The loss of the 14-2 Baltimore Ravens to the wildcard Tennessee Titans was a bitter disappointment in Ravensland. The Titans were the dominant team, winning 28-12. I caught the first half at Sapwood Cellars where I picked up my Sap Club card and a growler of Hallow Bright.

With the amazing year the Ravens had (12 wins in a row, the team with the most pro bowlers, and a probable MVP quarterback), I was not too concerned with the 14-6 halftime deficit. I figured Baltimore’s explosive offense would fix things in the second half. Boy was I wrong. When time ran out, there was no joy in Baltimore, mighty Lamar had struck out . My apologies to Ernest Thayer.

So I followed the trope appropriate for this situation, I drowned my sorrows. Suddenly I was quite disheveled with a couple of days beard and downing a few Hallow Bright pints. This sweet, hazy IPA could not wash out the bitter taste of loss in my mouth. I became George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life after he learned his dear old savings and loan was short a great deal of cash. Or Homer Simpson at Moe’s downing a mug of Duff beer.

“I’ve learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead.”

Homer Simpson

The next day, I learned that dBear would be drowning his sorrows as well. He saw the game live at M&T Stadium, so his sorrow was much greater, I’m sure. His mention of drowning our sorrows in a text made me think about this well-used idiom, so I did a little research.

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, drown your sorrows means “to drink alcohol in order to forget your problems.” Idioms.online notes the original expression drown your sorrows in the flowing bowl originated in the early 1800’s or even earlier.

The whole concept of drowning your sorrows has become a theatrical technique not limited to just Homer Simpson and George Bailey. TVtropes.org provides countless examples used in television, film and theater to express this trite expression. Click on drowning my sorrows by TV Tropes to learn more but be warned this rabbit hole is endless.

Life does go on. Tonight, I plan to meet my friends at Frisco Tap House in Columbia for Maine Beer Pint Night at 7:00 PM. They will be offering 1 pound lobsters to pair with this amazing brewery’s delicious beers. So, tonight I will not be drowning my sorrows but rather savoring a lobster dinner with a Maine Beer Co. Dinner.

Cheers!

Warren