What I Almost Was
Embracing Fate's Detour: Eric Church's Reflection on Paths Not Taken
Lyrics
It was my senior year
Reflecting on the speaker's senior year.
I just turned eighteen
Highlighting the speaker's age of eighteen.
I was a Friday night hero, with Division 1 dreams
Describing the speaker as a high school hero with dreams of playing Division 1 sports.
I had an offer on the table, a four year ride
Indicating a four-year scholarship offer.
'Til that fourth and two and twenty four dive
Referring to a critical moment in a football game (fourth and two, twenty-four dive) that changed the speaker's fate.
I left on a stretcher, wound up on a crutch
Describing an injury that led to being on crutches.
Walked on that next summer, wound up gettin' cut
Recovery attempt during the following summer, but ultimately getting cut from the team.
I flipped off that coach, left that school in the dust
Expressing frustration with the coach and leaving the school.
For letting my dreams go bust
Blaming the coach for shattered dreams.
But I thank God I ain't what I almost was
Gratitude to God for not becoming what the speaker almost was.
Yeah, I moved on back home
Returning home after the failed sports career.
And came awful close to being some son-in-law to some CEO
Almost becoming a son-in-law to a CEO.
Coulda been a corner office, country club, suit and tie man
Imagining a life of corporate success with a corner office, country club, and a suit and tie.
Answerin' to no one, but her and him
Being accountable only to a romantic partner and a higher-up.
I ran out on his money, ran out on her love
Leaving a relationship and financial stability for independence.
At four in the morning I loaded my truck
Departing in the early morning and leaving town abruptly.
I left my hometown in a big cloud of dust
Leaving hometown behind, symbolized by a cloud of dust.
I just had to follow my gut
Following instincts and taking risks.
And I thank God I ain't what I almost was
Expressing gratitude to God for avoiding the almost-realized life.
In guitar town I bought this old Epiphone
Buying a guitar in a town known for its musical culture.
Started stringin' chords and words into songs
Embarking on a journey of creating music with chords and lyrics.
I've been putting in time on Sixteenth Avenue
Spending time on a famous avenue for musicians in Nashville.
Pouring out my heart for tips on a stool
Playing in bars and sharing personal emotions for tips.
I ain't making a killing, but then there's those nights
Acknowledging financial struggles despite occasional successful performances.
When the song comes together and hits 'em just right
Finding fulfillment in creating music that resonates with the audience.
The crowds on their feet 'cause they can't get enough
Describing moments when the audience reacts positively to the music.
Of this music I make and I love
Expressing love for the music created despite financial challenges.
And I thank God I ain't
Reiterating gratitude to God for the current life's path.
Yeah, I thank God I ain't
Continuing the expression of thanks to God.
Man, I thank God I ain't what I almost was
Concluding with appreciation for not becoming what the speaker almost was.
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