Released: 2023
Morgan Wallen’s ‘I Wrote The Book’ is a heartfelt confession of a man who is good at many things, but struggles with personal shortcomings and adherence to moral and spiritual principles. The song paints a picture of a skilled outdoorsman, a talented sportsman, and a confident man, but also someone who struggles with maintaining a straight path in life, often succumbing to temptations and making mistakes.
In the opening verses, Wallen talks about his prowess in outdoor activities and sports. ‘Hitchin’ the boat up, Backin’ down the ramp’ refers to his skills in handling a boat, a common pastime in rural America. ‘To throw a curve right, To catch a clean up, Lookin’ on a third strike’ shows his skills in baseball, a beloved American sport. When he says ‘Yeah, I wrote the book’, he’s saying he’s mastered these activities.
However, Wallen acknowledges a book he didn’t write – a metaphor for a set of rules or principles he struggles to follow. The ‘one that lays by the lamp on the nightstand’ is likely the Bible, often found in this location in many Christian homes. The ‘letters in red’ are the words of Jesus, typically printed in red in many Bibles. Wallen admits he’s not reading these words enough to keep him on a ‘straight line’, a metaphor for living a moral and upright life.
Wallen further illustrates his struggles in his personal life. He talks about a ‘good girl’ who loved him for his skills but left him because he wasn’t ‘too good at pickin’ up’, implying he struggles with emotional intelligence and understanding others’ feelings. This shows his inability to maintain a stable relationship, another area where he falls short.
In the closing lines, Wallen admits he ‘probably oughta read’ the book he didn’t write, indicating a desire to change and improve. Despite his flaws and failures, he recognizes the need for personal growth and moral guidance. This song is a poignant self-reflection, revealing the struggles beneath the confident exterior.
