www.thewhiskeysaints.com

The Whiskey Saints are a four-piece alt-roc… Read Full Bio ↴www.thewhiskeysaints.com

The Whiskey Saints are a four-piece alt-rock band out of Southern California. They released their debut LP "West" in 2008 and are releasing their sophomore follow-up album titled "24 Hours," produced by Jim Dineen and mixed by Joe McGrath (Morrissey, Ryan Adams, B.B. King), available early June 2011 on Unemployed Records. They have been described as having strong roots/southern rock influences, with some similarities to other contemporary indie pop/rock acts as well. They often draw comparisons to bands such as My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Built To Spill, Wilco, Guided By Voices, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty and Band of Horses.

The Whiskey Saints formed in Los Angeles in 2006. Members include guitarist David Bloomfield, singer/guitarist David Sparrow, drummer Jeff Bell and bassist Rob Hughes.

Tennessee
The Whiskey Saints Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I barely remember the first time I met you
You didn't remember my name
The alcohol might have clouded your vision
To me its been doing the same
But I haven't forgotten the first time I saw you
At most on your way out of town
Everyone warned me don't get worked up over nothing
But nothing is all I've got now

You close your eyes and you don't hear me speaking
That's probably how it should be
Now I realize you were close to perfection
But I went and chose Tennessee

I tried in vain but I can't rediscover
The mirror that shows who I am
Reflecting on you in a warm night in summer
And all the things I couldn't have planned

You close your eyes and you don't hear me speaking
That's probably how it should be
Now I realize you were close to perfection

But I went and chose Tennessee
I went and chose Tennessee

Overall Meaning

The Whiskey Saints's song "Tennessee" is a melancholic ballad about a regretful decision to let go of someone who turned out to be quite special. The singer of the song reflects on a missed opportunity with a person they barely remember meeting for the first time due to the effects of alcohol. However, the simple moment of seeing this person walking out of town left a deep impression on the singer. Despite everyone warning the singer not to get worked up over nothing, they couldn't shake the feeling that this person was different.

The chorus is particularly poignant, as the singer describes the regrets of their decision to let go of someone close to perfection: "Now I realize you were close to perfection, But I went and chose Tennessee." Tennessee, in this context, is not just a state, but a metaphor for running away from something good in search of something else. The singer acknowledges that their choice to let go of this person was ultimately their own decision, and now they are left with regret and a sense of longing.

Overall, "Tennessee" is a simple yet powerful song, with lyrics that resonate with anyone who has experienced missed opportunities or regret. It's a reminder that sometimes the thing we're looking for is right in front of us, but we're too blinded by fear or uncertainty to see it.

Line by Line Meaning

I barely remember the first time I met you
My memory of our first encounter is faint.

You didn't remember my name
You did not recollect my identity.

The alcohol might have clouded your vision
It is possible that your ability to see was impaired by the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

To me its been doing the same
I have also experienced the obfuscating influence of alcohol.

But I haven't forgotten the first time I saw you
However, my recollection of the initial moment I laid eyes on you remains intact.

At most on your way out of town
I recall you were departing the area at that particular juncture.

Everyone warned me don't get worked up over nothing
All those around me cautioned against becoming emotionally invested with your being.

But nothing is all I've got now
As it currently stands, my possession consists solely of emptiness where you once resided.

You close your eyes and you don't hear me speaking
You shut your eyes and remain heedless to my words.

That's probably how it should be
This may actually be the ideal outcome.

Now I realize you were close to perfection
I have come to the realization that you were nearing the status of flawlessness.

But I went and chose Tennessee
Nevertheless, I decided to opt for the state of Tennessee, instead.

I tried in vain but I can't rediscover
I have expended considerable effort in trying to reencounter and recapture that which has been lost, but to no avail.

The mirror that shows who I am
The reflective surface that provides insight into my true identity.

Reflecting on you in a warm night in summer
Musing upon you during a tranquil summer evening.

And all the things I couldn't have planned
I now fully recognize the impetus behind my deficient methods of planning.

I went and chose Tennessee
Despite your inherent splendor, I ultimately selected the location of Tennessee.

Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS