Meaning of Only Thing That’s Gone by Chris Stapleton

The Chris Stapleton song, "Only Thing That's Gone," performed in collaboration with Morgan Wallen, is a beautifully crafted piece that explores the theme of loss and escape. The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of a desolate character seeking solace in the arms of alcohol. While the overall theme may seem straightforward, diving deeper into the lyrics reveals unexpected and imaginative themes that add layers of complexity to the song.One standout lyric in the song is, "Here's a hundred and some change, I'll take whatever that'll buy." This lyric expresses not only a desire to drown one's sorrows, but also a willingness to give up material things for temporary relief. It touches upon the theme of escapism and the lengths one is willing to go to escape their pain. The character is willing to trade tangible possessions for emotional respite, showcasing the destructive nature of their coping mechanism.Another important lyric that helps develop the song's theme is, "Leave a twenty for the band if they'll lay off lonesome songs tonight." This lyric brings attention to the character's desire for a momentary break from their own melancholy. It explores the theme of seeking temporary distractions as a way to temporarily forget about one's own pain. The character hopes to find solace in a different kind of sadness, one that is expressed through music, but not directly reminiscent of their own struggles.Furthermore, the line, "And I ain't got nowhere to be, and I'd rather not go home," captures the essence of wanting to escape reality altogether. It explores the theme of feeling trapped and desperate for an escape from one's own life. The character yearns for a place where they don't have to face the consequences of their actions or deal with the pain that awaits them at home. It speaks to the universal desire for freedom and the fantasy of leaving everything behind.Overall, through the various standout lyrics present in the song, "Only Thing That's Gone," Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen beautifully convey the theme of loss and the different ways people seek to escape their pain. The song delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the lengths people will go to numb their sorrows. It touches upon themes of escapism, temporary distractions, and the desire for freedom. The combination of Stapleton's rich vocals and Wallen's unique delivery adds an extra layer of emotional intensity to the song, creating a truly heartfelt and introspective piece of art.