Cheaper Than a Shrink

Album: Cold Beer Conversation (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This finger-popping, humorous ditty finds Strait explaining why a case of beer is a better solution than a psychiatrist. The song was penned by Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson, and Buddy Cannon. The same trio also penned George Strait's 2006 single "Give It Away," which won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year award.

    Jamey Johnson also sings backup on the tune.
  • So why is a psychiatrist sometimes called a shrink? The word is a shortening of "head-shrinker" a slang term for a mental health professional, which was used historically to express a distrust of practitioners in the field. It is now not as belittling or trivializing.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.