1990 Beloved Garth Brooks Classic, Written on a Napkin, Is Ranked His Greatest Song Ever

What began as a quick scribble on a napkin would go on to become one of the most defining and beloved songs of Garth Brooks’ career.

Released in 1990, “Friends in Low Places” quickly resonated with fans and helped solidify Brooks as one of country music’s biggest stars of the decade. Over the years, it has remained a standout in his catalog, consistently ranking among his most celebrated and enduring hits.

In a 2025 list comprised of The Best Garth Brooks Songs by Ranker, “Friends in Low Places” came out on top. The song has taken on a life far beyond its chart success, becoming a defining anthem in country music and a staple at concerts, bars, and celebrations alike.

According to Wide Open Country, Dewayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee penned the song while at a Nashville, Tennessee music event. They previously floated the verse “friends in low places” from an idea that came after they couldn’t afford to pay a restaurant bill.

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Inspiration to write the song’s lyrics came quick, but Blackwell and Lee didn’t have any paper, only napkins. So they scribbled the lyrics on those temporarily.

According to American Songwriter, Lee admitted, “I’m not the best golfer in the world, but I can write a song. After a couple of bottles of champagne, the song just fell out on the bar. So, it was really a gift.”

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Brooks ended up recording the song for as a demo singer while working as a shoe salesman in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He was contractually bound to songs included on his first LP, the self-titled Garth Brooks, but asked Lee and Blackwell to hold the song for him to record for his second album.

“Friends in Low Places” would become the first single from Brooks’ second studio album, No Fences. Brooks talked the song’s success, as reported by Center Stage Mag.

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“Well, the thing is, you’ve got to take what you’ve won and stick it back up on the table and gamble it again,” Brooks said of his success. “You have to.  Once you’ve made it, to sit there and ride it out? That might be for some people. But for me? Why was I given this? I was stupid enough to go: ‘I was given it to gamble it all again!’ Take those chances. Take those risks.” 

The song would go on reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Music Chart in 1990 and spend four weeks at the top spot. The song followed the success of Brooks’ first No. 1 hit, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” in late 1989 and the chart-topper “The Dance” in July 1990.

Garth Brooks is scheduled to perform at London’s Hyde Park on June 27, 2026.

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