Robert W. Service
Set to music by David Parry 1993. Poem date unknown; Service was actively writing 1905-1955; published in Later Collected Verses 1965 so probably written later in his life
Finest Kind: https://ianrobb1.bandcamp.com/track/in-praise-of-alcohol
Of vintage wine I am a lover;
To drink deep would be my delight;
If ’twere not for the bleak hangover
I’d get me loaded every night;
I’d whoop it up with song and laughter
If ’twere not for the morning after.
For though to soberness
I’m given It is a thought I’ve often thunk:
The nearest that is Earth to Heaven
Is to get sublimely drunk;
Is to achieve divine elation
By means of generous libation.
Alas, the wine-cups claim their payment
And as the price if often pain,
If we could sense what morning grey meant
We never would get soused again;
Rather than buy a hob-nailed liver
I’m sure that we’d abstain for ever.
Yet how I love the glow of liquor,
As joyfully I drink it up!
Hoping that unto life’s last flicker
With praise I’ll raise the ruby cup;
And let me like a jolly monk
Proceed to get sublimely drunk.