Shaboozey dominated the internet with his viral hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but his album is far deeper than just a bunch of beer-drinking and line-dancing songs. The singer — who offers a blend of hip-hop and Americana — put his heart on his sleeve in several songs off his new album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, which arrived today (May 31).
The 12-track album does feature his certified gold drinking song, but it also deals with subjects such as heartbreak, depression and even suicide. While the project does feature some more light-hearted tracks, Shaboozey chooses to let us all in on his journey of authenticity and humility.
In a way, it’s his own version of three chords and the truth. Keep scrolling to see some of of the most vulnerable lyrics on Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.
“Highway”
Subscribe to Taste of Country on Youtube
Shaboozey dives into mental health on his song “Highway.” In it, he is trying to hold onto the good in his life — the woman who gave him her heart — and yet, he feels as though he doesn’t measure up. Knowing he hurt her, he struggles to forgive himself. He promises that if he can slay these demons, he’ll be back for her.
“You gave me your heart, gave you heartbreak (I let you down) / I’m sorry, I’m lost in this dark place (I’ll fight it out) / If somehow I make it to Sunday / I promise, I’ll be comin’ back,” he sings in the pre-chorus.
“Let It Burn”
Subscribe to Taste of Country on Youtube
In “Let It Burn”, Shaboozey finds himself longing to fix someone else. He sympathizes with her pain, but desperately wants her to move on in order to see brighter days ahead.
“Sleepless nights were not that fun, yeah / At bus stops, but ain’t no bus comin’ / Pray to God, “Sir, please, can you pull me out?” / But God said that the test ain’t done yet / Contemplating, leaving all of this behind / But I’m begging you, don’t give up yet,” he pleads in the lyrics.
“My Fault” featuring Noah Cyrus
Subscribe to Taste of Country on Youtube
Shaboozey and Noah Cyrus take a new approach to heartbreak. Although the relationship is over, the two wonder if they’ve done too much damage to each other. Both are left feeling like they weren’t enough.
“Is it my fault you’re lost? / It’s hard for me to see you when you’re drunk / In a bathroom stall, takin’ pills, givin’ up / You’re tryna find your friends but it’s too dark,” the two sing together in the chorus.
“Vegas”
Subscribe to Taste of Country on Youtube
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and sometimes it’s because the mistakes you have made won’t let you leave. In “Vegas,” Shaboozey sings about the feelings of being too far gone to find your way home.
“I pour my shame inside my cup and drink myself to sleep / If I make it through the night then it’s a sweet dream / I got demons, devils calling me / Came out the gutter covered in dirt, got it all over me,” Shaboozey pines.
“Finally Over”
Subscribe to Taste of Country on Youtube
Despite being an upbeat track, “Finally Over” deals with the fight to make it in the music business. Shaboozey is battling his past and his demons, unwilling to sell his soul to get what he wants. He finds himself drinking away his sorrow and crying out to God for help.
“‘Cause I’ve been tryin’ to talk Jеsus / Shoutin’ at the altar / ‘Is it too late for forgivenеss / Or am I sent to slaughter?‘” he sings in the second verse.
Is Shaboozey a Country Artist?
While Shaboozey hasn’t revealed too many details about his intentions with this album or country music as a whole, he is certainly causing a stir in the genre. This project leans into a country sound while incorporating elements of hip-hop, which has been explored by other artists in the past. His single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart earlier this year and is being played at country radio.
“Sometimes I don’t feel I should rightfully be labeled as a country artist. I have peers who make country in its truest form. I don’t want to do them a disservice by labeling my music as country if it doesn’t attest to the style,” said in an interview with Colors Magazine. “This said, I’ve felt very accepted in the country community.”
Although some would argue that his sound is not country in its truest form, his ability to tell a story with his lyrics certainly puts him in the category. This notion of truth-telling is what sets country music apart.
It’s similar to the conversation surrounding Jelly Roll. The singer has doubled-down on his country music identity using his honest storytelling as an argument.
“To me, country music is three chords and the truth, and I know in my soul that what I do … is write three chords and the truth,” Jelly shared earlier this year. “I know if I don’t write nothing else, I write the truth.”
