ACN First Listen: Colby Lee Swift’s “Money To Drank” Is a Blue-Collar Anthem for the Honky Tonk Crowd

Colby Lee Swift has delivered a song that’s bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the weight of a long week but always manages to find a way to cut loose when Friday night rolls around. “Money To Drank,” penned by Jacob Howard and Bobby Wayne Walkup, is a classic honky-tonk anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of blue-collar resilience and the undeniable urge to unwind, no matter what life throws at you.

Colby Lee Swift Photo Credit: Randy Shaffer | Vibe Entertainment 

Hailing from Midfield, Texas, Swift’s roots run deep in the Lone Star State’s rich tradition of country music. With a guitar in hand since age five and a voice that matured into its signature twang by age 15, Swift’s journey has been one of dedication to his craft. Now, at 23, he’s turning heads with his authentic sound, which blends the timeless appeal of ‘90s country with his own unique flair. Not to mention, his current single, "Chaser" is now sitting pretty at the #39 spot on the Texas Radio Charts!

“The moment I heard this song, I knew I had to cut it,” Swift shared, reflecting on the track that instantly struck a chord with him. “I feel like a lot of people can relate to this song because, no matter what’s going on in life, we all seem to find ‘money to drank.’ This song has that 90’s country feel that I think everyone is craving right now.”

Swift’s point is spot-on. There’s a certain nostalgia attached to “Money To Drank,” with its lively piano and fiddle, that harkens back to the days when country music was as much about storytelling as it was about melody. The song’s chorus is a declaration of defiance against life’s struggles, a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about the money in your pocket but the memories you make:

“Yeah I’m clocking out early or calling in sick

I can’t get fired, gotta cover my shift

I’ll find a way at the end of the day

To get down to the honky tonk

Well I ain’t got much in the bank

But I damn sure always have money to drank.”

The infectious energy of the track is driven by a toe-tapping rhythm, and it’s impossible not to picture a crowded dance floor when you listen to it. Swift’s voice, rich with the twang of a true Texan, brings the lyrics to life with a sincerity that only comes from someone who’s lived the life he’s singing about.

“Money To Drank” is an anthem for the everyman. It’s a reminder that, no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way to find joy—especially when there’s good music, good company, and yes, a little bit of money to drink. For Colby Lee Swift, this track is another milestone in what promises to be a long and successful career in country music, and for his fans, it’s a new favorite to add to the playlist.

So, here’s to the honky-tonk heroes, the weekend warriors, and everyone who’s ever counted down the minutes until quitting time—Colby Lee Swift has just given you the soundtrack for your next night out.