Released: 2021
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Warning’ is a heartfelt ballad about the regrets of a man who wishes he had seen the signs before falling for a woman who eventually broke his heart. It’s a classic country narrative, where Wallen uses the imagery of neon lights and whiskey shots to express his sorrow.
The song starts with Wallen under a neon sign outside a bar, wishing it had warned him to go home to avoid heartbreak. When he mentions ‘ADPI T-shirt’, he’s referring to Alpha Delta Pi, a sorority often associated with attractive and popular college girls. This gives us a hint about the kind of woman he’s fallen for.
The line ‘Don’t buy no shots for no one else’ is Wallen expressing regret. He’s saying he should’ve been warned not to buy drinks for this woman, a common gesture of interest in the bar scene.
The chorus, ‘Should’ve come with a warning’, is Wallen’s lament that there were no clear signs to prevent him from falling for this woman. He warns others not to fall into the same trap, suggesting that her kiss is intoxicating but will lead to heartbreak in the morning.
The second verse delves into the aftermath of the breakup. The ‘You up?’ text is a common late-night message, often indicating a casual or non-committal relationship. Wallen is saying he should’ve been warned about the emotional toll of such a relationship.
The line ‘Don’t fire it up, and hit the headlights’ is a warning against rushing into things without thinking. The ‘next red light’ is a metaphor for a warning sign or a moment to stop and reconsider.
Finally, the repeated line ‘Would’ve come with a warning’ underscores Wallen’s regret and his wish for a ‘heads up’ before diving headfirst into a relationship that ended in heartbreak. It’s a poignant reminder of the pain that can come from love, especially when one dives in without considering the potential consequences.
