Meaning of "What We Ain't Got" by Jake Owen

"What We Ain't Got" delves into the universal longing for something beyond our reach. The lyrics suggest that people are never truly satisfied with their current state or possessions. They desire what others have, believing it to be better and more fulfilling. The song emphasizes the notion that, no matter how much we attain, the grass always seems greener on the other side. It captures the dissatisfaction and restlessness that accompany these desires and shows how they can overshadow the things we already have.

The song also delves into the pain of loss and the longing to return to a previous state. It expresses the yearning to go back to a time when things were better, particularly in terms of a lost love. The narrator laments the end of a relationship and expresses regret for not appreciating what he had when he had it. He would trade everything he has now just to have his former love back. The lyrics convey the difficulties of moving on when one is stuck in the past, unable to find happiness in the present.

The overall meaning of the song is a poignant reminder that constantly wanting what we don't have can prevent us from appreciating and finding contentment in what we already possess. It highlights the often-fleeting nature of satisfaction and the dangers of taking what we have for granted. The lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on their own desires and search for happiness within themselves rather than always striving for something elusive.