Merle Haggard’s ‘The Bottle Let Me Down’

It's "Thirsty Thursday" and that means it's time for one of country music's all time drinkin' songs.

"The Bottle Let Me Down" was recorded in 1966 by country legend Merle Haggard at the beginning of his career and one of his first hit songs. It was also the year that Haggard became a country star, winning Top Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music Awards. Not only that, Haggard and Bonnie Owens, former wife of Buck Owens, won Top Vocal Group for the second year in a row.

The song was written by Haggard and was also recorded by George Jones and of all people Elvis Costello.

So let's make a toast to a country music icon known as "The Hag" and enjoy.