About the song
George Strait’s “I Hate Everything”. Released in 2004, this song might surprise some longtime fans accustomed to Strait’s signature brand of Texas two-step and heartfelt ballads. Here, we find Strait wading into the territory of heartbreak and disillusionment, albeit with a characteristically wry touch.
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“I Hate Everything” unfolds in a smoky barroom setting, a familiar haunt for country music protagonists seeking solace or oblivion. Strait steps into the role of a silent observer, sharing the bar with a stranger drowning his sorrows. As the man vents his frustrations with a string of “I hates,” a relatable picture of despair emerges.
The song’s brilliance lies in its universality. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Stuck in a rut, overwhelmed by life’s little annoyances, and perhaps nursing a deeper heartache. The stranger’s diatribe against everything from his one-bedroom apartment to the colors of the rainbow resonates with a jaded, almost comical pessimism.
However, beneath the surface of this negativity lies a deeper current. The stranger’s bitterness stems from a failed relationship, a woman who left him for another man. The faded photograph that falls from his wallet becomes a tangible symbol of lost love, a stark reminder of happier times.
Strait’s understated delivery allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. We hear the sting of betrayal, the longing for what once was, and the struggle to move on.
But “I Hate Everything” is not simply a wallow in self-pity. The song takes an unexpected turn as Strait, the silent observer, becomes an active participant. Witnessing the stranger’s despair triggers a moment of introspection. Perhaps it reminds him of his own marital struggles.
The realization prompts him to reach for his phone, a decision likely fueled by a newfound appreciation for what he has. The song’s ending is beautifully ambiguous. We don’t hear the content of the call, but the implication is clear: Strait is choosing love and reconciliation over the path of bitterness.
“I Hate Everything” stands as a testament to Strait’s artistic evolution. It showcases his ability to delve into complex emotions while maintaining the sonic and lyrical sensibilities that made him a country music icon. The song reminds us that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of hope can remain, and sometimes all it takes is witnessing someone else’s struggles to spark a change within ourselves.
Video
Lyrics
He was sitting there beside me throwing doubles down
When he ordered up his third one he looked around
Then he looked at me, said I do believe I’ll have one more
He said I hate this bar and I hate to drink
But on second thought tonight I think I hate everything
Then he opened up his bill-fold and threw a 20 down
And the faded photograph fell out and hit the ground
And I picked it up, he said thank you bud, I put it in his hand
He said I probably ought to throw this one away
‘Cause she’s the reason I feel this way, I hate everything
[Chorus:]
I hate my job, I hate my life and if it weren’t for my two kids I’d hate my ex-wife
I know I should move on and try to start again
But I just can’t get over her leaving me for him
Then he shook his head and looked down at his ring and said I hate everything
He said one bedroom apartment where I get my mail
Is really not a home, it’s more like a jail
With a swimming pool and a parking lot view, man that’s just great
I hate summer, winter, fall and spring
Red and yellow, purple, blue and green, I hate everything
[Chorus]
So I pulled out my phone and I called my house
I said babe I’m comin’ home, we’re gonna work this out
I paid for his drinks and I told him thanks, thanks for everything