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Luke Combs – Where The Wild Things Are Lyrics: A raw reflection on freedom and loss – Neon Music

Luke Combs: A dominant force in country music

Luke Combs has established himself as one of the most dominant characters in modern country musicand regularly delivers songs that top the charts.

After a series of singles that quickly climbed to number 1 on Billboard’s airplay charts, Cover of Tracy Chapman's Fast Car stood out, spending five weeks at the top and reaching number 2 on the Hot 100.

His latest album, Growing oldwas also very successful, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200 all-genre list and number 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums.

Luke Combs: “Gettin’ Old” album cover
Luke Combs: “Gettin’ Old” album cover

One of the standout tracks from this album is “Where The Wild Things Are,” released on March 24, 2023.

The background story of “Where the Wild Things Are”

“Where the Wild Things Are” was not an immediate choice for Combs.

The song had been circulating in Nashville for years and was originally written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull.

It almost found its way to another country music legend, Eric Church, who considered recording it before he eventually passed away.

According to Combs and his collaborators Ray Fulcher, Chip Matthews, Rob Williford, Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton, this story-driven track was once difficult to categorize.

Isbell noted: “He almost cut it out. I couldn't believe the song wouldn't end up somewhere.”

At the time, songs with a lot of storyline weren't exactly in demand, but Combs recognized the song's depth and potential.

His decision to record it finally brought it to life and gave it a place in country music where it belongs, right alongside his best work.

“Where the wild things are” – Text: Freedom and rebellion in the West

The text tells the story of a brother who heads west, leaving his family behind to search for something untamed.

His journey is a search for freedom, and the song paints a vivid picture of the vastness and danger of the west coast.

The West may promise adventure, but it also carries the constant risk of living life on the edge.

The longing for freedom and for the brother’s return runs through the entire story.

Musically, the song mixes traditional and modern country elements.

A steady drum beat characterizes the track, while a light acoustic guitar and a delicate piano riff add a melancholic tone, especially during the verses.

The arrangement is deliberately kept simple so that the lyrics and story take center stage and listeners can concentrate on the journey and emotions that define the song.

The Indian Scout motorcycle as a symbol of freedom

The brothers' Indian Scout motorcycle symbolizes more than just a means of transportation; it stands for freedom, rebellion and a lifestyle that cannot be tamed.

Combs' lyrics capture the bittersweet nature of his brother's quest and show admiration for his free-spirited nature while also pointing out the potential consequences of such a lifestyle.

Luke Combs' deep, measured vocals give weight to every word.

His voice is calm yet full of emotion and fits perfectly with the thoughtful mood of the piece.

Its simplicity allows the listener to concentrate on the narrative and be drawn deeper into the story.

The turning point of the story: differences between brothers

As the song progresses, the narrator realizes that despite their bond, he and his brother are not alike.

The narrator moves west for a while, but soon realizes that he is not cut out for his brother's wild, free life.

Their connection may be strong, but their paths are fundamentally different.

The brother has found a home in the chaotic freedom of the West, while the narrator longs for the stability of his old life in the East.

At the end of the summer, the narrator makes the decision to leave and return home.

He is aware that his brother will never leave his new home, no matter what he says or does.

This farewell marks the moment when the narrator realizes that their journeys, although linked by blood, go in opposite directions.

The heartbreaking climax and the subtle parallel to James Dean

The last verse draws on lines introduced earlier in the song, but changes them, signaling the tragic turn of events.

What was once a story of rebellion and speed becomes a story of loss.

The narrator delivers the heartbreaking news: his brother died in a motorcycle accident at 3:30 a.m. when he crashed into a guardrail.

Interestingly, the time indication – 3:30 – is a subtle reference to the legendary actor James Dean.

While Dean's accident occurred at 5:45 p.m. in California, just two hours earlier he had received a speeding ticket at 3:30 p.m.

Although there are clear differences between the two events, this small detail gives the song an additional level of tragic association.

However, none of the songwriters have confirmed direct inspiration from Dean's life or death.

The consequences: The funeral of a free spirit

The song ends with the narrator laying his brother to rest under the same West Coast stars that once promised adventure.

The younger brother may have returned to the East, but his sibling will remain forever in the West, resting under the sky that gave him comfort and freedom.

Rather than offering a clear solution, the song leaves listeners with the harsh reality that some people can never be fully tamed, even in death.

The brother found his sense of belonging in the wilderness, and this is where his story ends.

Combs captures the complexity of love, freedom and loss in a way that lingers long after the last note has faded away.

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Unfortunately, the lyrics for Where the Wild Things Are by Luke Combs cannot be displayed at the moment because we are currently revising our service.

Verse 1
My big brother drove an Indian Scout
It was black like his jacket
The American spirit hangs out of his mouth
Just like our dad
He started the motorcycle one night with the kickstarter and broke mom's heart
He pointed the spotlight west, where the wild animals are

Verse 2
He called me every few weeks
From Southern California
Talk about the desert and the Joshua Tree
And his stories about pretty girls
And how he bought an Airstream trailer and a J-45 guitar
Said: “Little brother, you would like it out here where the wild things are”

choir
Oh, oh-oh, it's burning hearts and crazy dreams
Oh, oh-oh, the nights ignite like gasoline
And light the streets that never sleep when the sky gets dark
Out where the wild things live

Acts 3
I called my brother from the back of the plane
The second I made it
We started drinking on the Strip in LA
And then things got crazy
Landed in a house in the hills with some Hollywood stars
Kissing a blonde in the pool in the backyard, outside where the wild things are
(Oh yes)

Bridge
A few Iron Horse rebels
Wild as the devil
I knew I had to go back to the East
Said goodbye to my brother
At the end of this summer
But I knew he would never leave

choir
Oh, oh-oh, it's burning hearts and crazy dreams
Oh, where the nights burn like gasoline
And oh, oh-oh, those Indian Scouts, man, they're built for speed
And oh, oh-oh, they said he hit the guardrail at half past three
Illuminated the streets that never sleep when the sky gets dark
We buried him in the wind under the stars of the West Coast
Out where the wild things live

Ending
Out where the wild things live