Released: 2017
Parker McCollum’s ‘Hell of a Year’ is a poignant reflection on a year filled with turmoil and change. The song explores themes of regret, self-doubt, and the struggle to find one’s identity amidst life’s challenges.
The lyrics ‘Who I was ain’t who I was gonna be’ suggest a transformation. McCollum seems to be grappling with the person he was and the person he’s becoming. It’s a common theme in country music, this idea of change and personal growth.
When he sings ‘I could’ve been right, was probably wrong’, it’s a nod to his mistakes and regrets. It’s a confession that he might have made some poor choices along the way.
The line ‘So many nights wishin’ I could go home’ is a classic country sentiment. It evokes a longing for simpler times, for a place of comfort and familiarity. But it’s clear that ‘home’ in this context isn’t a physical place, but a state of mind or a time in his life he wishes he could return to.
The lyrics ‘Now my heart’s out of love, I fell out of line’ speaks to a relationship gone sour. McCollum is admitting that he’s fallen out of love and stepped out of the boundaries of the relationship.
The phrase ‘You can’t sleep alone, and you ain’t sleepin’ with me’ implies a painful separation. It’s clear that the relationship is over, but there’s still a lingering connection, a sense of unfinished business.
When McCollum sings ‘Yeah, you hate how I live, go up to come down’, he’s acknowledging the destructive lifestyle he’s been leading. The ‘go up to come down’ could be a reference to substance abuse, a common theme in country music.
The line ‘I love this home but now I hate this house’ is a powerful metaphor. The ‘home’ he loved is now just a ‘house’, a physical structure devoid of the warmth and love it once held. It’s a stark illustration of how much things have changed over the course of the year.
In summary, ‘Hell of a Year’ is a raw and honest account of a year marked by personal struggles and a painful breakup. It’s a testament to McCollum’s songwriting skills, his ability to convey complex emotions with simple, relatable lyrics.
