Meaning of "How Am I Doin'" by Dierks Bentley

The lyrics of "How Am I Doin'" by Dierks Bentley express the conflicting emotions that come with a break-up. Initially, the narrator seems to be doing fine, telling their ex that they have moved on and are happy. They emphasize the positive aspects of their life, such as having supportive friends and keeping busy. The upbeat and confident tone suggests that the narrator is trying to convince themselves and their ex that they are doing just fine without them. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the narrator still has moments of weakness. When they hear a song that reminds them of their ex, they can't help but feel a pang of sadness and longing.

This reveals that even though the narrator puts on a strong facade, they still have unresolved feelings. The reference to dancing with someone new, but feeling that it's not the same, highlights the difficulty of replacing the emotional connection they once had. It suggests that the narrator may be participating in casual relationships to distract themselves, but deep down, they still miss the emotional intimacy they had with their ex. This indicates that despite the outward appearance of moving on, there is still a lingering pain and longing.

In the final lines, the narrator turns the question back to their ex, asking how they are doing since the break-up. This could be interpreted as a way of seeking validation or wanting their ex to feel some remorse. The overall meaning of the song suggests that moving on from a break-up is a complex process. It involves putting on a brave face, keeping busy, and even experiencing moments of joy. However, the pain and longing for the past can still resurface at unexpected moments.