There are two ways I've heard this song explained
First, it is inspired by Dave's years of being a bartender.
Second, Dave's addiction to alcohol.
They're both wrong, in my mind.
What I think the song is about is a man thinking about his death, and worrying about his family's reaction. Also, the man wants to think he has made an impact in their lives. This I picked up from lines like:
"Brother of mine, please don't forget me, if I go."
I also think of the bartender of a God/Jesus figure, who in a way, the man is praying to.
Fittingly, this was the first song played by the band following saxophonist LeRoi Moore's tragic death.
This is my favorite Dave song. It's so meaningful and beautiful.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rcXRopqipqSav7G%2BxK2YraGfo8Bvr86mZp2Zppp6rq3TrZ%2Ber6Nir6K6w2iZmqqkmrulsdE%3D