Meaning of "Beautiful" by Walker Hayes

The lyrics of "Beautiful" delve into the complex emotions associated with encountering a past love. The narrator takes a trip down memory lane, hoping to see the one who got away again. They recall the nostalgia of shared memories, symbolized by an old burned CD that holds a special significance. However, as they approach the meeting, they realize that the pain and hurt are still present, represented by the person's name tattooed on their arm. Despite trying to move on and even being in a new relationship, the encounter with their past love awakens intense emotions within them.

The lyrics highlight the struggles of reconciling the past with the present. The line "Ain't no tellin', girl, how long it's been since we did all that shoutin'" suggests unresolved conflict and a history of arguments between the narrator and their love interest. They try to downplay the significance of the time apart, expressing a casual attitude of "just livin' the dream." However, the lyrics reveal that seeing their past love brings back a flood of emotions, challenging the notion of being over them. The line "I don't think your stomach's supposed to hurt quite like this" showcases the physical and emotional discomfort of unexpectedly running into someone who once meant so much.

The longing and difficulty of moving on are further emphasized in the line "Thought I could just see you and be okay, but I'm not okay, girl." The narrator's attempt to convince themselves that they can handle seeing their past love is shattered, as they realize they are not okay and are affected deeply by this encounter. The lyrics also touch upon the notion of beauty, with the repeated question of why this person has to be so beautiful. It reflects the conflicting emotions of admiration and pain that arise when faced with someone who holds such a strong emotional connection.

Overall, "Beautiful" explores the complexities of love, nostalgia, and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. It highlights the lingering impact that past loves can have, even when one tries to convince themselves they have moved on.