Drinking alcohol has long been a central element in both social and literary contexts. Poets throughout history have used alcohol as a theme to explore various aspects of life, from humor and celebration to introspection and melancholy. In this article, we will explore twelve funny poems about drinking alcohol that you may not know, highlighting their wit and clever commentary on the act of drinking. Each section will provide an excerpt from the poem, a brief analysis of the humor, and how the poem contributes to our understanding of alcohol in both a lighthearted and cultural sense.
1. “A Drinking Song” by W.B. Yeats
“Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That’s all we shall know for truth,
Before we grow old and die.”
W.B. Yeats’ “A Drinking Song” is a delightful, short meditation on the pleasures of wine and the fleeting nature of life. The humor here is not just in the simplicity of the verse, but in its clear juxtaposition of the transient nature of wine versus the deeper, more lasting concept of love. Yeats famously melds the physical pleasures of alcohol with a philosophical take on love and mortality, which gives the poem its funny and contemplative edge. The fact that “love comes in at the eye” contrasts sharply with the more immediate and worldly pleasures of drinking wine, elevating the humor to a level of intellectual wit.
2. “The Wine-Drinkers” by James McIntyre
“We drink to the health of the queen
To the health of the prince and his crown,
And we drink to the health of the rich,
As we are too poor to drink down.”
James McIntyre, known as the “Cheese Poet,” brings his characteristic wit into “The Wine-Drinkers.” This humorous poem offers a clever take on the status of drinking among various social classes. It subtly mocks the pretensions of the wealthy while celebrating the solidarity of the working class who, though poor, share in the joy of alcohol. The irony in the poem is amusing: despite not having wealth, the speaker emphasizes that they can still raise a glass, albeit with the focus on the lower rungs of society, creating a sense of camaraderie.
3. “The Ballad of the Good Drinker” by John Masefield
“He’s a good man, but he’s a drinker,
And he’s good for a man to be,
For he’ll take a drink in a manner,
That will keep you laughing free.”
In this ballad, John Masefield brings humor to the figure of the “good drinker,” someone whose love for alcohol is portrayed in a light and almost jovial tone. The repeated emphasis on the “good man” who is also a drinker suggests that one’s fondness for alcohol doesn’t necessarily detract from their goodness, but rather enhances their charm and approachability. Masefield’s humor lies in the rhythmic structure and the way he elevates drinking into a more heroic, almost endearing activity, making it a matter of great character rather than mere indulgence.
4. “The Man Who Forgot to Drink” by Oliver Herford
“He sat in a chair with his head in his hands,
And his mind on a drink he’d forgotten to take.”
Oliver Herford’s poem is humorous not because of any over-the-top antics but because of the simplicity and irony of the situation. The “man who forgot to drink” is clearly a victim of his own indulgence, highlighting the comic absurdity of a situation where a habitual drinker forgets the very thing that defines him. The humor comes from the relatability of the moment and the absurdity of forgetting something so central to one’s life. Herford’s light, comic style turns a moment of forgetfulness into an amusing exploration of human habits.
5. “The Drunkard” by Frank O’Hara
“The drunkard sleeps in the chair by the fire
And the bottle’s half empty, but what does it matter?
He’ll drink to the moon, and the stars, and the sky,
Until the world forgets, and we all pass by.”
Frank O’Hara’s “The Drunkard” brings out the humor in drunken oblivion. The image of a man drinking until he forgets is both absurd and relatable. O’Hara’s style is typically playful, and in this poem, he underscores the deep silliness of excessive drinking through vivid imagery. The humor is drawn from the drunkard’s obliviousness to the world around him, and the repetition of drinking to abstract things (the moon, stars, sky) creates a sense of charming, albeit foolish, dedication to alcohol.
6. “The Ballad of the Broken Glass” by A. A. Milne
“A glass of wine or two or three
Can be quite a pleasant thing,
But when it falls and breaks apart
You’re left with quite a sting!”
A. A. Milne, the beloved author of the Winnie-the-Pooh series, also dabbled in witty verse for adults. “The Ballad of the Broken Glass” is a delightful, humorous reflection on the consequences of overindulgence. The humor here is found in the light-hearted acknowledgment of how a few too many drinks can lead to a broken glass — a literal and metaphorical shattering. Milne’s use of rhyme and rhythm makes this poem catchy and easy to read, turning a common mishap into a playful, almost whimsical narrative.
