The Meaning Behind The Song: Best I Ever Had by Gary Allan
Gary Allan’s “Best I Ever Had” is a heartbreakingly beautiful country love song that tells the story of a man who’s reflecting on a past relationship and wondering if he’s ever going to find love like that again. The song opens with the lines, “So you sailed away into a grey sky morning / Now I’m here to stay, love can be so boring.” Those lyrics set the stage for the rest of the song, which is all about the pain of missing someone who used to mean the world to you.
The Story Behind The Song
Allan didn’t write “Best I Ever Had” himself – that honor goes to Nashville songwriters Matraca Berg, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne. However, Allan knew the moment he heard the song that he had to record it. In an interview with Billboard, Allan said, “When I heard it, it just fit my voice, fit everything, probably better than anything I’ve ever recorded.”
It’s likely that the song resonated so strongly with Allan because he’s been through some tough relationships himself. Allan’s first wife took her own life in 2004, and he’s been open about the fact that music helped him through that difficult time. As he told The Boot, “I turned to music to heal myself – music and therapy. That’s really all I needed.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Best I Ever Had” capture the feeling of missing someone who used to be the center of your world. The song’s narrator is struggling to move on from a relationship that’s ended, and he’s wondering if he’ll ever find anyone who can make him feel the way his ex did.
Some of the most poignant lyrics include:
– “I gotta get over you, nothing for me to do but turn out the lights.” This line captures the sense of hopelessness that can come with heartbreak.
– “You’re the best I ever had, and I’m trying not to get stuck in my head.” This line shows that the narrator knows that he needs to move on from this relationship, but he can’t quite get his ex out of his thoughts.
– “I miss the way your kiss would keep me up on my toes.” This is a more lighthearted moment in the song, but it still speaks to the depth of the relationship that’s been lost.
The Music Video
The music video for “Best I Ever Had” is a simple affair that doesn’t distract from the song’s emotional impact. It features shots of Allan singing, interspersed with black-and-white footage of a couple in various stages of their relationship. The video has a dreamlike quality that underscores the idea that the relationship the song is about is now just a memory.
FAQs
Why is “Best I Ever Had” such a popular song?
“Best I Ever Had” is popular because it’s a relatable song that captures the pain of heartbreak. Everyone has been through a tough breakup at some point, so the song’s lyrics resonate with many people. Additionally, Allan’s powerful voice brings a lot of emotion to the song that can be difficult to capture on paper.
Who wrote “Best I Ever Had”?
“Best I Ever Had” was written by Matraca Berg, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne.
Has Gary Allan been through a lot of heartbreak in his own life?
Yes, Gary Allan has been through some tough relationships himself. His first wife died by suicide in 2004, and he’s been open about using music and therapy to help himself through that difficult time.
What is the meaning behind the line “love can be so boring”?
This line speaks to the idea that even though love can be exhilarating and amazing when things are going well, it can also become mundane and tedious when a relationship starts to break down.
Did Gary Allan write “Best I Ever Had” himself?
No, Gary Allan didn’t write “Best I Ever Had.” He heard the song and felt an immediate connection to it, so he decided to record it.
What’s the story behind the music video for “Best I Ever Had”?
The music video for “Best I Ever Had” is a simple affair that doesn’t distract from the song’s emotional impact. It features shots of Allan singing, interspersed with black-and-white footage of a couple in various stages of their relationship.
Is “Best I Ever Had” a sad song?
Yes, “Best I Ever Had” is a sad song about heartbreak and loss.
Did “Best I Ever Had” win any awards?
“Best I Ever Had” didn’t win any major awards, but it was a popular song that received a lot of radio airplay.
What has Gary Allan said about the song?
Gary Allan has been very complimentary of “Best I Ever Had,” saying in an interview that it fit his voice better than anything else he’s ever recorded.
What makes “Best I Ever Had” a good country song?
“Best I Ever Had” is a good country song because it tells a story in a straightforward way that’s easy to understand. Additionally, the song’s instrumentation – which includes both acoustic and electric guitars – is a hallmark of the country genre.
What emotions does “Best I Ever Had” evoke?
“Best I Ever Had” evokes a sense of sadness and longing for a past relationship that can’t be revived. However, the song also has a sense of hopefulness that suggests the narrator will eventually move on from the heartbreak and find love again.
Is “Best I Ever Had” a popular wedding song?
“Best I Ever Had” isn’t typically played at weddings, as its subject matter is more about heartbreak than love and commitment.
