Hear Sam Hunt’s Repentant New Song ‘Drinkin’ Too Much’

Sam Hunt’s debut album Montevallo was a groundbreaking release for both the Cedartown, Georgia, native and country music. But, according to the lyrics of “Drinkin’ Too Much,” a new song that Hunt surprise-released on New Year’s Eve, Montevallo was also a source of turmoil in his personal life – it muddied his relationship with on-again/off-again girlfriend Hannah Lee Fowler, Hunt’s muse for many of the songs on the album.

In “Drinkin’ Too Much,” Hunt tries to win her back, even mentioning her by name. (Listen to the song below.)

A stark piano ballad based around Hunt’s now-signature talk-sing style, “Drinkin’ Too Much” opens with the singer apologizing. “I’m sorry I named the album Montevallo. I’m sorry people know your name now, and strangers hit you up on social media,” he says, even offering to repay his ex for inspiring the hits that launched his country stardom. “I know you want your privacy and you got nothing to say to me, but I wish you’d let me pay off your student loans with these songs you gave me.“

It’s a remarkably personal song, one that makes you feel as if you’re listening to a private voicemail that Hunt left on her phone. As such, it’s also incredibly honest and undeniably moving.

Since November, Hunt has apparently been traveling through Israel, sharing Instagram posts of himself floating in the Dead Sea and with an unidentified woman – likely the subject of “Drinkin’ Too Much.” If so, Hunt’s heart-on-his-sleeve gambit seems to have paid off. “You changed your number and moved and this is the only way I can reach you,” he says near the end of the song. “Hannah Lee, I’m on my way to you.“