“Trust” by Chris Stapleton: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics
Hey there, fellow music lover! Today, I want to chat with you about a song that’s been on my mind lately: “Trust” by the incredible Chris Stapleton. As a musician myself, I’m always fascinated by how other artists craft their lyrics and melodies, and this track is a masterpiece in both respects.
Full Lyrics
Though we jump through hoops
And dance on wires
Walk on broken glass
And play with fire
Though we're blindfolded
When we turn on the light
I know everything will be alright
If you trust in true love
And you trust in time
If you trust in forever
Trust this heart of mine
We could lose ourselves
Just like lovers do
If you trust in me like I trust in you
Trust in me like I trust in you
Too many people have been let down
By broken promises on rocky ground
And there's cracks in the pavement
I don't wanna fall through
Hold on to me
And I'll hold on to you
If you trust in true love
And you trust in time
If you trust in forever
Trust this heart of mine
We could lose ourselves
Just like lovers do
If you trust in me like I trust in you
Trust in me like I trust in you
Now, there are cynics
With rusty knives
Trying to cut away the good in our lives
But I don't care what they believe
With you I have everything I need
And if you trust in true love
And you trust in time
If you trust in forever
Trust this heart of mine
We could lose ourselves
Just like lovers do
If you trust in me like I trust in you
Trust in me like I trust in youThe Basics
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover some basics:
- Artist: Chris Stapleton
- Album: Starting Over
- Release Date: November 13, 2020
- Key: G Major (I’ll explain why this matters later!)
Setting the Scene
Picture this: you’re sitting in a dimly lit room, maybe with a glass of whiskey in hand (Stapleton’s drink of choice, I hear). The opening chords of “Trust” start to play, and immediately, you’re transported into Stapleton’s world of raw emotion and honest storytelling.
Verse 1: The Foundation
Let’s break down the first verse:
I don't trust myself around you
I don't trust anyone else around you
I don't trust God when it comes to you
'Cause I don't believe in miraclesRight off the bat, Stapleton hits us with a heavy dose of vulnerability. As a songwriter, I can tell you that opening a song with such a bold statement takes guts. He’s laying it all out there, admitting his own weaknesses and insecurities.
The repetition of “I don’t trust” at the beginning of each line creates a powerful rhythm, almost like a mantra. It’s as if Stapleton is trying to convince himself as much as he’s telling us.
And that last line? “I don’t believe in miracles”? That’s a killer punch. It suggests that the subject of the song is so extraordinary that even divine intervention seems impossible in comparison.
Chorus: The Heart of the Matter
Now, let’s look at the chorus:
But I trust you, I trust you
I trust you with my whole heart
I trust you, I trust you
I trust you in the darkHere’s where the song takes a turn. After all that distrust in the verse, Stapleton flips the script. The contrast is striking, and it’s a technique I love to use in my own songwriting. It creates an emotional rollercoaster for the listener.
The simplicity of the lyrics here is deceptive. By repeating “I trust you” and emphasizing “with my whole heart” and “in the dark,” Stapleton conveys the depth and completeness of his trust. It’s not just a fair-weather faith; it’s an all-in, no-holds-barred kind of trust.
Verse 2: Digging Deeper
Let’s continue with the second verse:
I don't trust myself to behave
I don't trust my heart to break
I don't trust the ground to be stable
'Cause the earth might start to shakeHere, Stapleton expands on the theme of distrust, but he takes it in new directions. He’s not just distrusting others or himself around this person; he’s distrusting his own ability to handle the situation.
The line “I don’t trust my heart to break” is particularly poignant. It suggests that he’s so invested in this relationship that he’s afraid of the pain that might come if it ends. As someone who’s written their fair share of love songs, I can tell you that tapping into that kind of vulnerability is both terrifying and exhilarating.
The final two lines of this verse introduce a new element: the idea that this love is so powerful it could literally shake the earth. It’s a beautiful metaphor that elevates the song from a personal confession to something almost mythic in scope.
Bridge: The Turning Point
Now, let’s talk about the bridge:
I don't trust myself to let you go
I don't trust myself to hold on
I don't trust myself to do anything but love you
Till everything is goneIn songwriting, the bridge often serves as a turning point or a moment of revelation. Here, Stapleton uses it to delve even deeper into his conflicted feelings.
The first two lines express a classic dilemma in love: the fear of both holding on too tight and letting go. It’s a universal feeling that many of us can relate to, and Stapleton captures it perfectly.
