Released: 2017
Chris Stapleton’s “Broken Halos” is a poignant reflection on loss, healing, and the transient nature of guidance and guardianship. Through its lyrics, the song suggests that even angels, or perhaps those we see as angelic in our lives, have their vulnerabilities, represented by broken halos and folded wings. It’s a powerful message wrapped in the simplicity of country music.
The opening lines, “Seen my share of broken halos, folded wings that used to fly,” set a tone of nostalgia and loss right from the start. “Broken halos” symbolize the imperfection and woundedness of beings that were once considered perfect and invincible. “Folded wings” drive home the notion of something or someone that once soared high with purpose but now can no longer take flight. It’s a poignant acknowledgment of the fact that even the most seemingly divine entities or influences in our lives can come undone or reach an end.
The chorus brings home the theme of acceptance and letting go with the lines, “They’ve all gone wherever they go.” It speaks to the inevitability of losing those guiding lights in our lives but also to a certain peace in accepting their departure. The repeated mention of “broken halos that used to shine” serves as a reminder of the impact they had before they faded away, emphasizing that their light once shone brightly on our paths, even if it’s no longer present.
Stapleton then touches on the universal search for meaning in loss by advising, “Don’t go looking for the reasons, don’t go asking Jesus why?” This line encourages acceptance of the unknown and acknowledges the human tendency to seek answers in the face of inexplicable loss. By stating “We’re not meant to know the answers, they belong to the by and by,” Stapleton alludes to the idea that some things are beyond human understanding and are perhaps meant to remain that way, within the realm of faith or the divine mystery.
Through “Broken Halos,” Stapleton crafts a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring themes of loss, acceptance, and the transient nature of life’s guiding lights. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s experienced loss and struggled with the search for understanding in the wake of it. The straightforward language and country music’s characteristic blend of melancholy and wisdom make “Broken Halos” a heartrending yet comforting anthem for the weary soul.
