title: Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie
text: # Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie
  
  "Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie" is a debut song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Michael Peterson for his first album Michael Peterson. It was released in May 1997 as his debut single, and the first single and reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in August 1997. The song was written by Peterson and Paula Carpenter.
  
  ## Content
  
  The song is about a man whose father counsels him to never drink, swear, steal or lie. Later in life he finds that he drinks from a woman’s loving cup, he swears to never give her up, steals all of her kisses underneath the moon, and lies close to her, thus breaking all his rules.
  
  ## Critical reception
  
  Larry Flick, of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, saying that Peterson has a "full-throated delivery that exudes personality and vocal charm". He goes on to say that the "energy in the production complements Peterson's performance, and the whole package signals the birth of a new star".
  
  ## Music video
  
  The music video was directed by Tim Hamilton and was premiered in mid-1997.
  
  ## Chart performance
  
  "Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie" debuted at number 60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of May 17, 1997.
  
  | Chart (1997) | Peak position |
  | - | - |
  | Canada Country Tracks (RPM) | 2 |
  | US Billboard Hot 100 | 86 |
  | US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) | 3 |
  
  ### Year-end charts
  
  | Chart (1997) | Position |
  | - | - |
  | Canada Country Tracks (RPM) | 33 |
  | US Country Songs (Billboard) | 16 |
  