The Good Stuff
Discovering Life's Precious Moments Through "The Good Stuff
Lyrics
Well, me and my lady had our first big fight
Describes a significant argument or disagreement between the singer and his partner.
So I drove around 'til I saw the neon lights
The singer drove around until he found a bar with bright neon lights.
Of a corner bar and it just seemed right so I pulled up
Feeling that the bar was the right place, the singer pulled up.
Not a soul around but the old bar keep
There was only the old bartender present.
Down at the end lookin' half asleep
The bartender appeared tired or sleepy at the end of the bar.
But he walked up and said, "What'll it be?"
The bartender approached and asked the singer what he wanted to drink.
I said, "The good stuff"
The singer requested "the good stuff."
He didn't reach around for the Whiskey
The bartender didn't offer whiskey as expected.
He didn't pour me a Beer
Instead of beer or whiskey, the bartender didn't serve an alcoholic drink.
His blue eyes kinda went misty
The bartender seemed emotional or teary-eyed.
He said, "You can't find that here"
He implied that what the singer was looking for couldn't be found there.
'Cause it's the first long kiss on a second date
Describes sentimental moments, such as the first long kiss on a second date.
Momma's all worried when you get home late
Mention of a worried mother when coming home late.
And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate
Symbolic mention of dropping a ring in spaghetti due to nervousness.
'Cause you're hands are shakin' so much
Hands shaking due to intense emotions or nervousness.
And it's the way that she looks with the rice in her hair
Appreciation for the partner's appearance in everyday situations.
Eatin' burnt suppers the whole first year
Shared experiences of hardship during the initial phase of marriage.
And askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up
Asking for seconds of a meal to support and comfort the partner.
Yeah man, that's the good stuff
Confirmation that these experiences represent 'the good stuff.'
He grabbed a carton of milk and he poured a glass
The bartender poured a glass of milk instead of alcohol.
And I smiled and said, "I'll have some of that"
The singer chose to drink milk as well.
We sat there and talked as an hour passed like old friends
Conversation between the singer and the bartender, feeling like old friends.
I saw a black and white picture and it caught my stare
The singer noticed a captivating black and white picture.
It was a pretty girl with bouffant hair
The picture portrayed the bartender's wife, Bonnie, a year after their marriage.
He said, "That's my Bonnie, taken 'bout a year after we wed"
Details about the bartender's loss of his wife to cancer after five years in the bar.
He said, "I spent five years in the bar when the cancer took her from me"
The bartender's sobriety for three years, inspired by memories of his wife and child.
"But I've been sober three years now"
Emphasizing that love and family are stronger than alcohol.
"'Cause the one thing's stronger than the Whiskey"
Memorable moments of joy, like seeing his wife with their baby girl.
Was the sight of her holdin' my baby girl
Reference to a cherished gift (string of pearls) given by the bartender to his wife.
The way she adored that string of pearls
Highlighting the bartender's happiness at his son's marriage.
I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl
The bartender becoming a grandparent and finding joy in small things.
Married his high school love
Being present for important moments despite limited time.
And it's a new t-shirt sayin' I'm a grandpa
The bartender's comforting presence during his wife's passing.
Bein' right there as our time got small
Finalizing the sentiment that these moments constitute 'the good stuff.'
And holdin' her hand when good the Lord called her up
The bartender advises the singer on how to handle an apology after an argument.
Yeah man that's the good stuff
Encouragement to cherish loving moments and reconcile after disagreements.
He said, "When you get home she'll start to cry"
Reiterating the importance of comforting each other after an argument.
"When she says, I'm sorry, say so am I"
Suggesting to reflect on the love shared and embrace it.
"Look into those eyes so deep in love and drink it up"
Advising to appreciate and savor moments of deep love and connection.
"'Cause that's the good stuff"
Reinforcing that these moments of love and reconciliation represent 'the good stuff.'
That's the good stuff
Restating the sentiment that these loving and connecting moments are invaluable.
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