"The Bottle Let Me Down" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in August 1966 as the second single from the album Swinging Doors. The song peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles. Content The song is about a man who could no longer find solace from binge drinking to relieve his grief over a lost love. Chart performance Porter Wagoner version References 1966 singles Merle Haggard songs Songs about alcohol Songs written by Merle Haggard Song recordings produced by Ken Nelson (American record producer) Capitol Records singles 1966 songs