Released: 2018
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Talkin’ Tennessee’ is a classic country love song, with a touch of nostalgia and a dash of southern charm. It’s about a country boy trying to win over a city girl, promising her a simpler, more fulfilling life in the country.
The first verse paints a picture of a city girl who’s grown tired of the fast-paced, high-rise life. The ‘high rise condos’ and ‘smoke glass fancy cars’ are symbols of city life, which she finds unfulfilling. Wallen contrasts this with his ‘old seat ’72’, a likely reference to a classic car, symbolizing a simpler, more grounded lifestyle.
When Wallen says ‘Don’t mind me, I’m just talking Tennessee’, he’s basically saying ‘Don’t mind my country ways and language’. He’s trying to charm her with his southern roots. ‘Talking Tennessee’ is his way of expressing his country lifestyle and values.
The phrase ‘letting my south side show’ is Wallen’s way of saying he’s letting his true, southern self shine through. The ‘whiskey whispering on’ and ‘Jack and Seven sipping’ are references to drinking whiskey, a common theme in country music, and a way of setting a relaxed, intimate scene.
The second verse further emphasizes the contrast between city and country life. The city girl only sees the ‘street lights’ and ‘skyline’, while Wallen offers her the chance to see the ‘Milky Way, Jupiter and Venus’. This isn’t just about literal sightseeing – it’s about experiencing the beauty and simplicity of country life.
The ‘tailgate underneath the stars’ and ‘fireflies in a moonshine jar’ are classic country images. They represent the simple pleasures of country life that Wallen believes the city girl is missing out on.
In the end, ‘Talkin’ Tennessee’ is Wallen’s attempt to win the city girl over with his country charm and the promise of a simpler, more fulfilling life. Whether he succeeds or not, we don’t know. But the song sure does paint a compelling picture of country life.
