CHUCK TAYLORS

(One, two, three, one)

[Verse 1]
We were holdin' hands, barefoot in the grass
With the red sunset still warm on our backs
The sky looked like an ocean and the water looked like glass
And forever meant tomorrow
We both wondered if we would last

[Pre-Chorus]
But you were leavin' town, I didn't wanna face it
Love just doesn't grow in two different places
Us burnin' out, I couldn't take it
So we tied a double knot in those faded white laces

[Chorus]
My sizе twelve and your size sеven
We flew 'em straight, straight up to heaven, high
In the small-town sky
It was up in the air, are they gonna make it?
Never come down, never gonna come untied
Yeah, you and I, we're still hangin'
In there just like Chuck Taylor's on a power line

[Verse 2]
In between the silence, you and me talked all night
I made you laugh, then accidentally made you cry
When I said, "I wouldn't blame you, if the sunrise meant 'goodbye'."
You said, "How dare you, baby. Who are we not to try?"
[Pre-Chorus]
Then sittin' right there on the hood of your satin
Bright as the red on your flower dress pattern
A light went off, and that's when it happened
You were gonna be mine and nothing else mattered

[Chorus]
My size twelve and your size seven
We flew 'em straight, straight up to heaven, high
In the small-town sky (Sky)
It was up in the air, are they gonna make it?
Never come down, never gonna come untied
Yeah, you and I, we're still hangin'
In there just like Chuck Taylor's on a power line
(Ooh)

[Bridge]
Oh
"Are they gonna make it?"
Yes, we're gonna make it
"Are they gonna make it?"
Mmm, yes, we're gonna make it

[Chorus]
My size twelve and your size seven
We flew 'em straight, straight up to heaven, high
In our small town's sky
It was up in the air, are they gonna make it?
Never come down, never gonna come untied
No, we're never gonna come untied
[Outro]
We're gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Oh, yeah)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Ooh)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Yeah)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Chuck Taylor's on a power line)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Yes we are)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Oh-oh)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Just look at us, look at us, baby)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now (Yeah, you and I were still hanging in there)
Gonna make it, yes, we're gonna make it now
Just like Chuck Taylor's on a power line

Introduction



"CHUCK TAYLORS" is the sixth track on Keith Urban's 2024 album *HIGH*, produced by Urban and Greg Wells. The song tells the story of a young love that defies the odds, symbolized by the image of Chuck Taylor sneakers tied together and thrown over a power line. The nostalgic yet hopeful lyrics capture the innocence and uncertainty of a relationship, with the central theme being about love enduring despite challenges. With a blend of acoustic elements and heartfelt storytelling, "CHUCK TAYLORS" showcases Urban's knack for turning everyday imagery into a metaphor for lasting commitment.

Song Info



  • Producers: Greg Wells & Keith Urban

  • Release Date: September 20, 2024

  • Genre: Country

  • Album: *HIGH*



Exploring the Lyrics of "CHUCK TAYLORS" by Keith Urban



"CHUCK TAYLORS" tells the story of a love that has stood the test of time, represented by the classic image of sneakers thrown over a power line—a symbol of youth and rebelliousness. The song draws on themes of love, perseverance, and nostalgia, with the relationship being compared to Chuck Taylors that remain hanging in place despite the uncertainty of the future.

Verse 1

The song opens with a vivid image of a couple "holding hands, barefoot in the grass" with a red sunset still warm on their backs, capturing the bliss of a perfect moment. The sky and water are described with serene imagery, reflecting the calm before the potential turbulence of an uncertain future. Despite this, they tie their love together like "a double knot in those faded white laces," symbolizing their commitment, even when the future is unclear.

Pre-Chorus

In the pre-chorus, Urban reflects on the difficulty of maintaining love when circumstances pull people in different directions: "Love just doesn't grow in two different places." The act of tying the Chuck Taylors together represents their attempt to hold on to something fleeting, knowing they might be separated. The laces serve as a metaphor for their bond, enduring despite physical distance.

Chorus

The chorus brings the key metaphor into focus: "My size twelve and your size seven, we flew 'em straight, straight up to heaven." The couple’s shoes, tossed over the power line, represent their love as it "hangs in the small-town sky." The question "Are they gonna make it?" underscores the uncertainty that comes with young love, but the sneakers stay tied, symbolizing that they’re still "hanging in there."

Verse 2

In the second verse, Urban recalls a deeper emotional moment when they stayed up all night talking. He accidentally makes her cry with the suggestion that they might not last until sunrise, but her response—"How dare you, baby. Who are we not to try?"—reveals her determination to fight for their love. This moment solidifies their bond, reinforcing the idea that they’re meant to be together.

Pre-Chorus (Reprise)

The pre-chorus is repeated, but this time with a renewed sense of confidence as Urban reflects on the moment when everything clicked: "You were gonna be mine and nothing else mattered." The imagery of the red on her dress symbolizes the passion and determination that now drives their relationship.

Chorus (Reprise)

The chorus returns with the same powerful metaphor of the sneakers, still hanging in the sky as a testament to their enduring love. The repetition of the line "Are they gonna make it?" reflects the continued uncertainty, but the chorus ends with the affirmation that they’re still together, "never gonna come untied."

Bridge

The bridge introduces a dialogue where the couple reassures themselves that they *are* going to make it. This builds on the themes of hope and resilience, bringing a sense of optimism that their love will survive despite the challenges they face.

Chorus (Final)

The final chorus drives the point home, with Urban repeating that their love, like the Chuck Taylors, will stay tied and endure. The imagery of the shoes hanging on a power line serves as a symbol of youthful defiance and the strength of their bond.

Outro

In the outro, Urban continues to repeat the optimistic refrain: "We're gonna make it," reinforcing the message that their love is resilient and will stand the test of time. The song ends on a hopeful note, leaving the listener with the impression that their relationship is as steady as ever.

Song Theme



The theme of "CHUCK TAYLORS" centers around the idea of enduring love despite uncertainty and distance. The metaphor of the sneakers tied together and thrown over a power line symbolizes the couple’s commitment, with the power line representing the uncertainty of life and the shoes representing their bond. The song explores themes of nostalgia, young love, and perseverance, celebrating the beauty of holding on to something even when it feels fragile.

Technical an*lysis



Musically, "CHUCK TAYLORS" blends Urban's country roots with soft rock influences. The song is driven by acoustic and electric guitars, with subtle elements like banjo and accordion adding texture. Greg Wells' production emphasizes the warm, nostalgic feel of the track, creating a rich soundscape that complements the lyrical themes. The steady rhythm and repeated chorus create a sense of comfort and familiarity, making the song feel like an ode to enduring love. The harmonies and background vocals from Jerry Flowers add depth, while the understated instrumentation keeps the focus on Urban’s storytelling.

Impact and Reception



"CHUCK TAYLORS" is expected to resonate with listeners who appreciate Urban’s blend of relatable storytelling and evocative imagery. The song’s central metaphor of the shoes on a power line will likely strike a chord with fans who have experienced similar feelings of love and uncertainty. Its nostalgic yet hopeful tone, combined with its catchy chorus, positions it as a standout track on *HIGH*. Urban’s ability to craft songs that are both personal and universally relatable continues to shine through in this track.

Artist



Keith Urban is renowned for his ability to blend country with pop and rock influences, creating music that appeals to a wide audience. Known for his evocative lyrics and dynamic performances, Urban’s storytelling in "CHUCK TAYLORS" captures the essence of young love and enduring commitment. His ability to take everyday symbols and turn them into powerful metaphors has made him one of the most successful and respected artists in country music.