FIRST TIME LISTEN: "Wait In The Truck" Controversy EXPLAINED

[@MrMSBranham]

In my hillbilly culture there used to be a difference between a murder and a killing. A murder was a crime, like killing someone during a robbery. A killing was something like taking care of a wife beater or child abuser when the local law was either negligent or just indifferent to protecting people out away from the cities.

[@wheel-man5319]

Or having your nine (or.45) handy when someone comes through the door who was intent on taking your life or property.

[@topcatwarrior]

As my Granddaddy used to say, “some people need killin’, they ain’t deservin’ of breathin’ the same air as decent folks.”🤷🏻‍♀️

[@thefreeman8791]

Yeah. There was a guy killed in my grandpa’s home town in rural Kentucky. The guy’s murder was not solved but my grandpa used to say that nobody cared about it because “he needed killin”.

[@tooslow4065]

@@wheel-man5319 how would you know they had the intent to kill you?

[@justmepraying]

@@topcatwarrior your granddaddy was a very smart man

[@scout06171]

He traded his life for hers. That’s all it was. Brought tears to this old man’s eyes.

[@gsp404faith5]

Not many people would do that. After 8 years a detective helped me escape.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Pull yourself together man! Lol

[@MarshallRodriguez-si9vq]

perfectly said.

[@jynkillian5326]

He knew he could survive the outcome of what he did, she couldn't if he hadn't.

[@DonJohnson-x3r]

he is what the kids these days call a SIMP

[@govols535]

This is why I told my wife she had to stop telling me about her work when she was a child abuse investigator. I was very close to telling her to stay in the truck.

[@thomasswanson6405]

Damn straight.

[@daviddunn4061]

The lives of humans in between the radical coasts, have our hearts but not supporting. If they want to be Hamas. Let them.. try and make your way to IN.

[@Daniel-dc4xm]

My ex use to work at the health department. I drink for everyone else’s safety, i too found myself in that position. The stories that ive heard. God gave you the strength to resist. 🙏🏻Bless You!

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

My cousin did something similar and just got out after serving 19 years in prison. He forced someone who preyed on children to take the room temperature challenge. Based on the justice system in the state he was in, i believe he did the right thing.

[@heatherwest8998]

I might regret asking this, but…What in the hell is the room temperature challenge?

[@emilymountain5442]

@@heatherwest8998 that's what i was thinking....

[@randyroberts5268]

@@heatherwest8998 when someone assumes room temperature that means they’re dead.

[@shanedennis1487]

“I never thought my day of justice would come from a Judge under his seat” is going to go down as one of the best single lyrical lines of all time. There is so much to unpack in those 15 words. It speaks to our broken justice system and how it fails innocent victims. The irony used with “Judge” is pure genius. We all expect judges to deliver justice. We just never expect it to be a Taurus Judge. Even referencing the seat……old truck……with a bench seat. Where do judges rule from? The Bench. 15 words……in todays world of “manufacturing” music, Hardy has chosen to craft it.

[@bad77dragtruck]

This breakdown was brought to you by someone that needs to write some lyrics!

[@wezdog13008]

You nailed it! I'll even add one more to it. (Not sure how familiar you are with firearms) but there is a handgun called the judge. It's a revolver that chambers 410 shotgun loads.

[@shanedennis1487]

@@wezdog13008 Yes. I referenced it…the Taurus Judge.

[@teeneauxg8681]

Very insightful. The only thing that in lyric choice was his use of the word “pistol” instead of “handgun.”

[@jonesfamilyfarms9325]

I heard that part and was like “BRO”

[@TheSimba86]

You can see by the look on Michael's face that this song just awakened his inner YEEHAW

[@jessiewalls1289]

xD

[@Niniof5]

How do YOU know he was hardly SHOWN. saw MORE of VID than his REACTION

[@DAVEBROWNE2004]

I guess Christy wasn't paying attention.

[@wild_goose_0285]

YEE YEE

[@midnitesunblues]

you just made me laugh

[@jedmetheny3710]

The critics are just intimidated by this song because it's a man, in his role, doing exactly what a man was designed to do. Provide and protect

[@lilchristuten7568]

Not in this case. Man was not designed to break into another man's house and kill him (particularly when he's not in the process of harming anyone).

[@jedmetheny3710]

@@lilchristuten7568 Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one

[@justmepraying]

@@lilchristuten7568 and your answer is why you are probably still living at home with momma and daddy because no good woman would have you

[@tooslow4065]

@@jedmetheny3710 and stupid people think their opinions matters. maybe the woman got into a fight with another woman. what if she hates her husband? this dude comes along and murders him.

[@savsmiles3042]

@@deusdex1186 just like Johnny Depp found a bad woman and stayed with her and all the men who marry bad women who end up cheating on them and divorcing them and taking half. Men only have themselves to blame for getting with and staying with abusive women.

[@rachel81962]

I have ben doing law enforcement for 38 years , sometimes there is no justice unless served up by someone as in this song

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Having worked in a prison. I concur!

[@garyandtricia1]

The other unusual thing about this song is that it's two separate stories. They aren't singing to each other, just telling their part of the story.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Yep. From the perspective of the video they are signing to the Judge.

[@VVeremoose]

Whiskey Lullaby has elements of this, too.

[@garyandtricia1]

@@VVeremoose True

[@gabrielBrasil122]

Yes, like a deposition

[@finallythere100]

But what about the 3rd story where she hooks up with or marries another abuser.?

[@KBeth35]

I'm from Oklahoma. I've never heard this song. I'm not a country music fan but I got chills listening to this. Remembering a night when I was in a domestic dispute with my boyfriend. I took off running and my brother met me in the kitchen. He said go to my room. That situation was taken care of. Country boys have the best heart! I love my bubba!

[@UncaAlbyGmail]

so instead of "wait in the truck", it was "wait in your room" ?? 😆😆😆

[@KBeth35]

@@UncaAlbyGmail not even mine. He put me in his lol

[@thomasturner6827]

Bet he didn't kill him. Because, you know, that's absolutely wrong.

[@KBeth35]

@@thomasturner6827 No, he just made him leave

[@UncaAlbyGmail]

@@thomasturner6827 Of course. They just locked him jail for smoking on the porch.

[@CowboyHatsAndKuchen]

I was saved twice by men in a dv situation. Once it took 2 of his friends to pull him off of me as he tried snapping my arm and the second time I finally had the guts to run away and go to one of those guys' houses. My bf showed up trying to get to me and the guy told him to leave...he listened that day... later started stalking me and more and I had to leave the state to get away. Thank you to all the men out there that help us!

[@DD-oi3vh]

Amen to that! I was 16 and pregnant, when I had to flee into the arms of a neighbor that I’d never met, after banging on his door for help- he opened his door, his arms, & his heart, after a quick comforting hug, all he said was “r u ok? Where is he?”. I quickly replied “somewhere behind me, I was running from him”- the man sat me on his couch, grabbed his gun and waited at the door. Spent the next 18 years being stalked & hiding. Still tear up, when I think of that angel that opened his door to me- wish I could thank him again, after all this time, & introduce him to my now adult child, that he saved that night!

[@jasminryu5471]

😢

[@classifiedsavageveteran]

There’s no need to thank the few of us out here. But just my quick story of defending a young lady. One day I seen a truck swerving all over the road, I didn’t know what was going on until I got right up really close behind them, a guy was repeatedly hitting and pulling the girls hair, and he kept slamming on his breaks, so I was calling the police, then he pulls over, and by the time I caught up to near where he pulled over at, he had already had gotten out the truck and was on the passenger side, pulling her outta the truck while still beating on her. So, I slammed on my brakes and got out , ran up to him and grabbed him in a chokehold and slammed him to the ground and, I beat him into a coma . He was in a coma for a few weeks, and he partially recovered. I did get arrested because, I did call the law before he stopped, but sense the cops weren’t there yet , I had to do what I had to do to stop him completely. And at the trial the young lady showed up and testified about everything from him beating her to me beating him. And she said if I didn’t stop and help her, that her bf that was beating her, said he was try to pull her out to kill her, and this saved her life. Well, the judge gave me a 5yr sentence, but by the GRACE OF GOD, I asked for a review of my case and the warden and sheriff, asked the judge why was the guy that beat her getting about the same sentence. And by this time, I had already spent little over 6months in, the judge, changed his ruling and, the judge gave me time served, but it took them almost a month to get all the paperwork done. AND IF I EVER SEE ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN, I’LL DO IT AGAIN! Ladies or men,PLEASE DO NOT STAY WITH MENor a woman,THAT ARE BEATING YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY ABUSING YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN , LIVE THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY, THERE ARE A BUNCH OF PLACES THAT WILL HELP, JUST ASK THE POLICE FOR THE INFORMATION, and usually the police will take you and your children to a safe house! JESUS CHRIST LIVES/JESUS CHRIST SAVES🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️

[@StacyA406]

Classified Savage you are a dying breed and thank you so much.