7. “Beer” by John Updike
“The beer, though, is always there,
It pours itself, and it’s fair—
In its green bottle, so humble,
A relief from life’s despair.”
John Updike’s “Beer” cleverly tackles the idea of alcohol as a comforting and reliable presence in life. The poem anthropomorphizes beer, portraying it as something almost mystical in its simplicity and ubiquity. The humor in the poem comes from Updike’s serious tone paired with the trivial subject matter — beer, after all, is often viewed as the “everyman’s” drink. The contrast between the deep, almost spiritual contemplation of beer’s qualities and the mundane reality of the beverage itself creates an ironic humor.
8. “The Drunkard’s Walk” by Stephen Vincent Benét
“He walked, and he wobbled, and he danced,
For the drink had done its trick;
And he smiled at the world, in a daze,
So drunk, but so quick!”
Stephen Vincent Benét’s “The Drunkard’s Walk” humorously explores the awkwardness and unpredictability of drunken movement. The imagery of a man walking, wobbling, and dancing shows the uncoordinated yet carefree spirit of the drunkard. The poem plays on the idea that drunkenness leads to a loss of control, but it’s depicted as being surprisingly agile. The humor stems from the over-exaggeration of the drunkard’s abilities and the image of someone stumbling around while still moving quickly, creating an amusing and absurd contrast.
9. “The Night Before the Big Day” by Dorothy Parker
“The whiskey was always my friend,
Till it made me forget,
That tomorrow I’d be facing the world,
With a terrible regret.”
Dorothy Parker is known for her sharp wit and humorous takes on life’s darker aspects. In “The Night Before the Big Day,” Parker injects humor into the post-drinking regret often experienced after a night of revelry. The poem highlights the tension between the fleeting pleasure of drinking and the inevitable remorse that follows. The humor here lies in the recognition of the cyclical nature of indulgence and guilt, where each drink brings momentary joy but ultimately leads to the same pattern of regret.
10. “The Old Drunkard” by Robert Service
“He’s an old man, and he’s a drunkard,
But his stories are second to none.
He’ll tell you of battles and lovers,
While drinking a bottle of rum.”
Robert Service’s “The Old Drunkard” humorously portrays an elderly man whose alcoholism has become a defining trait. Yet, despite his condition, his life is full of rich, colorful stories. The humor in the poem comes from the contrast between the man’s drunken state and his boastful, grandiose tales. The idea that his stories are “second to none” adds a layer of irony, as the drunken man’s condition leads him to tell stories that may or may not be entirely truthful, adding a delightful edge to his persona.
11. “The Wine of Life” by Omar Khayyam
“Here with a loaf of bread beneath the bough,
A flask of wine, a book of verse, and thou,
Beside me singing in the wilderness—
Oh, Wilderness is Paradise enow!”
Omar Khayyam’s quatrain from the Rubaiyat humorously champions the hedonistic pleasures of life, especially wine. The line “a flask of wine” is surrounded by other luxuries, yet it is placed in the company of a “book of verse” and a beloved companion. The playful mix of material pleasures with intellectual and emotional fulfillment speaks to Khayyam’s deep understanding of life’s contradictions. The humor lies in the irreverent, carefree attitude toward the finer things, suggesting that even the best of life’s joys can be found in simple indulgences.
12. “A Toast” by John B. Tabb
“Here’s to the wine that we drink,
Here’s to the heart we can’t sink,
Here’s to the joy and the jest,
And here’s to the fun we do best!”
John B. Tabb’s “A Toast” is a perfect conclusion to our list of funny drinking poems. The humor in this poem arises from its celebratory tone, treating alcohol as a vessel for social enjoyment. The rhyme and rhythm create a jovial, infectious atmosphere that is immediately likable. The speaker raises a glass to wine, the heart, and the joy of fun — a succinct encapsulation of the joy that alcohol can bring to a group of people, along with the inevitable humor that comes from sharing such moments together.
Conclusion
These twelve poems showcase the diverse ways in which humor and alcohol intersect in poetry. From the slapstick absurdity of a drunken stumble to the wry philosophical reflections on life and love, poets have used alcohol to explore a wide range of themes. Through clever wordplay, witty commentary, and a good dose of irony, these poems remind us of the often ridiculous, yet endearing, nature of drinking. Whether celebrated in the form of a lighthearted toast or critiqued through the lens of self-deprecating humor, alcohol continues to inspire poets to capture the humorous side of human nature and social customs.
