Luke Combs

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Used to Wish I Was

Luke Combs

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When I was fifteen I had running back dreams
But never did run too far
Thought I was gonna be number three one day
'Til I wrecked my old man’s car
I almost finished college, but I ain't cut from that cloth
Used to wish I was, but I'm glad I'm not

[Chorus]
I'm just an old Carolina good ole boy
Boys, I ain’t got no choice
I pick a little guitar in the evenin'
Wear Mossy Oak outta deer season
I couldn’t be anybody but me, even if I tried
I used to wish I was, but I'm glad I’m not

[Verse 2]
Used to have a Tennessee Bill Dance hat
But barely ever got 'em in the boat
I used to wanna hit 'em like Chipper did
But I swung it just a little too slow
Yeah, these days I don't wanna be anybody but me
I used to wish I was, but I'm glad I’m not

[Chorus]
I'm just an old Carolina good ole boy
Boys, I ain't got no choice
I pick a little guitar in the evenin'
Wear Mossy Oak outta deer season
I couldn't be anybody but me, even if I tried
I used to wish I was, but I’m glad I’m not
[Chorus]
I'm just an old Carolina good ole boy
Boys, I ain't got no choice
I pick a little guitar in the evenin'
Wear Mossy Oak outta deer season
I couldn't be anybody but me, even if I tried
I used to wish I was, but I'm glad I'm not
Yeah, I'm glad I'm notEmbed

If there's one name that dominated country music in recent years, it's Luke Combs. With his ruggedly honest lyrics depicting the highs and lows of love and life, the singer struck a chord with fans worldwide. Today, we're going to talk about one of his most relatable and sonically pleasing works yet - Used to Wish I Was.

About Used to Wish I Was

Released in 2021 as a part of Combs' deluxe album What You See Ain't Always What You Get, Used to Wish I Was is a track that's bound to tug at your heartstrings. The song is a beautiful reflection of how people grow and change over time, acknowledging the thoughts they had when they were younger and how their perspective has shifted since. The track is written in Combs' signature style - raw, unabashedly candid, and full of soulful melodies.

At first blush, Used to Wish I Was may come off as an upbeat track that's just perfect for a long drive on a summer day. Indeed, the song exudes a sense of optimism that's so characteristic of Combs' music. Yet, the closer you listen to the lyrics, the more poignant the tune becomes.

The song starts with a reflection on a younger, unbridled self, singing about how he used to think love was "just heartache in disguise." The melody carries a certain sense of nostalgia as Combs spins a yarn about his younger self's dreams and wishes, which were probably impractical, even ridiculous, in hindsight.

But as the song progresses, the melody takes on a wistful tone. Combs sings about how he used to be reckless and how much he's changed since then. He grapples with the fact that he can't stop time or change things from his past, but he also reckons that his past has shaped him into who he is now. The song ends on a hopeful note with Combs acknowledging that he's still growing and changing and that he'll continue to have new reflections to share as he gets even older.

What makes Used to Wish I Was such a memorable track is the universality of its themes. We've all had dreams that we now realize were unrealistic, and we've all grown and changed in the years since. Combs' candid reflections on these topics strike a chord with listeners and pull them in with the track's unique sense of warmth and emotion.

It's also essential to talk about the song's musical arrangement. Used to Wish I Was is a perfect example of how country and rock can coexist in one cohesive tune. The track's soaring harmonies, dynamic percussion, and infectious guitar riffs combine to make a sound that's as distinctive as it is satisfying. The instrumentation choice perfectly complements Combs' vocals, highlighting the track's emotional depth and authenticity.

The Bottom Line

As one of Luke Combs' most intimate and honest works yet, Used to Wish I Was is a song that will resonate with anyone who's ever grappled with their past and their present. The track's heartwarming melody and authentic lyrics combine to make it an instant classic that won't soon be forgotten. Listening to the song is like taking a journey down memory lane, reminding us all that life is a journey, and we're all in the driver's seat.