[@DD-oi3vh]

@@classifiedsavageveteran You might not feel the need to be thanked, but I sure feel the need to thank you- you’d be surprised at how many people turn a blind eye. So thank you, for being 1 of the seemingly few men left, who would intervene without hesitation 💕

[@charlottehertlein996]

I speak on this as a domestic abuse survivor, this is just my viewpoint. This song has been incredibly healing even almost ten years after escaping that person as much as I can. For those who have never experienced it firsthand, it is insanely hard to move forward even ten years later. I can still tell you there are things that stick around from years of trauma living in that life. Hardy has always been a storyteller and he will always be one to the best.

[@TheHestya]

And there's always a voice in the back of the head that the bastard might be prowling around.

[@charlottehertlein996]

@@TheHestya yes. Still have that feeling. Say someone on the highway the other day with the exact tattoo as mine and it caused me to panic.

[@TheHestya]

@@charlottehertlein996 I wish you peace.

[@wendydevereux4375]

30 years on I still flinch when a certain tone of voice is heard. I still fear alcohol. I have never remarried or had another relationship also cannot trust anyone not to be him

[@charmanesutton536]

Amen

[@eldenjr]

I know a story about a man who traded places with us and took the punishment on himself. 🤔 We know these types of abusers get away with it on a daily basis. What a great song and an even more powerful message.

[@levivoyles5924]

Exactly, Jesus was a vigilante who rebelled against the civil system.

[@Sir......]

@@levivoyles5924 (the incorrect one, not an excuse to rebel against good laws lol )

[@davidgraham2673]

When the Judge Himself freely pays your fine; The most foolish thing one can do is to refuse the gift. Particularly concerning a fine you could never repay. EVER. That is like spitting in His face as he reaches for His checkbook. It won't go well after that. Guaranteed. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes, shall not perish, but have everlasting life" Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by Faith, through Grace, are you saved. Not of yourselves; it is the GIFT of God, and not of works, so that no man should boast."

[@coryburns9161]

​@@levivoyles5924 👍

[@davidleatherneck]

@@levivoyles5924 ,,, He came to set those that believed in Him free. The only System he rebelled against were the Hypocritical Sanhedrin that led all Gods people astray and away from the truth.

[@lessanderfer7195]

The only surprise to this song, is that it took this long for someone to write a song about it. As a Deep Southerner, I've heard "Stay in your room", "Stay inside", "Stay in the Car", "Stay in the Truck", "Whatever happens, just stay right here", etc., all my life.

[@EchosTackyTiki]

We can agree or disagree with the morals or the actions or argue about whether these things are justified. But this song is just damn good. And you can't argue with that.

[@DonJohnson-x3r]

the song is bullshit and sends the wrong message to young boys and men

[@lorireed8046]

She should have said he heard the fighting inside. He was an old friend and dang it... Would've totally got a story going!! Where was his small town jury? Justified and not guilty.

[@SuperiorEMPAccount08]

Eh, I prefer my country without unnecessary murder

[@EchosTackyTiki]

@@lorireed8046 based and try-that-in-a-small-town pilled

[@EchosTackyTiki]

@@SuperiorEMPAccount08 based and good-people pilled

[@wendydevereux4375]

The cops told my daughter to leave the house with a baby and blood all over her. They did not arrest HIM they stood by and told HER TO LEAVE!! this story in this track needs playing to judges and the police

[@demccll]

Same happened to me- the baby and I were told to leave- nothing happened to him...I was in hiding for 2 weeks.

[@faithcondiff3657]

Where's her justice!?! I'm so sorry!

[@thomasswanson6405]

I feel like if it was my daughter I'd be doing the same thing as the guy in the song. I'd trade my life for my daughter in a heartbeat.

[@russellgilson3536]

The cops and judges need to join him in jail.

[@jlgavitt]

They told me if I didn't go back inside with my baby, I'd be arrested and they'd take my son. He was hammered and high, I was beat to hell, and they told me to go back in. I looked right at that cop and said "I bet you smack your wife around, too." But...I went back in bc I wasn't losing my son. It took me 5 more months, and a lot of scheming and suffering, but I got out. It's also why I'm now considered a "bitch" bc I will NEVER take anything from anyone, ever again. Verbal, physical, emotional, doesn't matter. I'm not taking ANYTHING.

[@TheFamilyVonPapp]

When my mom was a little girl (in the early 70s) there was a guy in his early 20s that raped and beat a young teen girl with Down syndrome nearly to death. He then proceeded to get drunk and brag about it. My mom remembers because she’s from a small, rural town and the girl’s older brother went to to school with my uncles. Well, the local police wouldn’t do anything about it (guy’s daddy was rich). Long story short, some months later he went to a party down by the river and was never seen or heard from again. 🤷‍♀️

[@Lala-il8ny]

Dang.

[@Zemanbeast]

Sounds like suicide to me

[@judycampbell842]

JUSTICE!!!

[@Sassafras-]

Fucking good

[@BelindaTN]

Yep. Pretty common not so long ago.

[@skycorban]

I was a writer for Sony in Nashville for 4 years… you should realize, Hardy is probably the best country writer for the last 10-15 years. AND COUNTRY NEEDED IT.

[@michaelstein7510]

Yeah, he’s written a ton of the biggest hits over the last 5 years or so, and is really coming into his own as an artist. He’s a great songwriter.

[@Scottsdale_Charlie]

I hope he continues to make good music like this I've never been a fan of Hardy until I heard this song definitely one of the best country songs of this age, I like it because it has that bittersweet storytelling reminiscent of old 50s country songs and western ballads like "folsom prison blues" by Jonny Cash "sixteen tons" by Tennessee Erne Ford and "the masters call" by Marty Robbins

[@63jeepj20]

I would argue that he is the best country has seen since the mid 90s. The man has talent and all of his songs show it.

[@Scottsdale_Charlie]

@63jeepj20 go listen to some Toby Keith and come back and admit you were wrong

[@skycorban]

@@Scottsdale_Charlie Toby Keith didn’t really write his songs. He performed them.

[@etanthony1]

At the end, I like how it makes a point to show his handcuffs/chains and her walking out as if he traded places with her. She was chained/trapped in the awful abusive relationship, but now due to this "angel" she is free.

[@jimsmith8383]

And she now has the truck as well.

[@noahlynn827]

My mom sent me this song a while back because, in her words, it sounds like a story a really good friend of mine would tell. In fact, he has a similar story of hospitalizing a guy at a party when he found out the guy slipped a girl a date rape drug. Listened to the song and loved it. I still find it hilarious though that this song is apparently controversial for portraying a murder. 90% of rap I’ve heard is “I kill n-words, move drugs, and beat hoes” and I’m told that’s high art. In country music, Miranda Lambert can write “Gunpowder and Lead” and it wins awards. And yet, this song for some reason is too much?

[@Hellhounds2023]

I understand your point however gunpowder and lead was about the woman defending herself against the abuser with is typically more acceptable than a total stranger

[@johnjackson9767]

Hey no, let's not get so anti-Semitic here.

[@noahlynn827]

@@johnjackson9767 What on earth did I say that could even be a reference to Jews?

[@jenniferkay9789]

They Carrie Underwood's "Two Black Cadillacs". If I was her husband, with the shit she writes/,songs, I would sleep with one eye open, and the other, under my pillow, for obvious reasons!😳

[@humblehunk9022]

@@Hellhounds2023 more acceptable, but not morally different. Someone may be incapable of making the choice to defend themselves, so outsourcing the 'justice' may be their only option. Thoughtful suff, this song.

[@snarfarpher2416]

For anyone who might be curious: My girlfriend couldn't figure out the line in the chorus "come from a judge underneath his seat". The firearm you see the gentleman use in the video is called "The Judge". Made by Taurus firearms and features a unique (and terrifying) ability to fire both 45 caliber long Colt ammunition AND 410 shotgun ammunition.

[@Krullmatic]

Even if it wasn't that model of gun, it could still be used metaphorically. Like the "judge" handed down the sentence of death.

[@justmepraying]

It's a great gun I got my husband one when they first came out

[@annebishop9634]

Lord have mercy!

[@Sandlin22]

Actually they're likely referencing the gun being the judge.

[@micahjohnsonboxing6409]

​@@Sandlin22 Actually it's probably both, a double meaning.

[@STC349]

One of the newbie cops on my squad told us in debriefing that he believed he stopped a homicide by the arrest of a domestic battery suspect. We all knew the address and person he was talking about. Came back off our days off and he had been released, went home killed her and shot self. Your correct the system fails.

