Country music is known for its storytelling and emotional impact, and one of the most powerful songs of 2022 was Wait in the Truck by Hardy and Lainey Wilson. The song tells the story of a woman who escapes from an abusive relationship with the help of a stranger who takes matters into his own hands. The song has resonated with many listeners who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, and it has also sparked a conversation about the role of music in raising awareness and providing support for survivors.
The Lyrics of Wait in the Truck
The song begins with Hardy’s perspective, as he narrates how he found a woman on the side of the road, bruised and bleeding from her abusive partner. He offers her a ride and asks her where he can find the man who hurt her.
I got turned around in some little town
I’d never been to before
Working my way through a middle of June
Midnight thunderstorm
There was something in the headlights
It stopped me on a dime
Well, she was scared to death
So I said “Climb in” and in she climbed
Oh, yeah
Well, she was bruised and broke from head to toe
With a tear in her blood stained shirt
She didn’t tell the whole truth but she didn’t have to
I knew what had happened to her
I didn’t load her down with questions
That girl had been through enough
I just threw it in drive, looked in those eyes
And I asked her where he was
He then switches to Lainey Wilson’s perspective, as she sings about how Hardy was an angel who came to her rescue and gave her justice by shooting her abuser. She reveals that she had been hiding her “whisky scars” from him, implying that she had been drinking to cope with the pain.
I don’t know if he’s an angel
‘Cause angels don’t do what he did
He was hellbent to find the man behind
All the whiskey scars I hid
I never thought my day of justice
Would come from a judge under a seat
But I knew right then I’d never get hit again
When he said to me
“Wait in the truck”
“Just wait in the truck”
She also expresses her gratitude for Hardy’s act of vengeance, even though it landed him in prison.
The chorus repeats the phrase “Wait in the truck,”, which is what Hardy told Wilson before he confronted her abuser. This phrase becomes a symbol of their bond and their shared fate as they both wait for each other in different ways. Wilson waits for Hardy to come back from his mission, while Hardy waits for Wilson to visit him in jail. The song also uses religious imagery to contrast Hardy’s actions with his morality. He asks for mercy from God while acknowledging that he might be “here forever“, implying that he does not regret what he did.
It’s been sixty months and she still comes
To see me from time to time
It was worth the price, to see a brighter side
Of the girl I picked up that night
And I might be here forever
It ain’t paradise that’s true
But it’s a whole hell of a lot better
Than the place I sent him to, yeah
The song ends on a hopeful note, as Hardy says that he is happier in prison than his victim was in life. He also says that Wilson still comes to see him from time to time, and that he was glad to see her smile again. The song suggests that their relationship was more than just a random encounter but a meaningful connection that changed their lives.
The Meaning of Wait in the Truck
Wait in the Truck is based on a true story that Hardy heard from a friend of his father’s who was a truck driver. He claimed to have picked up and taken home a woman who had suffered abuse at the hands of her husband. He then went back to her trailer and shot her husband dead. Hardy was fascinated by this story and decided to write a song about it with Lainey Wilson, who is also a country singer and songwriter. The idea for the song also came from a conversation between Hardy and another co-writer, Hunter Phelps. They were discussing what they would do if their fiancées were attacked, and Hardy mentioned he would direct the attacker towards himself and then tell his fiancée to “wait in the truck”. They realised that this was a good song title and wrote the song with Renee Blair and Jordan Schmidt in Schmidt’s home studio. They took inspiration from the song “Ol’ Red” by Blake Shelton, which is also a murder ballad with a twist.
The song explores the themes of domestic violence, revenge, justice, and redemption. It portrays domestic violence as a serious issue that affects many women and men, and that often goes unnoticed or ignored by society. It also shows how some survivors may feel trapped or hopeless in their situation and may resort to self-harm or substance abuse to cope. The song does not condone violence or murder as a solution, but rather depicts it as a desperate act of compassion and courage by someone who wanted to help another human being.
The song also challenges the stereotypes and expectations of country music and its listeners. It features two duet partners who are not romantically involved but rather share a platonic bond based on empathy and respect. It also features a female character who is not passive or submissive but rather strong and resilient. She does not need a man to save her but rather appreciates one who stands up for her. The song also addresses a social issue that is often taboo or controversial in country music culture, which is known for its conservative values and traditional views.
It has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its storytelling, performance, and message. It has also been nominated for several awards, including Song of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards. The music video claimed the title of Collaborative Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
The song has also inspired many survivors of domestic violence to share their stories and seek help, as well as many supporters to donate to organisations that provide resources and assistance for victims.
“Wait in the Truck” is a powerful song that tells a true story of domestic violence, revenge, justice, and redemption. It features two country singers who collaborate to create an engaging and emotional narrative that resonates with many listeners. The song also raises awareness and sparks a conversation about an important social issue that affects many people around the world. The song is an example of how music can be used as a tool for change and empowerment.
The Mississippi native is currently in the midst of the One Night At A Time World Tour, where he serves as direct support for Morgan Wallen. He is also headlining his own shows on his sold-out the mockingbird & THE CROW Tour.
Lainey Wilson is spending her spring/summer touring with Luke Combs on his 2023 stadium tour.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read our other articles on music analysis: