Old Hat
Clare Dunn Lyrics


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Once upon a time
There was a girl
Runnin' 'round in her daddy's old truck
Couldn't wait to see the world
And shake off that dust
And once upon a dream
There was a land
Of bright lights and big city
Boys were fast
And the girls talked pretty

Then one day

I got the call

Now I got your old hat
I put it on sometimes
When I wish I knew what you would do
And needin' some advice
I've got your old hat
And every now and then
I wear it backwards even though you hated that
And I swear I can almost hear you laugh
It's sun kissed
And it's sweat stained
It's too big and it's right brained
By knowing that you're never ever coming back

That'll never be, oh never be
Old hat

The years, they roll on by
And when the days are black

And the nights are blue
I'd give anything

Just to talk to you

Guess it's the little things
That get you through

And I've got your old hat
I put it on sometimes
When I wish I knew what you would do
And needin' some advice
I've got your old hat
And every now and then
I wear it backwards even though you hated that
And I swear I can almost hear you laugh
It's sun kissed
And it's sweat stained
It's too big and it's right brained
By knowing that you're never ever coming back
It's seen sun ups and sun downs
It's beat up
And it's worn out
And everybody says it's seen it's better days




And I let 'em throw everything else away
But your old hat

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Clare Dunn's song "Old Hat" describe a girl who used to dream of leaving her small town and seeing the world, but now finds comfort in the old hat of someone who was important to her but is no longer around. The hat represents a link to the person she misses and a source of guidance when she needs advice. She wears the hat backward, even though the person didn't like it that way, and imagines that she can hear their laugh. The hat is described as being sun-kissed, sweat-stained, too big, and right-brained, conveying a sense of personality and history. The girl finds solace in the little things, like the old hat, that help her get through tough times.


The themes of nostalgia, loss, and connection are prominent in this song, as the girl misses someone who played an important role in her life and finds comfort in an object that represents their presence. The lyrics are simple but emotional, capturing the feeling of missing someone and holding onto memories of them. The imagery of the old hat, with its sun-kissed and sweat-stained appearance, adds a layer of depth and specificity to the song, making it feel more personal and vivid.


Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a time
In the past, there was a specific time


There was a girl
There existed a female person


Runnin' 'round in her daddy's old truck
Driving around in her father’s old vehicle


Couldn't wait to see the world
She was eager to explore the world


And shake off that dust
She wanted to leave her past behind


And once upon a dream
In a dream she had once


There was a land
An imaginary place that existed in her dream


Of bright lights and big city
A city with many bright lights


Boys were fast
The male individuals were impulsive


And the girls talked pretty
The females spoke charmingly


Then one day
At some point in time


I got the call
She received a phone call


Now I got your old hat
She now has possession of someone's old hat


I put it on sometimes
She wears the hat on occasion


When I wish I knew what you would do
During moments she wishes for guidance on actions


And needin' some advice
Requiring guidance or counseling


And every now and then
Occasionally


I wear it backwards even though you hated that
She wears the hat the opposite way even if the original owner disliked it


And I swear I can almost hear you laugh
She believes she can hear the original owner's laughter


It's sun kissed
The hat is kissed by the sun


And it's sweat stained
There are marks left by previous sweat


It's too big and it's right brained
The hat is oversized and used by a right-brained individual


By knowing that you're never ever coming back
Acknowledging that the original owner can never return


That'll never be, oh never be
That sort of thing cannot occur


Old hat
Something that is outdated and not useful anymore


The years, they roll on by
Time goes by quickly


And when the days are black
During dark times


And the nights are blue
During sad or lonely nights


I'd give anything
She would do anything


Just to talk to you
For the opportunity to speak to someone


Guess it's the little things
The small things in life


That get you through
Some things help you get through hard times


It's seen sun ups and sun downs
The hat has been present for various times of day


It's beat up
It is in rough shape


And it's worn out
The hat is no longer in good condition


And everybody says it's seen it's better days
Others believe the hat was once in its prime


And I let 'em throw everything else away
She allows others to dispose of other things except the hat


But your old hat
Except for the hat that holds sentimental value for her




Contributed by Josiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Victoria Haltom

I lost my amazing father to cancer 3 years ago. Today was his 54th birthday and I photographed my first child, his grandson in his old hat that he loved to wear on long river trips. I had this song on repeat the whole time, and you have NO idea how much this song has HEALED me. I didn't have a song that really spoke to me about my sweet angel before this one! You are an amazing artist and person and my new FAVORITE. Thank you for this! <3 <3

Sydney Moore

Oh my gosh. That story touched my heart.
God bless you

Sweet T

I'm not gonna lie, I cried a little with these lyrics; they touch my heart. What a beautiful voice to complement the words too.

Landon Barr

Love this song. My grandfather passed away today and this song reminded me of him. Thank you. You are a beautiful woman and an amazing singer. Seen you in Montrose Colorado. With my mom and friend and was the best show live ever that i was available to attend!! Your voice is amazing and i hope you keep bringing new ideas and amazing songs. Oh and i also learned how to sing by singing into a water barrel full of water till it was almost emptety too.

LoBo

I have my 1 beat up hat I wear religiously and this will be the song playing at my funeral. I saw Clare play at The Guthrie River Ruckus in Iowa in 2016 and she blew the barn doors off with her Zeppelin cover. I can’t wait to see her again this May during the CMT Next Women of Country Tour when they come through Des Moines. I hope I get to meet and take a picture with her, while I’m wearing my old hat. We’re lucky to have such a talent in this Age. She is a true gift to country music.

Andrea Lazzaro Lazzaretti

so sweet song, delicate and soulful ❤❤❤

Nicholas Willcox

Yeah, I'm a fan. Love this entire record so far.

Laura E. Gutierrez

Just lost my Dad, just a few weeks back! 💔😢 I miss You, 💔😞
Didn't think your departure would hurt me like it has!
Continue to R.I.P Dad 🙏

Travis Thorson

She has a touch of Stevie Nicks to her voice...very nice.

Abigail Craig Craiv

I love this song

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