[@ShomoGoldburgler]

We don't have a system of justice anymore. Death penalty needs to apply to most crimes again!

[@sarahalderman3126]

Almost happened to our family as well after my step brother in law was discovered to be molesting myself and his own step daughter, when we were 4 and 5. Thankfully the REAL men in our lives stepped in and made it impossible for by removing the possibility.

[@laimajo3547]

It is exactly this. The warning signs are ignored. And you can't do anything legally before they get violent, either. Even if everyone and their dog knows that's where it's headed. I don't know how you deal with that dilemma. I don't want people arrested on suspicion of future violence. But the system is failing abuse victims.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Back when I was still in LEO work I was asked several times by females what they should do to keep themselves safe, be it from an abusive relationship or an attacker. Told each one of them that I can’t be there in time, even if I’m cruising through a housing area and only a couple doors away that it’s not fast enough. They have to be ready and capable of defending themselves and their families. Now, there’s a complication in this matter because my last department was actually as an Army civilian police officer and for a bunch of moronic reasons military bases are essentially gun free zones. So I had to recommend certain other defensive tools that fell within the scope of what was legally acceptable on post. Inside the home if not in the barracks then a firearm was available, but to female soldiers who lived in the barracks they are basically defenseless except for maybe a small defensive style knife. All that said, the absolute worst domestics I ever encountered were those where the suspect was a woman. Especially if she had previously had her spouse charged with domestic (even if the case was dropped) because it completely ruins a service member’s career/reputation even if it’s false.

[@laimajo3547]

@@soonerfrac4611 Wow. Very informative. Thanks for the insight!

[@Makeuploveculture]

Let me get this straight….. so rap and that whole type of genre can talk about murder for no reason, gang banging , gang murder, rape, etc- but when a country song talks about avenging someone it’s suddenly a big deal to worry about?

[@Hawkinszm1]

different "colors"

[@EbonyLioness78]

It's because the violence in rap is encouraged because it's "Black on Black" and fuels the stereotype. This song goes off of the country prototype of good old boys and girls, good old living. Reminds me of Garth Brooks' song "Thunder Rolls"

[@Makeuploveculture]

@@EbonyLioness78 oh I love that song! Garth Brooks will always be one of the best. I don’t know if he still sings or not though I don’t really listen that much to country anymore.

[@Gun_Flint]

@@EbonyLioness78 Church Bells by Carrie Underwood also fueled a bit of controversy. Good song, though.

[@daviddunn4061]

Thats when it gets real.. cause they know better.

[@mjef3695]

I’m not a Country music fan but this gave me goosebumps.

[@ameliaannhouck2670]

Now it is a lot of Oakies , that twang of awful country music for hicks but it is Americana music that is the best and does this, folk history as there is a war against women and the police do not give a damn or can but they let out domestic abusers all the time and they get out and murder the woman and children! WOMEN BEING MURDERED IS NOW AN AMERICAN TRADITION OF THE POLICE NOT HELPING WOMEN BUT HE DID THE RIGHT THING AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO FIGHT AND KILL THESE KINDS OF MEN , HATING AND RAPING AND MURDERING WOMEN !! HE SERVED JUSTICE BUT HE WAS MORAL AND HAD ETHICS ! DAMN SAD AND SO DAMN AMERICAN MEN NOW , NOT ALL OF THEM BUT WE GOT SOME OF THESE KINDS OF MEN , THE GOOD MEN!! AND WE LOVE THE GOOD MEN !!

[@Scottsdale_Charlie]

This is a great song it is a modern rendition of alot of old 50s country music and western ballads,

[@purity2706]

Great ballad, I guarantee in the future, we will see many things like this if JUSTICE doesn't clean up its act.

[@4RBourbon]

Hardy’s wordplay is fantastic. He can write serious songs like this that make you feel something, but he’s also great at making those back road blow-out-your-speakers anthems that aren’t exactly thought provoking but provide a great backing track to your beer drinking adventures

[@davidataturk4357]

And this is why America is doomed. This some weird revenge porn. We know damn well you have a house full of traitors and their ain't no cowboys like this putting them down

[@stephanies.9620]

Michael has the absolute best and most sophisticated commentary on pop culture 😂

[@becca6663]

This song hits my soul. I'm trying to escape from DV with my little ones and it's such a hard process. Edit: Thank yall so much for your encouragement and support. I have been gone from my abuser (husband) for going on 4 months now. He has not got my number. Up until a month ago, we were at a homeless shelter but he's been steadily trying to find and harass me. It's hard to get away from his clutches and knowing who to and not to trust. I've been relying on God and like a good Father, He has been making ways for me.

[@stevej6824]

Stay strong and find someone you trust and ask them for help to get you out of that situation 🙏

[@Staceblueyez79]

❤🙏

[@TheGingering]

Just get out. I know it’s scary and hard but you have to. Do it for them. Get out.

[@noneya246]

Prayers to you 🙏🙏

[@maria.2695]

Me too. Too many memories. Im in tears. Praise Yah fir His compasion. I am now free, and at peace

[@texasnyghtmare]

Hardy wrote this as a way to show his love for his fiancé. Us men think dark sometimes on how we would react in a situation like this should we face them in real life that involves our loved ones. It’s a great song that shows empathy and love is an amazing human embodiment

[@stephanhebert4529]

Amen to that, anyone tries to hurt my wife and kids has automatically forfeited their breathing rights as far as I’m concerned. I’d rather be judged by 12 than be carried or have to be one of the 6.

[@cindyzippi4790]

My husband has told me the exact same thing from day one. A lot of men have dark thoughts of what will happen in this situation, when they have to protect or avenge. I depend on my man for protection more than I probably should, but he always has my back and I’ll always have his. I will never have his strength, but he’ll always have my love and support.

[@rebeccavollweiler7338]

I love the fact that when she leaves, she gets back into the truck. The same truck he was driving. She's "waiting in the truck".

[@JazzyUnderscoreTrumpeter]

I love how captivated you were in this video. I've been on this song since it came out awhile back, it's catchy and a good throwback to the male fantasy of saving a woman, and it's not explicitly romantic, either, he just did the right thing in a questionable way, and did his time. Pretty respectful way of portraying the situation.

[@copcuffs9973]

Plot twist: 🚩#MeToo 'd her ex had him ended ☠️ with a few tears, a sad story and "Fake-Up" 🤥#mePoo ~Gone Girl movie plot. ✌️

[@theskyisteal8346]

This song is so powerful because it's about a man who does what knows he has to do despite the comsequences of it. The repeated refrain "Lord, have mercy" is so important because he's appealing to the right authority. He doesn't want or expect mercy from the earthly authorities but he wants, needs and expects God to weigh his heart.

[@mahaffer71]

There can be no true justice, so long as laws are absolute. Life itself is an exercise in exceptions.

[@matthewlowry776]

He killed someone he could’ve just beat the shit out of the guy but shot him he deserves to go to jail it’s a dumb song by a dumb artist followed by a dumb genre of music country is terrible

[@cc3775]

Appealing to God who commands “you shall not murder.”

[@stevechristie7800]

Hence why hes pleading for mercy.

[@mickelcsaszar3244]

@@cc3775 That's the fucking point.

[@robinhatcher8021]

This song has been nominated for 2 CMT awards! Awards show is first Sunday night in April I believe. I really hope this wins. I'm a DV survivor and I'm pretty sure I can speak for all of us survivors that we fully hope this song wins. It represents thousands of us survivors. So yeah, it means alot to us. ❤🎉

[@Nexus_of_Sominus]

So, did it win? Or was everything drowned out by the all inclusive drag queen show that the CMTs put on this year?

[@robinhatcher8021]

@@Nexus_of_Sominus It has won several.

[@Nexus_of_Sominus]

@@robinhatcher8021 good. It's a damn good song and video. I live in the south and I've never heard this song or of these artists before. I'm also a DV survivor who's lucky to be alive. I had to save myself.

[@robinhatcher8021]

@@Nexus_of_Sominus I'm from Alabama. As a southern girl like you, if I was told to wait in the truck, it was serious business and I stayed put in the truck. My ex raped me so badly, that I bled for week and couldn't sit right. Police and lawyer said nothing they could do because we were married and law, as written back then, didn't protect me. Later, he got a side chick. SHE saved me by giving me clear grounds for divorce. Now he's her problem. Yea to the side chick! I met my angel and we've been married for 20 years now.

