Introduction
“Whiskey Under the Bridge,” co-written by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and producer Don Cook, was released on September 18, 1995 as the fifth and final single from Brooks & Dunn’s third studio album, Waitin’ on Sundown . Clocking in at just under three minutes, this honky‑tonk gem showcases Ronnie Dunn’s emotive lead vocal, skillfully balanced by the duo’s signature blend of traditional country twang and polished Nashville production .
Upon release, the song resonated with country audiences, climbing to #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart . Critics, including Billboard’s Larry Flick, praised its stirring narrative and Dunn’s expressive delivery, calling it “a heartbreaking weeper of a two‑steppin’ dance number” that Dunn’s voice brings to life .
“Whiskey Under the Bridge” fits neatly into the emotional arc of Waitin’ on Sundown, an album that yielded multiple Top 10 singles—including three chart‑toppers and this one reaching #5 . The track captures the time‑honored theme of love lost and drowned sorrow in a barroom confession, evoking vivid imagery of regrets poured out one drink at a time.
Songwriters Brooks, Dunn, and Cook—who had collaborated on earlier hits—crafted lyrics that balance gritty realism with dance‑hall charm. Dunn’s voice conveys the tender sting of remembrance, while the production supports with tasteful steel guitar, steady rhythm, and a backdrop that nods to both classic country and contemporary polish .
As a staple of live shows and a cherished album cut, “Whiskey Under the Bridge” remains a testament to Brooks & Dunn’s artful storytelling and emotional depth. It underscores their dominance in 1990s country, blending heartfelt lyrics, authentic twang, and radio‑ready appeal—securing its place as a standout on one of their most successful albums.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse]
There’s not a heart that ain’t been broken
A lie that ain’t been spoken
A shattered dream that brand new love can’t fix
I’ve been burned, I’ve been cheated
But this old heart’s still beating
Ain’t no big deal
It’s just whiskey under the bridge
Let’s dance a little closer
I’ll help you get over
The hurt you thought you never could forget
The bitter tears you tasted
All those nights you wasted
Don’t look back
It’s just whiskey under the bridge
[Chorus][x2]
All those nights of drinking
Finally got me thinking
Heartache is just a waste of time
I’ve been burned, I’ve been cheated
But this old heart’s still beating
Ain’t no big deal
It’s just whiskey under the bridge
[Outro]
Ain’t no big deal
It’s just whiskey under the bridge[x2]