The song was written by a then-unknown Eric Church and Casey Beathard and produced by Byron Gallimore.

It was intended to be the lead single to Clark's planned sixth studio album Honky Tonk Songs, which would be reworked to Life Goes On (2005).

A music video for "The World Needs a Drink" was released, with it being filmed by Thom Oliphant.

[2] "The World Needs a Drink" debuted on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs the week of November 20, 2004, at number 44.

The single debuted on the Radio & Records Canada Country Top 30 the week of January 28, 2005, at number 30 with 218 total plays.