[@Nexus_of_Sominus]

@@robinhatcher8021 amen, girl! I'm very happy for you and the peaceful life you have made for yourself! Im always happy to hear when a survivor is doing well. ❤️

[@cassiaprior453]

I was moved by this song. I cried, I admit it. The story was bittersweet, but what moved me was not that he killed and he had to pay for it, it was that he stayed to get that punishment. It was an immense display of willpower, or morality, maybe both. The natural response would've been to flee, they could've just left, avoided the law and lived in hiding; in hiding because no sin will ever go unpunished. To quote Jordan Peterson "Nobody ever gets away with anything," and this guy knew it, it was not gonna be life what he was going to give her if they fled. So he did the good thing, he did the manly thing and faced the consequences of his actions. The other thing was, he says "Have mercy of me." To whom does he speak to? Not the justice system that has already condemned him, but to God. "Lord, have mercy on me." We can also see it in her actions in the truck in the last scene, she is praying, she has the cross. Because when you commit a sin, you face the consequences, and you also face God. But it doesn't have to be His Judgement, you can also face His Mercy. If you recognize your sin and repent, ask for forgiveness, He will forgive you and help you make amends and fix your life. What does this man do? Exactly that. He paid his due, faced his actions, and then faced the Lord humbly, left it in His hands to fix what was done. An amazing masterpiece, worthy of the ages.

[@MasterBojangles]

Are you insane? Its an ode to rash decisions and it is horrible. So a guy meets a girl and within 10 minutes he drives and murders another man. I know the point you are trying to make but the premise supersedes anything noble, so accepting one's actions isn't manly when it was a bad decision to begin with. I see nothing good in this, should be a warning that a rash decision doesn't cover a bad situation. The song is borderline dangerous because it makes people feel like you do and blurs the line that this anything but noble and good. Also she'd be in prison for accessory.

[@cassiaprior453]

@@MasterBojangles I'm not saying that it's okay to do something bad as long as you are responsable about it. What I say is that in this song he commited the sin, isn't proud of it and has to live with that. It is manly to face the concequences of your actions, the easiest way is to vowardly run away from it. He faced the repercutions and regrets what he did. I think that's a good story. Noble? Nah. A noble man would not have killed. I dont think it was a rash desition because he had time to think about it and killed the man rather calmly, there's also the fact that he stayed. That was clealy thought out. There is nothing good in how the facts went, it is actually tragedy after tragedy. But seeing him see himself over his head and pleading to the only One that can get him out of there was moving. It's a reflection of moral values and a reflection of the fragility and impotence of humanity when faced with hardships. I find it poetic, and a good story on human nature, but an example to follow? No.

[@recalltolife3478]

@@MasterBojanglesFinally, a voice of sanity.

[@nathanvangoor4979]

@@MasterBojangles Is it an ode? Is prison a praiseworthy end? Do you want mercy from God for a noble deed?

[@MasterBojangles]

@@nathanvangoor4979 do you have any points to make?

[@listersgirl8553]

It's a song that stands out because it shows that a true man is willing to defend and protect others, even at personal cost.

[@deusdex1186]

A true man simps for random women who tell stories?🤦‍♂ This is why so many men end up dead or in prison, because of women's stories.

[@justmepraying]

Yes indeed but far and few between

[@tooslow4065]

@@deusdex1186 very true. we dont know what happened. maybe she started beating on him first. maybe the "true man" should have been defending the husband.

[@Great_Sandwich]

A "true man"?? What about "m'uh feminisms". Can't women do it all for themselves, now? This sounds like a White Knight anthem song.

[@deusdex1186]

@@tooslow4065 All we know is that a guy broke down a man's door and shot him on the say so of a woman... And, according to way too many people here that makes him a man. I genuinely fear for the future of the men who watch this channel.

[@ferdberffle]

I was an OTR truck driver. One time, my wife and I met a recently beaten woman taking refuge in a mid-west truck stop. We arranged to take her to a Catholic Charity in another City. I hope it turned out well for her.

[@toddjohnson271]

Usually a product of many poor life choices.

[@PongoDaMan]

Probably not but you guys did a good thing

[@billyjonesy2972]

FYI: You don’t have to be Catholic to use Catholic Charities. They serve everybody. Also, the Baptists out of Norman, Oklahoma are excellent at responding to natural disasters around the country.

[@rescuepanther]

That's what this guy should have done

[@dianeambrose683]

Makes me cry because I lived her life. Day after day for years I believed that he would kill me. Abusers do not respect PFAs. Many times they end up killing the innocents.

[@johnene]

I have goosebumps. This is a beautiful song. 💜 💕

[@jenniferknowlton2928]

As a former victim of DV this song hit me hard. Justice never came, I had to stop it all by leaving after so many years of being financially, mentally and physically trapped by abuse. I forget a lot of the things that happened, I've had ppl tell me they remember things I have no clue about. CPTSD can be merciful but also pops up still almost a decade later. Putting myself in her shoes, she is forever grateful to someone who helped, but racked by guilt bc that's what victims will always do. Guilt like this is hard to escape. I think Hardy and Lainey are amazing in their music but this one is personally my favorite bc he helped someone like I was and wish I had...

[@colonizer875]

If I were where my arms/hands could have helped you in that time, I swear I would have. If I'm ever in the position to do so in the future, I swear I will.

[@melindawingate4397]

💜

[@Tommy1977777]

Just wait in the truck, sweetheart.

[@vsand9798]

I’m glad you got out. I hope you found or will find peace and happiness. My neighbors listened to my screams and never came to help. My getting out came after he poured hot pasta sauce all over me I saw my reflection in the mirror. Like really saw me and what I had become. Four hours of being held there I finally got the car key and ran for the door. Almost hit him pulling out of the driveway. The police never charged him. He had friends on the force. I’m remarried to a strong and gentle man. He wakes me when I have my nightmares and scream in my sleep. The only justice I want anymore is to forget. To be able to actually sleep without seeing his face. I’d take that.

[@thankyougreen]

I was a bouncer after I got out of the Army. I personally “escorted” anyone that laid their hand on a woman out of the bar. Sometimes they “fell” down the stairs or ended up having to visit a doctor.. not tough and have taken my licks but it’s up to men to step and stop these boys from hitting women.

[@anniedannemiller822]

As a long time country fan I think Wait in the Truck is right up at the top with The Thunder Rolls, Concrete Angel, Whisky Lullaby and a number of other great songs. It tells a story, a believable story filled with emotion. Nothing controversial about it in my opinion

[@thefreeman8791]

Nothing controversial about it but I do think it overrated. Gunpowder and Lead tells a similar story better.

[@MastemaJack]

Have you listened to Upchurch?

[@jacobrutherford2407]

@@MastemaJack upchurch is awesome

[@thisistheleft3538]

Now she has a new boyfriend that gives it to her all night while he sits in prison haha don’t white knight

[@brandywineblue]

It's only controversial if the listener is a soyboy or feminazi, then they have a meltdown. Something about toxic masculinity blah blah blah

[@kennethgambill4751]

I love the song "Wait in the truck" It's a song is about stopping abuse. There was a time when men who abused women were handled in similar fashion by the men of the community. The least you could have expected was being beaten black and blue by a woman's father, brothers, and a few friends of theirs. A few songs similar to this, or at least in a similar vein of dealing with abusive people/partners/spouses is "Independence day" by Martina McBride, "Blown away" By Carrie Underwood among others. It's also a song about protecting the vulnerable and the innocent, and standing up for what's right even if it costs you. So in the end, he gave up his freedom so she could have hers "it's been 60 months and she comes to see me from time to time. Yeah this place isn't heaven, but it's a lot better than the place I sent him".

[@mikewilliams7218]

Exactly

[@thecosplaynoobj3872]

Never lived in any “hills” so I don’t know a hillbilly, but I’m from the country, and we call it country justice.

[@douglasrandall3002]

You like this song because you're dumb. And it's exactly how the government/media cabal wants you to think so, that it has a reason to imprison you for something stupid you did because of an unrealistic idiotic heehaw country song.

[@somethingcleverrrr]

Isn't it sad that nowadays that's considered "toxic masculinity"?

[@froglaps40]

Lol... don't forget about the Dixie chick's (puke) Earl song.

[@moodymama4576]

To give her a life and a future by giving up his own. How strong of a story. What a work of art that really pulls at your heart and soul.

[@ProfDragonite]

First time in a long time I've found ANY country music genuinely compelling.

[@dianaflower733]

Maybe you missed a few :).... m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXbPeYVsa75mm9U

[@dianaflower733]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHaYpWCMg9WDmpI

[@dianaflower733]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ3GhIeHZ5d8qtE

[@imasavage3103]

If you liked this song check out "Give Heaven some Hell" by Hardy. Try holding back tears.

[@dianaflower733]

@@imasavage3103 I checked it out and liked it. Thanks.

[@markgargus4689]

I was in a similar situation once. I would like to tell you about it. Every time I hear this song, I see her face. She wound up getting killed a few months later. I tried to talk to her about her situation but she wouldn't listen. Haunts me every day. Been 15 years now.

