Meaning of "Halloween" by Walker Hayes

The lyrics of "Halloween" delve into the artist's struggle with his identity and the various personas he felt compelled to adopt in different stages of his life - from high school to college and beyond. He describes the pressure to constantly pretend to be someone he's not in order to receive validation and approval from others, leading to feelings of fear and insecurity. However, meeting a special person seems to have changed everything for him. This individual, who he expresses deep affection for, sees him for who he truly is and allows him to let go of his masks. The metaphor of Halloween serves as a powerful symbol of shedding layers and becoming more authentic. Ultimately, the song speaks to the liberating feeling of being accepted for who you are and finding a safe space to let go of pretenses.