Four Sheets To The Wind Meaning

Example : 1975 Tom Waits, "Spare Parts 1 (A Nocturnal Emission)," Nighthawks at the Diner, Asylum Records  You see, it's a well known fact, you know / I'm four sheets to the wind, I'm glad you're gone2005 Richard LeVine, Awakening Waves: A True Adventure Story, Warm Wisdom Press, p133  After a couple of hours many people were four sheets to the wind, having had a few too many drinks.2009 Linda Hamalian, The Cramoisy Queen: A Life of Caresse Crosby, SIU Press, p9  He would flee the apartment when the baby fussed and cried, only to return much later four sheets to the wind.