[@TMS-pj7fp]

I think that's the most frustrating that you tried 2 help because u knew she needed it but she wasn't ready 4 help and then it was 2 late 4 help. I hope that the next time u see this u do the same thing because hopefully that woman eill be ready 4 help. My husband always says he will go out of his way 2 help a woman if he can because he hopes someone does same 4 me. I've always known I was covered by my husband, my daddy, my brother and my family bur I also never put myself in a situation that they had 2 clean up just because I knew they would...

[@StephanieGrace19]

My husband is law enforcement and he OFTEN shows up to the same domestics that were reported by neighbors. Unfortunately most of the women don't leave or even speak up for the man to be prosecuted. It is disgusting how many of those women are found dead not long afterwards. It is heartbreaking... but you can't force those women to leave. They have to do it themselves. Please know it is NOT your fault and truly a horrible situation.

[@canadiangirl5159]

I love the storytelling that's in Country music. This song is played on the radio up here in Alberta.

[@pyrosorus9880]

really? i live in calgary and havent heard it yet

[@ShomoGoldburgler]

Never heard it up here in GP.

[@brookegauthier5175]

Plays in fort mac all the time.

[@HesstonandTandem]

It plays in red deer a lot on the station

[@kcameron819]

The beauty of a song like this is it’s up to the listener to decide how they interpret it. It’s not telling you what to do it’s simply a story. That’s it.

[@PongoDaMan]

I'm 14 and this is deep

[@jas9574]

Honestly, how I think many will interpret this song and how I think it was meant to be interpretted is that the first response to domestic violence can be murder. It is telling a story and doesn't directly say "do this", but it paints murderous vigilante justice as a great thing. Does it solve a problem, objectively yes. It also creates an ideological and moral conflict about how a civil society should govern itself. If that's excusable, then what else is?

[@ZIbroweed]

@@jas9574 The fact that the protagonist of the song turns himself in, changes the tone a bit though. If you watch a superhero show like the Green Arrow you'll see a vigilante performing illegal acts "for the good of the people" and then running away to be able to keep doing "good." This song says something different though. It says that vigilantism comes with consequences. He gives up his life to end the life he deems to be evil. Does that make it ok? No. And he struggles with that even asking for forgiveness. The mane point I'm making is that most people aren't going to imitate this song, if for no other reason, because they don't want to give up the rest of their life, and even if you think the song presents the protagonist and his chosen actions as mostly good, it doesn't present them as heroically rewarding, and that's important. It is actually a thinker, and to me it leaves the question open... and only open because he was willing to satisfy justice by paying the penalty for his crime.

[@kelaEQ2]

Which is very different from some other country songs...Good By Earl by The Chicks, Gun Powder and Lead by Miranda Lambert, and Independence Day by Martina McBride

[@DonJohnson-x3r]

i see him as a total simp who threw his life away over the word of a woman he just met

[@iamluifan119]

This song is amazing. As someone who has been in a violent relationship I know for a fact that our justice system is incredibly broken. Especially when it comes to domestic violence. While I agree that taking the law into your own hands is not necessarily something that should be done lightheartedly I do believe that there are times it's very necessary. Far too many victims of domestic violence are devastatingly failed by the justice system that should be putting them in the forefront.

[@Mac-ih7rb]

Quantify this. Undoubtedly. You can’t. It’s emotionally charged gibberish. But I’d like to hear what anecdotes you can provide.

[@cherylsalisbury6022]

Very well said, coming from an abusive relationship...justice system doesn't always work! Learned that!

[@jeffd3660]

This was my first time hearing this song ... Very powerful , very thought provoking .

[@angiew2324]

This brings tears to my eyes, in a way I was this girl many years ago. When I showed up at my aunt & uncle's house, my cousin grabbed a baseball bat & hopped in his car to find my (now ex) husband. Thankfully he didn't find him, I would never have wanted him to end up in jail, but that meant so much to me. Of course, stupidly, I went back; we had 2 kids & I was just a kid myself at barely 21 years old. However, 2 years of every kind of counseling you can imagine to try to hold our marriage together later, I left. Now, 18 years as of Feb 5th, I've never once looked back. Men like this deserve a medal of honor, not prison time. I agree that vigilante justice isn't always good, and I think everyone should have a chance at salvation through Christ. That said, if more men were like the man that picked her up, there would be a whole lot less of the men that abuse those they're supposed to take care of & love (and probably less women who do the same - women can be just as bad).

[@katieinhops5163]

Or a functioning justice system that doesn't require a man like the one who picked her up. Beating a spouse/significant other/child should have higher punishment than drug possession.

[@AllPainNoGains]

Yeah, I have no problem with people taking out the trash. My only problem with vigilante justice is the possibility of someone who has done nothing wrong getting killed over false allegations. In my early 20s I was with a girl who was an absolute nutcase. Any time we had a disagreement she would find a way to fall and hurt herself. At first I thought she was just clumsy but the more she did it the more I realized it was just something she did to manipulate people around her, to get herself out of trouble or get sympathy from others. Then one day I said something she didn't like and she punched me, and I immediately broke things off for good. Fast forward a few years and now she has taken her abuse and manipulation to a new level, beating on her boyfriends and/or beating herself then calling the cops to punish them for angering her. I never once even thought about threatening her or getting violent because I've been raised all my life to hate wife beaters, but if I hadn't gotten out when I did she would have beaten me, then beaten herself and have me locked up for nothing. She did it to multiple other guys after I left. Some of them made the mistake of hitting her back when she tried to beat them, but some of them did nothing and got thrown in jail anyway. Violent sociopaths like her are my one problem with doing the kind of thing shown in this video, because she easily could have gotten a man killed for nothing in a situation like this. She may have fucked a bunch of guys behind my back and emotionally manipulated me but at least I was lucky enough to get the hell out before she went full psycho. Oh, I almost forgot: when I broke up with her she tried to emotionally blackmail me by threatening to kill herself if I didn't take her back.

[@angiew2324]

@@katieinhops5163 They tend to go hand in hand, a lot of abusers become abusive after getting addicted to one substance or another. In my ex-husband's case, it was meth; in my uncle's (a different uncle than the one mentioned above - his older brother), it was alcohol. My uncle eventually got help, sobered up & became the husband & father his wife, children, 5 brothers & many many grandchildren & nieces & nephews knew he was in his heart. My ex? He's currently on trial for 2 1st degree felonies 18 years later, one of which is trafficking Fentanyl. Im honestly shocked he's still alive, I've been expecting a phone call from my in-laws that he overdosed for years. He'll probably get out of it again, despite Florida's mandatory sentencing laws for habitual offenders & now, fentanyl, he always does somehow. I don't think drugs should carry a prison sentence unless it's the last resort, though. I think they should send them to involuntary, locked down rehab. I know an addict won't get sober if they're not ready but long enough in rehab to force sobriety so they have time to think, I believe it could really help a lot of people, my ex included. He wasn't always a bad man, he was pretty great when I married him, but it didn't take long for meth to change him into a completely different person & over the years he's just got worse & worse. It breaks my heart, my kids deserved better from both their father & the judicial system. **Sorry, I didn't mean to write a book. 😊

[@angiew2324]

@@AllPainNoGains I definitely agree. I wish it wasn't, but that's a good point I didn't initially consider, especially in today's world. There are way too many women out there now days that won't hesitate to report a man for something he didn't actually do. Unfortunately we see it all the time, especially in universities. The judicial system is far from perfect, but at least they'll try to come up with some kind of evidence.

[@katieinhops5163]

@@angiew2324 I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. I'm glad you and your kids got out.

[@SpiritualBabydoll]

As somebody who works actively as dv advocate you can call the cops all you want, but in general, especially in Washington state people are not held as long as they used to be people get off easier than they should. There’s not enough resources to help victims and I’m really happy that this is bringing awareness. Anybody that reads this if you were going through this right now reach out to your local DV agency and know that there are shelters specifically for you to go to get out of your situation. It doesn’t fix everything but it gives you somewhere safe to go.❤

[@wtfserpico]

Yet another reason that I'm glad I got myself and my family out of WA.

[@adamwhite9524]

I can't wait to get out of WA

[@theRealJBdeal]

The most dangerous time for a woman in a domestic violence situation is when she tries to leave. I was in an abusive marriage, but we had a son together so I tried to make it work. (He wasn’t abusive to our son.) I remember showing my doctor a bruise on my arm the size of a softball and asking her if I should leave. She didn’t really respond. I remember later taking the 9 mm we had in our headboard & sitting in the bathroom in the middle of the night debating whether to put it to my head or his. At that point, I realized I had to leave, even though he had told me he would put a bullet in me and anyone who tried to help me leave. The neighbor tipped him off that I was going to try and leave. He took our son from me at gunpoint, then disappeared for several hours. The police criticized me for not stopping him (even though he had a gun) and not leaving him earlier. I had a good job, was educated and taught to be independent. But he had isolated me from friends and had eroded my self esteem to the point that I didn’t feel I was worthy of anything better. I was let down by my family, the medical system, law enforcement and the “justice” system that was supposed to protect me. I am not advocating that anyone take justice into their own hands. The National Domestic Violence Hotline # is 800-799-7233. If you know someone in this situation, please encourage them to call. If you are in a similar situation, I want you to know that you are worthy and that you do have the strength to ask for help. It can mean the difference between being a domestic violence victim or a domestic violence survivor. 💕

[@carolw24]

Did you finally get yourself and your son away from him?

