May 9, 2018
Last Edited
November 26, 2019 8:51 am
Kenny Chesney / Photo: Screen grabbed from Youtube
Kenny Chesney‘s fifth No. 1 song, “The Good Stuff” conveys several connotations about the phrase. However, it centers on the most important things in life that, most of the time, are not given much attention. In particular, the tune gives emphasis on the good things there are in a married life. The lyrics, which were penned by Craig Wiseman and Jim Collins narrate a beautiful and inspiring story. And certainly, every married couple could relate to it.
In an interview, Wiseman shared what inspired him and Collins to write the song. The two songwriters have a friend, Rusty Martin, who lost his wife to cancer. They then opened a discussion about sitting there and watching his wife as she died. Over a cup of coffee, they came up with the song “The Good Stuff.” Although the whole story did not entirely focus on their friend, they considered him to be their inspiration in writing it. Hence, they dedicated the work to him. Every now and then, Wiseman would say,
“This song came about because of three long, happy marriages, and two of them are still going.”
Released as the second single on his album No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problems, “The Good Stuff” was the No. 1 country song in 2002.
The Story Within the Song
In the song, a man saw an open bar and went inside for a drink. He told the bartender about the fight he had with his wife back home and he somehow would like to have a good time. The old man then explained to him that the “good stuff” cannot be seen from the bar. Instead, these are found in the couple’s relationship, their love for each other, and the memories that they share and create. These may not refer to the happy times of their lives, but also those moments they turned filthy or are having petty fights.
The bartender went on sharing his personal experience about losing his wife to cancer. It’s a traumatic event in his life that led him to extreme alcohol drinking. Yet, one day he realized that there are a lot of good things, even more beautiful, than a whiskey.
‘Cause the one thing’s stronger than the whiskey Was the sight of her holdin’ my baby girl / The way she adored that string of pearls / I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl / Married his high school love / And it’s a new t-shirt sayin’ I’m a grandpa / Bein’ right there as our time got small / And holdin’ her hand when good the Lord called her up
Thus, he advised the man to go home, talk to his wife and settle their misunderstandings. He even assured him that after this, everything’s going to be alright.
Folks, did you enjoy this piece? We would be glad to hear your thoughts or experiences related to the song. Likewise, please do not forget to hit the like button and share the fun with other fans of country music. Here on Country Thang Daily, we strive to bring you a daily dose of cutting-edge entertainment through country music and information.
To stay tuned, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’re also on Instagram and Pinterest.
Tags
Craig Wiseman, Jim Collins, Kenny Chesney, The Good Stuff