Meaning of "Only Son" by Shakey Graves

The lyrics of "Only Son" delve deep into the narrator's identity as an only child, exploring the consequences of their lonely upbringing. The repetition of the line "I used to be an only son" emphasizes a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past. The narrator describes their heart as a stranger, indicating a lack of familiarity with their own emotions. In their youth, they were drawn to risky situations, finding excitement in the races they won and the impending dangers they craved. However, as they grew older, they began to question the choices they made and the paths they took. The use of the phrase "chosen roads it had to wander" suggests a certain resignation to fate and the idea that their actions were predetermined. The mention of a loaded gun symbolizes the power and destructive potential of their heart. Despite its danger, the heart allows the narrator to forget a past lover, providing a temporary escape from the pain and memories associated with that relationship. The line "this sturdy wood will burn forever in us together" implies that the narrator's heart and the memories they carry will always remain intertwined. The song ends with a haunting vocalization, leaving room for interpretation and reflection.

Overall, "Only Son" explores themes of identity, recklessness, nostalgia, and emotional healing. It serves as a meditation on the past and the choices that shape who we become.