[@TheSicariuss]

This is why I love Michael Knowles. Listens to a minute of a country song and goes “this is an homage to the Homeric tradition”

[@DalionHeartTTV]

Quite a reach, admittedly.

[@midweekcentaur1050]

@@DalionHeartTTV I mean, where did music and all the traditions around western music and theatre come from... cmon dude.

[@DalionHeartTTV]

@@midweekcentaur1050 A lot of different places, cultures, and ideas. Lol I can promise you, the "homeric tradition" was not on the mind of this artist when he made this song. To say it's a homage implies intent to pay homage, and is the part that's clearly the stretch.

[@guest_5992]

​@@DalionHeartTTVit was said in jest 😉 Micheal no doubt had a classical education, that is why he makes little jokes like this often. It's meant for a chuckle. But we are influenced by the culture and tradition of the past on a regular basis. Whether we are aware or not. We are never starting from "scratch".

[@thisistheleft3538]

Now she has a new boyfriend that gives it to her all night while he sits in prison haha don’t white knight

[@conman1240]

HARDY absolutely slaps 🔥

[@TwinsFan22]

Hardy is a great example of a country artist who is not just sappy songs about girls and beer. His new album has angst and a unique quality to it.

[@noASML8ing]

As a Metalhead and Progger . . . I was really impressed by this. Its like the "Country" my Father enjoyed, not just "Pop" with a Southern twang.

[@carolmorgan6734]

I know, I stopped listening to country music 10 years ago. If I want a sermon I go to church.

[@MastemaJack]

Check out Upchurch if you like this.

[@crissd8283]

Yep, modern country is simple and pathetic. Most don't have any deep means.

[@Lydia-cc1wp]

This song has more meaning to many. It’s not so much as killing a man for the atrocities committed for doing such a thing. It was more than a beating and she was just a little girl. I sent this to my granddaughter who has been awaiting a “just trial” through our legal system for 3 yrs. My note sent with this video/song was… “you’ve been waitin in the truck for a long time. Trial coming up, justice will prevail” her note back “Oh grandma you don’t t know how much I needed to hear this today”. Yes he’s in jail. Bc of virus delay~ backlog on courts he still sits. So you see…. For some of us this song has deeper meaning. It means justice not killing. May he spend the rest of his days in prison

[@plemcam]

What I love about this song in particular is Hardy's songwriting. "I never thought my day of justice would come from a Judge under a seat." Love that line.

[@michaelblaes9847]

A Judge is a model of pistol.

[@pantarkan7]

@@michaelblaes9847 ... revolver

[@adambyrd3012]

I'm sure he's aware of that...

[@blairerwin8061]

The Taurus Judge

[@TryMyMartini]

@@adambyrd3012 Most of us probably are, but I have definitely seen people ask in the comments on reviews of this song, because they aren't familiar. It's not hurting anybody to have the answer sitting there so somebody doesn't have to ask I guess.

[@adamwarren5654]

This is true country music! The well told stories that trigger emotions and draw you in. That’s why I love Morgan Wallen and Hardy. They are the story tellers of this generation of country music.

[@amandaiverson7131]

There’s a reason country music is the best genre on earth. The storytelling is like nothing else ❤

[@darylsmithofficial]

And rap

[@Undying3001]

Check out metal.

[@rawman44]

In a sense, yes. However, modern country is mostly garbage, though I struggle to actually call that kind of stuff country anyway. It's just pop.

[@juliearmfield2634]

Oh i love the stories inside the music.

[@indygal6552]

@@darylsmithofficial 🤣🤣

[@trutumyman8853]

ONE BADASS SONG!!!!! I was beat half to death when I was 23 years old by a bad guy who tried to take my son's monthly support check from me to buy himself more alcohol! So when I said no he beat me and left me for dead in a car parked at a car wash!!!!! I would have been blessed to have someone that stuck up for me like that!!!!!😢

[@braydenpresley1437]

HARDY is an incredible musician, lyricist, and human being. Really inspiring song.

[@mandiehague3569]

I had stopped listening to modern country a couple yrs ago. I still follow my faves. I'd been a fan since I was 10 (1990). However I heard this song at the laundry mat and was shocked at how much this sounded like some of the old stuff. Had to look it up on KZbin and Spotify as soon as I got home.

[@stickofbutter4043]

There’s drilling plenty of great country. Its just usually not played on the radio. You have to know where to find it, and its more accessible than ever with streaming. Check out Charley Crockett, Colter Wall, or Joshua Ray Walker

[@SymphonicEllen]

this is really similar to the old school stuff I grew up with as far as not a lot of instrumentation and counts a lot on the vocals. Country and some crossover like The Oak Ridge Boys, The Forester Sisters, Kenny Rogers, Johnny and Roseanne Cash. In fact, Kenny's song Coward of the County, I would consider to be kind of the grandpa of this one as far as subject matter.

[@thefreeman8791]

Yeah. I’m a fan of old country. Last week, Alabama came on the radio and my two and a half year old goes “Daddy’s song”. Lol. But yeah. George Jones once asked who’s gonna fill their shoes? It certainly isn’t Florida Georgia Line or Kane Brown.

[@SymphonicEllen]

@@thefreeman8791 Aaaaawwww. too cute. Can't go wrong with Alabama. I think, like was said above you, the artists that will carry us on are out there, they're just mostly independent and don't give a crap who Hollywood says is cool. You see it with rock and metal, too. We have some over here that's alright and overall fun for what it is. Rock and metal over in Europe is masterpiece after masterpiece and frikken deep.

[@kraven8864]

As a woman who’s familiar with a situation like hers, (though not as bad as portrayed) I’m also very familiar with a fantasy where a “knight in shining armor” rides in and saves the girl. To me this is a song written by a woman who’s dreaming to be saved.

[@rovers141]

I know get you're saying, but it was written by men, 2 different men to be exact. Sometimes men also fantasize about what they would do in that situation or similar situations because it makes our blood boil just thinking about it, and we're hard wired to protect. Well, I shouldn't speak for ALL men. Some are hard wired to be a coward, as I'm sure you've noticed.

[@horseygirl645]

A big reason why I like country music is that a lot of the songs do tell stories and those stories can be powerful and thought-provoking. Also, to my knowledge there is no other genre of music that produces songs that support our military and our country.

[@patriottroll1764]

Yes!!! That's what I love about the culture of the American south!

[@ellysetaylor5908]

The fact that songs like this are being made and issues like this are being discussed shows how long we have felt that our justice system is failing us. The cries for justice from the system for victims of abuse have gone on so long that we have gone hoarse from it. Now we are starting to ask ourselves when and if we should take justice into our own hands. Not saying that we should, just saying it's a powerful testament to how people who need justice aren't getting it and how tired everyone is of being powerless to change that.

[@generalshaagi4832]

I lost my Uncle in a motorcycle accident a few months ago and Hardy's "Give Heaven Some Hell" really helped me get through the grief and it's great seeing his name on Michael's channel.

[@jenn2894]

yea, that one reminds me of all the men in my family. they all live, work, play and die hard.

[@BIGJAKE-sq4ds]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family are doing well.

[@nathanwilliams4005]

That song specifically got me into HARDY. 2nd favorite country artist after Morgan Wallen. Saw them live together last year and it was worth every single penny.

[@generalshaagi4832]

@@BIGJAKE-sq4ds Thank you, but I'm lucky compared to my mom. She lost her grandpa, little brother, and now her own uncle within the span of a year. I'm praying they can make it through this because losing that many people that quickly is more than I could imagine going through.

[@anteteloquicogitare5002]

Hi Michael, so I've watched numerous other "reaction" videos to this song, and I have to say that yours is, so far, the most balanced and well thought-out. You perfectly point out the Christian perspective to this song and the actions of its protagonist. He, the protagonist, accepts the consequences of his actions and accepts the just punishment that he will receive. Had it not been for being subscribed to your channel I might never have come across this song so, thanks for that. Oh, please do more Tom MacDonald reaction videos, this is another artist that you have introduced me to. So, you see, even though you are tongue in cheek about your "street cred" when it comes to contemporary music you have actually helped these artists by introducing them to a much wider audience. Thank you for that. Man, I hope that you actually read these comments. I'd love to know that this has reached you, so that you know the impact you have had on not just me but on the many with your excellent take on the modern world. By the way I am an expat from the UK living and working in China for the last 20 years, should you be interested in any insights I might have vis-a-vis - Uch French - the "real life in China" feel free to DM (is that the modern parlance for getting in touch?).

