Shawn's voice varies widely standing out along with his rythym acoustical, electric guitar strokes. Shawn travels with his sound man and tour manager, Big Kip Conner.
Mullins's earlier work was influenced by acoustic and power-pop groups such as the Violent Femmes, The Producers and the Indigo Girls. However, his most significant and enduring influences are rock singer-songwriters like James Taylor and country musicians such as Kris Kristofferson.
He is known for playing many cover songs during his live performances, including "Copperhead Road" by Steve Earle as well as introducing some lighthearted, quirky elements into his song and stage elements.
Shawn Mullins released a new recording February, 2006, entitled "9th Ward Pickin Parlor."
In 2008, he released "Honeydew," which includes a new recording of the song "All in My Head" which was featured in an episode of "Scrubs." He supported Dar Williams on her Fall 2008 tour.
Beautiful Wreck
Shawn Mullins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you make such a beautiful wreck you do
There's a tavern on the corner called the Milky Way
And you look so at home there if makes me afraid
And at the dark end of this bar
What a beautiful wreck you are
When you go too far, beautiful wreck you are
Well all the plans that you had
From seven years ago
Like all the promises you make
I watched them come and go
You put your keys in the car but it wouldn't drive
With you hands on the wheel lookin' barely alive
I'm still sitting here waiting on the passenger side
For you to make up your mind
For you to make up your mind
At the dard end of this bar
What a beautiful wreck you are
When you go too far,
Beautiful wreck you are
What a beautiful, such a beautiful
A beautiful wreck you are
What a beautiful, sucha a beautiful wreck
I've lost count of the times I've given up on you
But you make such a beautiful wreck you do
Yeah, you make such a beautiful wreck you do
You make such a beautiful wreck you do
At the dark end of this bar
What a beautiful wreck you are
When you go too far
Beautiful wreck you are
What a beautiful, such a beautiful
Beautiful wreck you are
What a beautiful, such a beautiful
Beautiful wreck you are
The song "Beautiful Wreck" by Shawn Mullins is a poignant ballad about a person who has given up on someone they care about. The opening lines imply that the singer has tried to let go and move on from this person multiple times, however, they cannot help but be drawn to them. The person in question is described as a "beautiful wreck" which could be interpreted in a couple of ways, but it is most likely suggesting that this person's dysfunction and brokenness, although causing chaos and turmoil, also make them alluring and captivating. The reference to the tavern on the corner called the Milky Way is significant because it shows that the subject is always there, drinking alone at the bar - which implies that they are struggling with some addiction. The singer also admits to being afraid of how comfortable and content the subject seems to be at the bar, which demonstrates how much they care about them.
The middle of the song describes how the person in question has changed due to their addiction or their own self-destructive actions. They have abandoned their plans and promises from years ago and have become reckless, with no regard for the consequences of their actions. The way they slump behind the wheel of the car, barely alive, shows that they are almost too far gone to save. The singer then admits that they have been sitting and waiting for their loved one to make up their mind, for them to finally choose to change their ways and leave their wrecked self behind. The chorus of the song is a repetition of the beautiful wreck that the person has become, and it is clear that the singer sees both the beauty and the tragedy in their situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I've lost count of the times I've given up on you
I've tried to give up on you so many times that I can't even remember anymore.
But you make such a beautiful wreck you do
Despite your imperfections, mistakes, and failures, you still manage to find a way to make yourself look beautiful.
There's a tavern on the corner called the Milky Way
There's a bar nearby called the Milky Way.
And you look so at home there if makes me afraid
You look so comfortable and familiar in that bar that it worries me.
And at the dark end of this bar
In the far corner or back of this bar, where it's darker and more secluded.
What a beautiful wreck you are
You are a beautiful mess, with all your flaws, quirks, and contradictions.
When you go too far, beautiful wreck you are
When you push yourself too hard, take risks, or indulge in your vices, you become an even more beautiful mess.
Well all the plans that you had / From seven years ago
All the dreams, goals, and aspirations you had seven years ago.
Like all the promises you make / I watched them come and go
Like all the times you made promises and failed to keep them, I witnessed them happening.
You put your keys in the car but it wouldn't drive / With your hands on the wheel lookin' barely alive
You attempted to drive your car, but it didn't start, and you looked tired and almost lifeless with your hands on the wheel.
I'm still sitting here waiting on the passenger side / For you to make up your mind
I'm still sitting here next to you, waiting for you to decide what to do and where to go.
What a beautiful, such a beautiful / A beautiful wreck you are
You are truly a beautiful wreck, no matter how imperfect or chaotic your life can be.
Yeah, you make such a beautiful wreck you do
Yes, you continue to amaze me with your ability to turn even your flaws and mistakes into something beautiful.
Lyrics © COMPASS RECORDS GROUP INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GLEN PHILLIPS, MARSHALL N ALTMAN, PETE DROGE, SHAWN MULLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BespokeEm
This underrated gem is on repeat. 💖 Listening in 2024~
@donavonbain4332
Blessings be to you friend.
@donavonbain4332
Glad you found it! Fantastic meaningful song
@patty7beth
Why on earth wasn't this a huge hit? Way underrated!
@alvinator5203
Because he doesn’t look like Justin Beiber…..sex sells…..it’s a shame because this song is beautiful.
@jamesboyer7966
The first years I had a cheap house where I could ride my motocross bikes to the end of the street and head out into the Mojave. I'd ride to the the top of these butttes, look down and watch herds of wild Mustanges loping along.
Amazing how things change so rapidly .
@kkourie
I cannot get this song out of my head. We should all have someone love us this much! Even train wrecks have redeeming qualities. We should have the patience to search for them.
@MikeLandicovers
Shawn is underrated. Very talented singer/songwriter.
@takingoutthetrash1512
been a fan of shawn since the early 2000
@uvyas76
Will be a timeless, legendary song. Beautifully crafted.