Wine, women and song

This clichéd somewhat sexist mantra for alcohol-infused revelry has existed for centuries in many different languages and cultures, therefore its origin is disputed. In English, it appears to be an extract from a verse, “Who loves not wine, women and song, remains a fool his whole life long.” The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Quotations attributes it to Martin Luther, who of course would have coined it in German in the early 1500s, but adds the caveat that no proof exists. Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations attributes it to Johan Voss (1751-1826). Therefore, the most that can be said is the exact origin is unknown. A modern version would probably be sex, drugs and rock n’ roll which at least is non-sexist.