Gary Pratt’s latest single, “Before Someone Gets Hurt,” from his album “Something Worth Remembering,” is a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the painful decisions that sometimes accompany relationships. Written by Larry McCoy, Bart Butler, and Westin Davis, the song encapsulates the inner turmoil of ending a relationship to prevent further heartache.
https://open.spotify.com/track/19DfhGPXjifJEQrrUwVncw?si=2b07ec5499074a6d
Pratt’s deeply emotive vocals lend authenticity to the song, as he sings about the struggle of maintaining a relationship when one’s true self conflicts with the idealized image presented to a partner. His personal connection to the song’s themes is evident in his delivery, drawing from his own experiences of love and loss. As Pratt himself reflects, relationships often reveal the true selves of those involved, and the resulting disillusionment can lead to heartache.
This ain’t gonna work, even though I want it to
The last few days have been damn straight tangled up in you
I know who I am, but what you see ain’t what you get
Deep inside, there’s another guy, someone that you ain’t met
The song opens with the narrator acknowledging the inevitable end of the relationship despite their desire for it to succeed. The past few days have been emotionally intense, indicating a deep connection but also confusion. The narrator reveals a dichotomy between their outward persona and their true self, hinting at inner conflicts and hidden aspects of their identity.
There’s no need in holding your breath
Baby, I know how crazy this all sounds
I let everybody down, and myself a million times
Believe me, I’d change if I could
I wanna make this thing all good
I can’t seem to walk that line
But girl, I’d lie to save for what it’s worth
But I gotta stop this before someone gets hurt
The pre-chorus is a candid admission of the narrator’s flaws and past failures. They understand the irrationality of their actions but feel powerless to change. The line “I can’t seem to walk that line” suggests a struggle with commitment and consistency. Despite their desire to fix things, they recognize the need to end the relationship to prevent further pain.
Baby, I know how crazy this all sounds
I let everybody down, and myself a million times
Believe me, I’d change if I could
I wanna make this thing all good
I can’t seem to walk that line
But girl, I’d lie to save for what it’s worth
But I gotta stop this before someone gets hurt
The chorus reinforces the narrator’s awareness of their shortcomings and the inevitable hurt they cause. Their wish to make things right contrasts with the realization that staying in the relationship would only lead to more damage.
I believe in love, but I love a lot of things
It should be tough just to give it all up for just one thing
I’m better off as a memory, yeah
Here, the narrator reflects on their belief in love but also admits to having multiple passions or distractions that prevent them from fully committing. They acknowledge that they might be remembered better than they can be present in the relationship.
Yeah, I know one day I’m gonna look back on the night
Wish I would’ve thought twice
But right now I gotta do what’s right
In the bridge, the narrator anticipates future regret for their decision, yet they feel compelled to do what they believe is right at the moment. This highlights the internal conflict between immediate action and long-term reflection.
The final chorus reiterates the core message of the song. The repetition of “Baby, believe me” emphasizes the narrator’s sincerity and the gravity of their decision. They are determined to end the relationship to avoid causing more pain, despite the emotional difficulty of doing so.
Musically, “Before Someone Gets Hurt” combines traditional country instrumentation with a contemporary production style, creating a sound that is both classic and fresh. The melody is catchy, yet it carries a melancholic undertone that complements the lyrical content. The song’s structure allows Pratt’s vocals to shine, particularly in the chorus where his voice conveys a raw, heartfelt plea.
This single is a standout track on “Something Worth Remembering,” an album dedicated to Pratt’s late brother. The album, released in March 2021, features a blend of Pratt’s original compositions and contributions from renowned Nashville songwriters, along with collaborations with artists like Matt Westin and Savannah (Nider). The album’s success, with over 500K Spotify streams and multiple iTunes Top 10 singles, underscores Pratt’s rising prominence in the country music scene.
Gary Pratt’s ability to connect with listeners through his storytelling and emotive performances is further solidified with “Before Someone Gets Hurt.” His music resonates with those who have experienced the complexities of love and the difficult choices it sometimes necessitates. As Pratt continues to work on his upcoming album, due in 2024, fans can look forward to more heartfelt and relatable music from this talented artist.
Published by: Holy Minoza