[@HarmsWay500]

This is my first time watching you…..very well done! Being a father my heart breaks watching this video, even after watching and hearing this song several times. Well said and may we ALL seek first the kingdom of God. In doing so, our mistakes, like these, may be avoided. Great analysis.

[@yellowroses8736]

Not sure if I like it, but I think your analysis is spot on... It's probably one of the most interesting country songs I've heard in a while.

[@Pikawarps]

I heard the songs randomly on a prime playlist and i was hooked

[@x9606]

Well my husband didn’t shoot anyone or go to jail but this songs just hits my soul. I met my husband while breaking away from a violent and abusive relationship and the scene of her just standing there battered and lost just brought out everything that I went through. My husband absolutely saved me but the confrontation was my ex and him fighting mano a mano while I sat off to the side bruised and bleeding. Good tale but also speaks to victims of abuse in a special way. I love this song now.

[@libertybell8852]

I know many folks who have been through something similar. My son even got suspended for fighting when he watched a boy shove a girl. 🤷‍♀️ I can't say he was wrong. He wasn't in trouble with me.

[@Mila-gx1dg]

Ive heard this song and I like it. As a woman who was in a violent relationship all they did was give me a peace order which he broke whenever he damn well pleased. I'd call again he would get arrested then released and back again. Im lucky he didnt kill me. He even hid in my car trunk he was a special kind of stupid. But he scared me none the less. I even wrote goodbye letters to each of my kids just incase he succeeded

[@airraider2004]

This is why females need to rise up in support of the 2nd amendment. It makes us equal, women and men, cause it can stop men from doing this bullsh!t.

[@deeturner4557]

The civil authority is failing us tremendously. Love this song and the message behind it.

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

“The justice system has failures, especially today since we let criminals off the hook so often.” Still nothing compared to what they are doing to good men in family courts every day, all over the country

[@MamaKalash]

Only two deadbeat dads.

[@lindabell5534]

It's not just being done to men. They have moved from men and assault to women and False claims of Munchausing by Proxy. God like mental health people acting like no harm can be future harm. Wail parents just get new spouses.

[@CoolPapaJMagik]

@@MamaKalash that’s a lie. “Deadbeat dads” is one of the biggest lies of the last few generations. Women just have way too much power in the court systems and they use it to abuse the men they’ve come to resent, using his children as a weapon

[@savsmiles3042]

You think that rapists, child molesters and murderers not being prosecuted, getting light sentences or being released early from prison is worse than men having to pay child and spousal support? I agree that the current family court system in most counties and states that punishes the husband/father is wrong and bad, but to say that it’s worse than being a victim of rape and murder is ridiculous.

[@justmepraying]

Sounds like you like to cry a LOT

[@SoulDeathCheated]

I have been twice moved emotionally by music his week. First was Chris Stapleton‘s rendition of the national anthem. Now this. I’m glad there are real artists still making good music.

[@BudderInYoMudder]

Ryan upchurch, Struggle Jennings, Adam Calhoun. There are a few they just happen to be silenced by the mainstream because a lot refuse to play by big music’s games.

[@SoulDeathCheated]

@@BudderInYoMudder I’ll check them out. Thanks. Oh, if you haven’t heard Colter Wall, start with “Kate McCannon” and “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie.”

[@LeahHults]

This song is real and gritty, in the best way possible. I’m a domestic abuse survivor and what this women experienced resonates with me. The song is well written and the music video is for the first time in a long time, successful for the country music industry.

[@susanherbert3014]

First time I heard of this song. Pretty powerful. He could have just put her in the truck and drove away, but then what? The abuser finds another victim. He ended the cycle. The details in the video are amazing, I got that same feeling of how they “switched prisons” watching the shot of his shackled feet and hers walking outside. The darkness of the first view of her versus her walking outside into the bright sunny day. And her getting into his truck and driving away…. Wow

[@robinpigeon2070]

Great voices and song, and I’m not really a country fan but I want to hear more from the both of them.

[@glampreda3803]

Wow. The song gave me chills and made me cry all at once. It's such a moving song. And another great analysis Knowles

[@lisaldeene]

I love your breakdown of the failure of "the system" to invoke true justice. So many violent criminals blatantly flaunt the weaknesses in the system, and some who are truly invested in justice are considered far worse criminals for not trying to hide behind the nooks and crannies of the legal system. The hero in this scenario chose to sacrifice his freedom for hers.

[@robindew9072]

Michael's explanation of this song is just amazing. Well done Michael.

[@AbruptandOffensive]

I love hearing city people’s opinions on country justice. It proves the absolute disconnect between urban America and rural America.

[@TheNancypoo]

I live in the New York area and I love country music, so do most of my friends. It's the storytelling that I love.

[@thoughtsfromaidiot5928]

I grew up in a ks town of 10k, my wife grew up in a very small rkensaw town and than later spent her teen years in a ghetto area of a large city. The difference in how we see things are staggering. For me unless someone is immediate danger I call the cops, her she lights their car on fire.

[@TruckstopHick]

It's Biblical, not urban. Urban type justice is what caused this character to take the law into his own hands.

[@AbruptandOffensive]

@@TruckstopHick it doesn’t matter if it’s biblical, wanna know why? The Bible is a work of fiction written hundreds of years after the death of the historic Jesus of Nazareth. And idk if you know this but Jesus was crucified by ppl taking the law into their own hands.

[@TruckstopHick]

@@AbruptandOffensive 🙄👍👌 Have fun with that idea.

[@zacharystranahan9087]

I never heard of Hardy until a couple of weeks ago. The more I listen to him, the more of a fan I become.

[@buddycoalhoney]

Great song! You don't even need the video, you can see everything when he sings it. That's talent! ❤️

[@tonyemmanuel6659]

This is so much better than most "country" music on the radio these days. Definitely a bittersweet tale that moves the heart and soul to places they may not want to go, but probably need to from time to time.

[@christineg3381]

Hardy is phenomenal story teller and knows how to enact emotion. This song is absolutely incredible as is pretty much every song he has ever written - he gets better and better with each song.

[@lucky9er567]

THIS IS WHAT COUNTRY MUSIC IS SUPPOSED TO BE. EPIC STORYTELLING THAT SPEAKS TO YOU. FIRST TIME I HEARD THIS SONG I CRIED. I REMEMBER EVERY TIME MY FATHER HIT MY MOTHER AND SHE FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, BIG PART OF THE REASON I BECAME A COP. I ALSO REMEMBER THE NIGHT MY OLDEST COUSIN FOUND OUT ABOUT IT. HE CAME INSIDE, TOOK US OUTSIDE AND SAID "WAIT HERE, I'LL BE RIGHT BACK AND WE WILL GO TO MOMMAS". THAT TRAILER ROCKED FOR A GOOD 3-5 MINUTES UNTIL ONE MAN CAME OUT... MY COUSIN, BLOODIED AND BRUISED BUT MY FATHER WAS OUT COLD ON THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR. THEN WENT TO MY AUNTS HOUSE AND NEVER HAD TO GO BACK. EVEN AS A COP, THAT NIGHT JUSTICE WAS SERVED AND MY MOMS LIFE WAS SAVED. SOMETIMES, SITUATION DEPENDENT, THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS.

[@Temulon]

Vigilantism is never justified, or why bother with a system of laws? But being a cop, I understand why you feel anyone should be able to do anything they please, after all, cops do whatever they want all the time. Also, typing using only capital letters is a douche bag move reserved for uneducated people, but again, being a cop I can understand why you use them.

[@44pilot]

@@Temulon lol the irony of you saying vigilantism is never justified, which naturally assumes law enforcement deal with all situation, while you rag on cops 😂 And for the record, I think most cops are scum. But you can’t have it both ways little guy

[@Temulon]

@@44pilot "the irony of you saying vigilantism is never justified, which naturally assumes law enforcement deal with all situation, while you rag on cops" I don't see the irony in what I wrote. I'm not sure you're using the word correctly. What I said was that cops are corrupt and possess a low level of intelligence, at least the patrol variety, and that vigilantism is never justified, so any complaints of wrong doing should be handled by people in law enforcement, even though they're corrupt and dim, instead of Joe Average Citizen. Use the video for an example, you come across a woman who's been beaten and you decide to deal with the situation yourself instead of involving the law. But what if she was framing the man just to have him shot?, after all, all you have is her word as to what occurred. You don't believe that could ever happen? If you think I'm wrong then give an example of a situation in which taking the law into your own hands is perfectly justified. If it's justified, why was the guy in the video in prison? You make a decision to deal with a situation yourself instead of letting the law handle it, then you also deal with the consequences. I would have never done what the guy in the video did, I'm not going to prison for twenty+ years for a stranger, especially just on her story alone. I'd have driven her to a hospital where she could press charges and I'd be on my way. But you go right ahead and bust in that door cowboy, throw your freedom away on some strangers story. Yee-Haw. You don't like the way the law handled the situation? You're upset over the outcome? You think the person wasn't punished enough? What gives you the right to decide that more punishment is required and By God you're just the person to deliver it? No system is perfect, deal with it. Vigilantism is never justified.

