About the song
Carrie Underwood’s “Wasted” explores the theme of moving on from a failing relationship and overcoming unhealthy habits.
Here’s a breakdown of the background and themes:
Background:
- Released in 2007 on Underwood’s album “Carnival Ride.”
- Considered a mid-tempo country song.
Themes:
- Loss and Regret: The lyrics depict a couple and an individual grappling with the loss of love and the wasted time spent in a deteriorating relationship.
- Letting Go and Moving On: Both characters showcase the strength to walk away despite the initial pain. They recognize the importance of not letting their lives become “wasted” on a lost cause.
- Breaking Free from Addiction: The male character’s struggle with alcohol can be interpreted as an allegory for any unhealthy attachment or behavior that hinders personal growth.
- Hope for the Future: Despite the sadness of the situation, the song offers a glimmer of hope. The characters take control of their lives, suggesting a brighter future lies ahead.
Additional points to consider:
- The music video portrays the emotional turmoil of the characters visually.
- The song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar situations.
Video
Lyrics
Standing at the back doorShe tried to make it fastOne tear hit the hard woodIt fell like broken glassShe said, “sometimes love slips awayAnd you just can’t get it backLet’s face it”
For one split secondShe almost turned aroundBut that would be like pouring rain dropsBack into a cloudSo she took another step and saidI see the way out and I’m gonna take it
I don’t wanna spend my life jadedWaiting to wake up one day and findThat I let all these years go byWasted
Another glass of whiskey but it still don’t kill the painSo he stumbles to the sink and pours it down the drainHe said, “it’s time to be a man and stop living for yesterdayGotta face it”
‘Cause I don’t wanna spend my life jadedWaiting to wake up one day and findThat I let all these years go byWasted
Oh, I don’t wanna keep on wishin’, missin’The still of the morning, the color of the nightI ain’t spending no more timeWasted
She kept drivin’ along‘Til the moon and the sun were floating side-by-sideAnd he looked in the mirror and his eyes were clearFor the first time in a while, hey, yeah
Oh, I don’t wanna spend my life jadedWaiting to wake up one day and findThat I let all these years go byWasted
Oh, I don’t wanna keep on wishin’, missin’The still of the morning, the color of the nightI ain’t spending no more timeWasted
Oh, I don’t wanna spend my life jadedWaiting to wake up one day and findThat I let all these years go byWasted, yeah, yeah
Oh, I don’t wanna keep on wishin’, missin’The still of the morning, the color of the nightI ain’t spending no more timeWasted