The song "Not Bad For A Bartender" by Gretchen Wilson tells the story of her journey from being a bartender to achieving success and recognition as a musician. The lyrics reflect her gratitude and disbelief at how far she has come in her career. In the beginning, Gretchen describes her life working behind the bar, serving drinks to customers. She mentions the various beverages she served, including cold beer, warm whiskey, and Rotgut Wine (a cheap and low-quality type of alcohol). Despite her humble background and limited education (only completing eighth-grade), she is now on the stage as a renowned musician and songwriter. Gretchen expresses her surprise and amazement at the extent of her fame. She is humbled by the long wait in her autograph line, a clear sign that people appreciate her music and know her name. This is a stark contrast to her previous life as a bartender. The chorus highlights the contrast between her past and present life. She acknowledges that for someone with her background, it is quite an achievement to have succeeded in the music industry. She describes herself as a "backwoods girl" who had to rely on her own strength and determination to make it. Despite the challenges she faced, she now finds herself on the other side of the bar – buying drinks for everyone and enjoying her success. Gretchen wants to inspire others who may be in difficult situations, struggling to make ends meet or working in low-paying jobs. She shares her personal story to show that anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. She believes that if there is hope for her, there is hope for everyone else too. Overall, "Not Bad For A Bartender" is a song that celebrates Gretchen Wilson's triumph over adversity. It serves as a reminder to persevere, follow one's passion, and never underestimate one's potential to accomplish great things, regardless of where they come from.