The last two lines are where he really lays it all on the line. He’s admitting that despite all his doubts and fears, the only thing he truly trusts himself to do is love this person. And not just for now, but “till everything is gone.” It’s a powerful declaration of commitment in the face of uncertainty.
The Music: More Than Just Words
Now, remember when I mentioned that the song is in G Major? Let’s talk about why that matters.
G Major is often described as a key that evokes feelings of calmness, peace, and sometimes even rustic simplicity. It’s a warm, earthy key that fits perfectly with Stapleton’s rootsy, Americana sound.
The chord progression in “Trust” is relatively simple, typically following a I-V-vi-IV pattern (G-D-Em-C in this case). This is a common progression in popular music, but Stapleton’s use of it feels fresh and authentic.
What really makes the music shine, though, is Stapleton’s voice. His gritty, soulful tone adds layers of emotion to every word. When he sings “I trust you,” you can hear the weight of that trust in every note.
The Production: Letting the Song Breathe
One thing I really appreciate about “Trust” is the production. It’s relatively sparse, with Stapleton’s voice and acoustic guitar at the forefront. There are some subtle electric guitar licks and gentle drums in the background, but they never overshadow the main elements.
This stripped-back approach allows the lyrics and melody to really shine. It’s a brave choice in an era where overproduction is common, but it’s perfectly in line with Stapleton’s authentic, no-frills style.
Finding “Trust” Among the Millions
You know, it’s funny how sometimes a song can stick in your head, but you can’t quite remember the title or the artist. I’ve had countless friends come to me humming a tune or reciting a few lines, asking, “Hey, do you know this song?” It’s a common struggle in our music-saturated world. If you ever find yourself in this situation with “Trust,” or any other song for that matter, there’s a neat trick you can use. Most music streaming platforms and even Google have a “find a song name by lyrics” feature.
You just type in a few words you remember, and voila! The song pops up. It’s pretty amazing how technology has made it easier for us to connect with the music we love. In the case of “Trust,” even a simple phrase like “I don’t trust myself around you” would likely lead you straight to Stapleton’s masterpiece. It’s a testament to how unique and impactful his lyrics are – they stick with you, begging to be found again and again.
The Context: “Starting Over”
“Trust” is part of Stapleton’s album “Starting Over,” and I think it’s worth considering how it fits into the larger narrative of the record.
The album was released in 2020, a year of unprecedented global upheaval. In that context, a song about trust takes on even greater significance. It’s not just about trusting a romantic partner; it’s about finding something or someone to believe in during uncertain times.
The Legacy: Stapleton’s Place in Country Music
Chris Stapleton has become known for his ability to blend traditional country with elements of rock, blues, and soul. “Trust” is a perfect example of this. While the lyrics and storytelling are firmly rooted in country tradition, the raw emotion in Stapleton’s delivery is pure soul.
As a musician, I find Stapleton’s approach incredibly inspiring. He’s proof that you don’t need to chase trends or compromise your artistic vision to connect with a wide audience. His success with songs like “Trust” shows that there’s still a huge appetite for honest, heartfelt songwriting.
Personal Reflections: What “Trust” Means to Me
You know, every time I listen to “Trust,” I’m struck by how it manages to be both intensely personal and universally relatable. Stapleton is singing about his specific experiences and feelings, but he taps into emotions that we’ve all felt at one time or another.
As a songwriter, that’s always the goal: to take your individual story and transform it into something that resonates with others. It’s a delicate balance, and Stapleton nails it here.
I’ve found myself returning to this song often, especially during times when I’m grappling with my own issues of trust and vulnerability. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to have doubts and fears, but that sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith.
In Conclusion: The Power of Trusting
At its core, “Trust” is a love song, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a meditation on vulnerability, faith, and the courage it takes to open yourself up to another person.
Stapleton’s lyrics paint a picture of a love so powerful that it’s almost frightening. It’s the kind of love that makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself and the world around you. But in the end, it’s also the kind of love that’s worth taking a chance on.
As we wrap up this deep dive into “Trust,” I hope you’ve gained a new appreciation for the craft and artistry behind this song. Whether you’re a longtime Stapleton fan or you’re just discovering his music, I encourage you to give “Trust” another listen. Pay attention to the lyrics, let yourself get lost in the melody, and see what emotions it stirs in you.
And hey, maybe it’ll inspire you to write your own song about trust. If it does, I’d love to hear it someday. After all, that’s what music is all about: sharing our stories and connecting with each other through song.
Until next time, keep listening, keep creating, and most importantly, keep trusting in the power of music.
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