The Meaning Behind The Song: Things A Man Oughta Know by Lainey Wilson

Country music is renowned for its reflective and relatable stories that pinpoint the usually unspoken thoughts and feelings we have but don’t know how to put into words. Lainey Wilson has become a rising star in the country music industry for her ability to capture these feelings and convey them through her lyrics.

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The Louisiana-native made waves with her 2020 single “Things A Man Oughta Know,” which revolves around conversations between a woman and her father about love and life. Here’s a deep dive into the meaning behind this powerful and thought-provoking song.

The Inspiration Behind The Song

The idea for “Things A Man Oughta Know” stemmed from a real-life conversation Lainey had with her father. Wilson shared with CMT, “I had this general conversation with my dad about life and what he thinks a man’s role in a woman’s life is, just from a father’s perspective.”

She continued, “I walked out of that conversation and I was like, ‘Man, I really want to write this song.’ It’s just about all the things that you need to know going into a relationship or a marriage, or even just in life in general, and things that you might not even think about.”

The Lyrics

The song’s insightful lyrics contain wisdom and life lessons that are as relevant today as they were years ago, adding to its timelessness. The lyrics convey the message that men should know certain aspects of life for them to live it fully and keep their significant other happy.

The song starts off with the father telling his daughter that men should know how to change a tire, bait a hook, and fix a leaky faucet. The lyrics then go on to delve into more profound and relevant life lessons like listening to your partner, kissing them every day, and putting in the effort to make a relationship last.

The chorus summarizes all these aspects by saying, “There ain’t nothin’ in this world that love can’t fix. Things a man oughta know, by the time he’s a grown man, takes a little bit of time, takes a little bit of livin’, to learn that everything comes back around.”

The Music Video

The music video for “Things A Man Oughta Know” adds another layer of depth and meaning to the song’s lyrics. The video features Lainey as a young woman reminiscing about her childhood and reflecting on her father’s advice.

The video takes the viewers through the singer’s journey, from her childhood to her adulthood, and shows different aspects of her life, including her relationships, emphasizing the importance of the father’s advice.

The Song’s Reception

“Things A Man Oughta Know” struck a chord with listeners, debuting on the Billboard Country charts in July 2020, and ultimately reached the number 35 spot, solidifying Lainey’s place among the rising stars in the country music scene.

The song has garnered over 80 million streams on Spotify alone, which can be attributed to its universal and timeless message. Its success is also an indication of country music listeners’ willingness to connect with music that showcases human emotions and values that matter.

The Song’s Impact

It is not uncommon for music to make us feel emotions, bringing together people who may not share other commonalities like interest or religious beliefs. “Things A Man Oughta Know” resonates deeply with listeners, evoking raw emotions and memories of their fathers’ advice.

The song’s impact goes beyond the initial emotional response, with some listeners even taking the song’s advice to heart and using it to better their own relationships. The song’s message encourages people to open their hearts, forgive, and appreciate their partners, promoting a healthier way to approach relationships.

Conclusion

“Things A Man Oughta Know” has cemented itself as a modern classic in country music, offering listeners a profound message wrapped in a catchy tune. Its creation and success show that music can be relevant and relatable decades after its release.

The song’s message and reception speak to the universal desire to connect with our emotions and experiences. With everything that has transpired in the world in the past year, “Things A Man Oughta Know” reminds us of the importance of love, forgiveness, and kindness in our own lives and that of our loved ones.