Released: 2018
Shake the Frost (Live) by Tyler Childers is an emblem of heartfelt longing and the simplicity of true connection, set against a backdrop reminiscent of Kentucky’s serene landscapes. It’s a tender ballad where Childers compares his affection to the deep-rooted, natural beauty of his home state, weaving a narrative that speaks not just to the heart but to the soul of anyone who has ever loved deeply.
The song kicks off painting a picture of a serene Sunday in Kentucky, drawing parallels between the peace of a choir singing and the natural beauty of the surroundings. The mention of “church choirs just beltin’ to the pines” isn’t just about music; it’s about feeling connected to something greater, something eternal. Childers then shifts this feeling of awe and connection to express the depth of his love, saying it’s as vast and natural as the mountains welcoming the morning sun. This sets the stage for a love that’s pure and unwavering, yet perhaps taken for granted.
In the chorus, Childers opens up about his regrets, wishing he hadn’t let his pride or anger get in the way of expressing his love. The repeated lines, “If it’d make you stay, I wouldn’t act so angry all the time, I wouldn’t keep it all inside”, speak to the universal human condition of not appreciating what we have until it’s in jeopardy. He’s recognizing the importance of showing love freely and openly, fearing the loss of the connection that warms his very soul.
Childers then reminisces about the past with a Mustang, a symbol of youth and freedom, which he let go of—not unlike, he implies, his neglect to take chances with his loved one. The line, “I’d run that thing on high hopes ‘Til they raised the price of dreams so high I couldn’t pay”, touches on the harsh reality of dreams deferred by life’s practicalities. But it’s more than that; it’s a metaphor for the cost of not pursuing what matters most, whether it be love, dreams, or the simple joy of riding with the windows down, immersed in music and companionship.
The heartfelt plea, “So darlin’, will you stay right here And shake this frost off of my bones?”, is more than a request for warmth; it’s a metaphor for thawing the cold loneliness that has seeped into Childers’ life. He’s asking for his loved one to stay, to rekindle the warmth of their love, to melt away the bitterness and isolation, and to bring back the feeling of home and belonging that he so deeply misses.
In essence, Shake the Frost (Live) is not just a song; it’s a confession, a plea, and a love letter all rolled into one. Tyler Childers uses his gift of storytelling to remind us of the power of love, the pain of regret, and the healing that comes from simply asking, “Darlin’, will ya stay?” It’s a testament to the enduring strength of love, even in the face of our own imperfections.
