Drink In My Hand

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning Eric Church's "Drink In My Hand" from his 2011 album Chief, and we've got some juicy trivia to share! Co-written with Michael Heeney and Luke Laird, this rowdy anthem was inspired by the electric energy of Church's live shows, not boozy nights, despite its title. Heeney told American Songwriter that Church was "pumped up" from his fans' passion that week, driving the song's creation. Surprisingly, Laird is a teetotaler, and Heeney barely drinks, making the song's barroom vibe a testament to their songwriting chops. The track, a raw slice of country rock, was crafted to capture the unpolished, live-show feel Church wanted for Chief. He recorded it with his band in the same room, feeding off their energy, sometimes riffing on a melody line that sparked impromptu jam moments, as Church shared in a Songfacts interview. It became his first No. 1 single on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, a major milestone that cemented his place in the genre.

Another cool tidbit: the Chief album, named after Church's nickname and his grandfather's role as a police chief, was a fan-driven project. Church has always credited his fans, known as the Church Choir, for spreading the word like an "army" preaching his gospel. During Chief's recording, he aimed for a sound that felt like a live gig, unrehearsed and spontaneous. "Drink In My Hand" embodies that vibe, with fans at shows raising their drinks in solidarity, a ritual Church loves. The song's success didn't come easy—Church fought to keep his authentic edge, resisting industry pressures, which made its chart-topping run even sweeter. Fans on Facebook and Instagram still share stories of belting it out at concerts, often calling it their go-to party anthem.

Now, let’s rewind to how Eric Church got his start. Born Kenneth Eric Church on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina, he grew up with a love for music, teaching himself guitar as a teen. After graduating from Appalachian State University, Church moved to Nashville with his father’s support to chase songwriting dreams. He started by co-writing songs like “The World Needs a Drink” for Terri Clark, catching the eye of Sony Publishing with his poignant track “Lightning,” inspired by The Green Mile. This led to a deal with Capitol Records, and in 2006, he dropped his debut album, Sinners Like Me, with hits like “How ’Bout You.” Touring with Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts, plus a Grand Ole Opry debut that year, put him on the map. His gritty, rebellious style—blending country with rock and soul—built a loyal following, the Church Choir, who still rally around him on platforms like X.

Church’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. Early on, he clashed with industry norms, famously getting kicked off a Rascal Flatts tour for playing too long. But that outsider mentality fueled his rise, leading to Chief and beyond. Today, he’s a country powerhouse, with his latest album, Evangeline vs. the Machine, set for release in 2025. You can keep up with him on his official website, where you can join the Church Choir or grab merch, and follow his updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fan communities, check out the Eric Church Choir Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and concert plans. Another gem is Chief Merchandise, a fan-favorite site for exclusive gear. So, crank up "Drink In My Hand" and join the Choir!