About The Song
Few artists in country music history have had the vocal charisma and storytelling ability of Conway Twitty, and his version of “Pop a Top” is a fine example of his ability to take a classic honky-tonk song and make it his own. Though the song is most famously associated with Jim Ed Brown’s 1967 hit version, Twitty recorded his own interpretation, delivering it with his signature warmth and smooth, effortless delivery.
Lyrically, “Pop a Top” is a classic barroom ballad about heartbreak, regret, and drowning one’s sorrows in a bottle. The song tells the story of a man sitting at a bar, watching the bartender pop the top off another beer, using the sound as a metaphor for the cycle of pain and escapism that comes with lost love. The line “I think I’m gonna cry” captures the feeling of loneliness and regret, making this a song that resonates with anyone who has ever tried (and failed) to drink away heartache.
Musically, Twitty’s version of “Pop a Top” stays true to the honky-tonk tradition, featuring a steady, toe-tapping rhythm, twangy steel guitar, and a singalong-worthy melody. His deep, velvety voice brings a laid-back smoothness to the song, making it feel both conversational and deeply emotional at the same time. Unlike some of Twitty’s more dramatic love ballads, this track leans into classic country barroom storytelling, where the heartache is real, but the beer is cold.
What makes Twitty’s version of “Pop a Top” special is his natural ability to bring sincerity to any song he sings. Whether delivering a tender love song or a honky-tonk drinking tune, he had a way of connecting with the listener and making every song feel personal and relatable.
Though Alan Jackson later revived “Pop a Top” in 1999, bringing it back into the spotlight, Twitty’s version remains a lesser-known yet solid rendition of this timeless classic. With its smooth honky-tonk melody, straightforward lyrics, and Conway Twitty’s unmistakable vocal charm, this song is a perfect example of old-school country music at its finest—simple, heartfelt, and always a pleasure to listen to.