Barely Blue - Midland Lyrics
Barely Blue
I'm the talk of the town
And I've been making the rounds
And the rounds have been making me
Feel better than I thought I'd be
All my friends are surprised
I'm getting on with my life
I can't say I never cared
But I think I'm nearly there because
I'm barely blue without you
Baby I'm alright
Thought it would kill me when you walked out that door (I'm alright)
I never thought that I'd get up off the floor
But I've had a few to get me over your goodbye
I'm hanging in there hanging out here tonight (I'm alright)
Under these neon lights
I'm barely blue
[VERSE]
I've been hanging out late
Slowly chipping away at the heart of this heartbreak
Save your sad songs for another day
'Cause
[Chorus]
I'm barely blue without you
Baby I'm alright
Thought it would kill me when you walked out that door (I'm alright)
I never thought that I'd get up off the floor
And I've had a few to get me over your goodbye
I'm hanging in there hanging out here tonight (I'm alright)
Under these neon lights
I'm barely blue
[BRIDGE]
I know you're with someone else
I'll have one more and then
I'll tell myself that
[Chorus]
I'm barely blue without you
Baby I'm alright
Thought it would kill me when you walked out that door (I'm alright)
I never thought that I'd get up off the floor
But I've had a few to get me over your goodbye
I'm hanging in there hanging out here tonight (I'm alright)
Under these neon lights (I'm alright)
I'm barely blue
Introduction
"Barely Blue" is the second song from Midland's 2024 album, *Barely Blue*. The song talks about what is left of a person trying to survive heartbreak—the theme of this song centers on moving forward after a breakup. Sad as it may be, the narrator has reached a point where they are no longer overcome by loss but "barely blue." Midland combines light-hearted lyrics with a reflective review of post-breakup healing, all done in their nostalgic country style.
Song Info
- Producer: Dave Cobb
- Release Date: September 20, 2024
- Writers: Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne
- Genre: Country
- Album: *Barely Blue*
Unpacking the Lyrics to "Barely Blue" by Midland
The storyline of the song reflects a person who has gone through a rough breakup but is now in a state of near-recovery. The emotional tone of the song entwines melancholy with optimism, suggesting that the healing process is almost complete but not entirely. Throughout the verses, the protagonist expresses sadness yet also shows gradual progress toward moving on. The repetition of "I'm alright" in the chorus underlines their resilience, even while still feeling the remnants of heartbreak.
Verse 1
In the first lines, the protagonist is "the talk of the town," apparently due to a new breakup. But they have surprised themselves and everyone else by handling it better than expected. They admit that they still care for the one who left, but feel "nearly there" in terms of emotional healing, signaling a turning point where sorrow no longer consumes them.
Chorus
The chorus emphasizes the idea of being "barely blue" without the ex-partner. The repeated phrase "Baby, I'm alright" keeps the listener engaged with the feeling of survival. While the heartbreak once felt overwhelming—unable to "get up off the floor"—the protagonist now stands, helped along by a few drinks ("I've had a few to get me over your goodbye"). Neon lights, often symbolizing nightlife, represent an escape and distraction from emotional turmoil.
Verse 2
By the second verse, the protagonist describes how they’ve been "slowly chipping away at the heart of this heartbreak." This line portrays the slow, gradual process of moving on. They remain focused on recovery, avoiding sad songs that might deepen their sorrow. The upbeat tempo in this verse reflects their progress toward healing.
Bridge
The bridge introduces the bittersweet realization that the ex-partner is with someone else. Despite this, the protagonist pushes themselves to have "one more" drink, possibly as a coping mechanism for the lingering pain. The internal conflict—acknowledging the ex’s new relationship while convincing themselves they’re "barely blue"—adds a poignant moment of vulnerability.
Final Chorus
The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus, maintaining the theme of perseverance. The phrase "under these neon lights" serves as both a metaphor for artificial distractions and the environment where they find solace. Ultimately, the protagonist remains "barely blue," suggesting that they are moving on, though it's still a work in progress.
Song Theme
Ultimately, "Barely Blue" is about emotional resilience after a breakup. The protagonist walks through the stages of grief and healing, acknowledging the pain of loss while recognizing their progress. The title "Barely Blue" reflects this duality—the grief isn't entirely gone, but it has lessened enough for them to carry on. The recurring imagery of neon lights enhances the theme, symbolizing nightlife as a temporary escape from emotional struggles. On a broader level, the song touches on universal themes of heartache, recovery, and personal strength.
Technical an*lysis
Technically speaking, "Barely Blue" exemplifies Midland’s blend of modern and classic country. The production by Dave Cobb brings the song to life with a subtle mix of traditional country instrumentation, like pedal steel guitars, and modern polished soundscapes. The song structure follows a traditional verse-chorus-bridge format, typical of country ballads. The catchy, repetitive chorus helps drive home the message of moving on, allowing listeners to emotionally connect while enjoying the upbeat, honky-tonk-inspired vibe.
Comparisons with Previous Work
"Barely Blue" follows in the vein of Midland songs like "Drinkin' Problem" or "Make a Little," exploring themes of love, heartache, and recovery, but with a more introspective tone. While many of their songs lean toward playful or irreverent approaches to heartbreak, "Barely Blue" taps into deeper emotions, showing the band's versatility in handling both lighthearted and serious subjects.
Artist
Midland is known for their revival of traditional country music, blending honky-tonk elements with retro influences and modern country. The trio—Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy—has established a reputation for an authentic sound rooted in the country music of the 1970s and 1980s.
Midland's exploration of emotional vulnerability and resilience in "Barely Blue" demonstrates their growth as artists, balancing traditional country music with modern storytelling.