Released: 2020
‘GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL’ by Hardy is a heartfelt tribute to a departed friend. The song blends elements of sorrow, celebration, and a bit of rebellion, painting a vivid picture of a life lived fully and remembered fondly.
The song starts with Hardy at a funeral, dressed in a suit and tie, an attire he’s not used to. He takes a swig of alcohol to keep his emotions in check, a common practice in times of grief.
The ‘line out the church door’ indicates the popularity of the departed friend, showing the impact he had on his community. It’s a sad goodbye, but Hardy believes his friend is in a better place.
The phrase ‘You had a wild side, but you had amazing grace’ captures the friend’s personality. He was a rebel, but also had a kind heart, a balance that’s often found in country folks.
In the chorus, Hardy imagines his friend in heaven, causing a bit of a ruckus. He hopes his friend is riding a motorcycle (‘hit those gold streets on two wheels’) and has a large field for mudding (‘a ten-acre field with some mud and some hubs you can lock in’).
‘Hide your beer, hide your clear from the Man Upstairs’ suggests the friend’s rebellious spirit, sneaking alcohol into heaven. ‘Crank it loud, hold it down till I get there’ shows Hardy’s longing to join his friend in these heavenly shenanigans someday.
The line ‘I bet you’re looking for a crew like we had’ speaks to the camaraderie they shared, living life in the fast lane (‘boys that like to live fast’). ‘Burning rubber in a parking lot’ is a nod to their wild days of youth, doing donuts in cars for fun.
‘I was there when you raised your hand, Heads bowed singing “Just as I Am”‘ likely refers to a moment of religious dedication or conversion. It contrasts with the friend’s wild side, showing his spiritual depth.
The closing lines ‘Man it ain’t right, man it ain’t fair, I’ll see you again, but till then give heaven some hell’ express Hardy’s grief and longing. He’s upset about his friend’s untimely death, but finds solace in the belief that they’ll meet again in heaven.