[@Csawllc]

@@Temulon You are blaming every officer for the actions of a few. That’s very close minded, which is odd because you bring up “she could be setting the guy up” so you seem to understand and promote that there are two sides to every story that should be heard. Maybe try to apply that same mindset to officers as well. You then insult someone whom the only interaction you’ve had is them just sharing a life experience. That’s being judgmental and a bully. That could explain why you hate and fear all cops, because part of their job is to stand up to bully’s. So they are a threat to you. The guilty run.

[@Temulon]

@@Csawllc - I'm blaming every cop because, even if they aren't simpleminded and corrupt, they allow the simpleminded and corrupt cops to continue to operate. If you see a blatant act of lawbreaking or abuse of power or an extreme use of force and ignore it, you're as bad as the offending officer. Cops always cover for other cops. And vigilantism is never justified.

[@CharlesHendrickson-r2y]

Look at the big picture. We have a failed justice system, there was a case in New Jersey where a woman got a restraining order against her husband she applied for a carry permit, but as soon as he was released he killed her in her driveway. Like you said he traded his freedom for hers. Right or wrong he made a choice and knew the consequences and was willing to pay the price for her freedom and life. Sometimes Justice is swift and sure.

[@Hmm_Ace_Attorney_Channel]

This is country at its best, and what was great about country singers like Marty Robbins. Story over commercial appeal. The music is still good of course, but the story behind it takes precedence. Fantastic. I wish all modern country was like this.

[@angiew2324]

I'm dating myself but it's very very similar to Reba's song _Fancy._ Somewhat different storyline, but it's a heart-wrenching, relatable story, not just a song.

[@desertboi2972]

I absolutely agree, most modern country music has no soul or story. But songs like this are definitely an exception, we need more storytellers like Cash and Robbins but with a modern twist!!

[@alyssasullivan7432]

@@angiew2324 It's more reminiscent of "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"

[@paulbisson897]

Both Hardy and Lainey killed it. Love the song.

[@shanechaisson9383]

Michael almost tearing up is the same reaction I had to this song first time I listened to it.

[@badencraig7778]

This song really explains what a good man is and what he will do to a bad man

[@PaulGraham-qy9xh]

How did the "good man" know that he was killing the "bad man"? He had no idea what he looked like. Maybe the girl made it all up and self harmed to get back at an ex for cheating on her.

[@artsyfartsynerdywordy]

@@PaulGraham-qy9xh thank youuu. Nobody ever talks about that or the fact that there are thousands of women’s shelters all across the country, she could’ve gone to one of those and told that man “please take me to a shelter, I will absolutely not give you directions back to my place to kill him, that’s crazy talk”. I’ve lived rural all my life and love country music and this song just irks me. Why would you portray this as something romantic like this? You know how many men I’ve heard say “ya that’s what a man should do if he finds a woman like that! Go kill that f’er!” These are men who have wives and children, like do they really think they would go sacrifice all that to help a woman they don’t know? I can almost guarantee they wouldn’t. More than likely they’d just take her to the police station or something. I can enjoy the beautiful writing of the song but do I think it’s one of the best country songs of our time? Absolutely not.

[@DonJohnson-x3r]

a "good man"" who is also a sucker

[@daniell5740]

A good man doesn't commit murder

[@louiselane7745]

This song is absolute top notch artistry. The song writing is superb. The story is relatable to so many woman who have lived this scenario. I myself was physically and mentally abused in my first marriage for 6 years. Hardy and Lainey Wilson do a fantastic job with the vocals and the music and the way it was all put together makes this an unforgettable top of the charts, all time great, country music, story telling, award winning piece of a Country Music work of art. Can't listen to it enough. Stays in your head song. Forget about finding fault with it, just listen and appreciate it for what it is.. a Great Country song. I don't understand some people. Do they tear apart every movie ever released that has a killing or murder in it. Lighten up all you folks that have to pick everything apart.

[@Temulon]

The song tells a story, I'm just not convinced, like some in the comment section, that's it's a great story or that the protagonist is a hero.

[@louiselane3529]

@@Temulon pro·tag·o·nist /prəˈtaɡənəst/  noun the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text. * Keyword by your own definition, "fictional"!!!

[@Temulon]

@@louiselane3529 I'm confused, were you somehow led to believe that I thought the man in the video, who shot the abusive husband, was an actual human being? I knew he was fictional. The point of my comment wasn't whether or not he existed, but how people reacted to his actions. And most thought his actions were heroic. You know that a character doesn't have to exist for people to express a desire to emulate his/her actions right?

[@laurenrhoades9922]

I freaking love this song

[@gryphenicedancer8796]

It's as good as Miranda's Gunpowder and Lead Miranda speaks from a Country Woman's point of view, while this one is for the timid women. I'm more of a ' wait for him to fall asleep and use my framing hammer on his knees' kind of gal myself. Funny, no man has ever laid hands on me in my 60 years!

[@laurend4482]

Wow I have a new respect for country music. Totally bawled at the end of that 😭

[@mcsmoothie7052]

Yeah, I bawled too. Poor ignorant simp is in prison for life while the random chick he threw his life away for without even vetting her story, drives his truck to new boyfriend’s house. Sad story. All men should watch this as an object lesson of what not to do.

[@ghostsimppy1190]

If I was on his jury I’d never vote guilty

[@debrabolton7748]

First time I have seen this video or the song. You don't know how this song hits after you have lost a sister to a murder/suicide when you didn't know she was trying to get away from a guy. I would have done it to save her. 33 years ago and I still cry.

[@johnnybgoodbeesandbarbecue5788]

"Ya I might be here forever, it ain't paradise that's true. But its a whole hell of a lot better than the place I sent him to" That line gave me chills when I heard it back when it first came out.

[@OHsopositive]

Hardy just wrote a 5-minute song that tells a better story than most 2-hr movies. Truly brilliant!! (And it’s interesting that the masses who readily accept such themes in movies want to take exception to similar themes in a country song 🤔)

[@StephanieGrace19]

I have had SOO many conversations over this song! This song was initially written when discussing what the two writers would do if a man touched their finances. THAT I understand. However a good man giving up his life for a woman he does not know I do not understand. Violence of Mind isa book written by Varg Freeborn (which I highly recommend). Basically he advises people to write down what they would give their life for... their family, their own safety, their dog, a stranger... etc. Once you have that down then you can act in parallel. I would personally never give up my child, family, husband and life for a woman I met on the road. I would try to help her and talk to her about leaving her situation.. but often times women don't leave and/or there are drugs involved. I don't think many will read this comment, but I find it interesting when someone is willing to give up everything they have for a perfect stranger. But if you defined that as who you are from the get go, then you do you boo.

[@TheTexasViking]

I have lived in Texas all my life and became a country music fan at the age of 12. It was about the time that Garth Brooks, George Strait, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt and the like came on the scene. I now sing country and rock music and I am always drawn to songs that have a story like this. I don't mind anthem songs, but the songs that talk about the real life of the real country that we live in, those are the songs that move my soul.

[@1retiredknight]

If you really want your mind blown, try some of the stuff that never got airplay on the "pop with a drawl" stations that played the guys you mentioned. I'd suggest starting with Guy Clarke, Steve Earl, Townes Van Zandt, and Steve Fromholz. Then, if you want to branch out into something a little more folk than country but still with amazing storytelling, try some John Prine.

[@TheTexasViking]

@@1retiredknight absolutely! I like to listen to a lot of non-air play music like Hayes Carll, Matt King, definitely Steve Earle, Ryan Bingham, Robert Earl King and Sturgill Simpson. Love that kind of eclectic music!

[@drowningpooralice5505]

The first time I saw this video I cried, I held it back and nobody saw, but it moved me deeply.

[@heydadchannel]

"That's how tragedy works". Now that's a value-added reaction! Great reaction. Great job to your editor for the clips.

[@hopeanna9201]

Best reaction to this song ever. Finally someone gets it, he did trade places with her.

[@deckum23]

First time hearing this myself, and that first "wait in the truck" gave me chills.