About the song
Background
“Austin” was the launching pad for Blake Shelton’s country music career. Released in April 2001, it became both his debut single and the first track on his self-titled album. Songwriters David Kent and Kirsti Manna crafted the tune, which quickly gained traction on the charts.
Lyrics
The song follows a man reflecting on a past love. The lyrics paint a picture of a carefree life where weekends are spent at ball games and on the lake. However, a lingering message from his ex, Austin, disrupts his easygoing routine. The unanswered message and the woman’s name “Austin” become a symbol of his unresolved feelings.
Themes
- Lost Love: The central theme revolves around the protagonist’s struggle to move on from a past relationship. Austin represents a love that continues to hold a significant place in his heart.
- Regret: The lyrics hint at the narrator’s regret for letting Austin go. He ponders whether things could have been different if he’d paid more attention.
- Moving On: Despite his lingering emotions, the song also suggests a tentative step towards moving forward. The carefree weekend plans showcase an attempt to live life despite the heartache.
Video
Lyrics
She left without leavin’ a numberSaid she needed to clear her mindHe figured she’d gone back to Austin‘Cause she talked about it all the timeIt was almost a year before she called him upThree rings and an answering machine is what she got
If your callin’ ’bout the car, I sold itIf this is Tuesday night, I’m bowlin’If you’ve got somethin’ to sell your wastin’ your time, I’m not buyin’If it’s anybody else wait for the tone you know what to doAnd P.S., if this is Austin, I still love you
The telephone fell to the counterShe heard but she couldn’t believeWhat kind of man would hang on that longWhat kind of love that must beShe waited three days and then she tried againShe didn’t know what she’d sayBut she heard three rings and then
If it’s Friday night, I’m at the ball gameAnd first thing Saturday, if it don’t rainI’m headed out to the lake and I’ll be gone all weekend longBut I’ll call you back when I get home on Sunday afternoonAnd P.S., if this is Austin, I still love you
Well, this time she left her numberBut not another wordThen she waited by the phone on Sunday eveningAnd this is what he heard
If your callin’ ’bout my heart, it’s still yoursI should’ve listened to it a little moreThen it wouldn’t have taken me so longTo know where I belongAnd by the way, boy, this is no machine your talkin’ toCan’t you tell, this is Austin, and I still love you
I still love you