Old Hat
Clare Dunn Lyrics
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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
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
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.
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