months ago
  • GregLanier
    Too simple?
    LikeReply7 months ago
    • acronimous
      Simplicity is the trademark of genius… :-)
      LikeReply 47 months ago
    • GregLanier
      “The Hollow Men”. Bravo! And thank you for what you do for this community.
      LikeReply4 months ago

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"Sometimes I’m Drunk" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/169267/sometimes-i’m-drunk>.

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