Parker McCollum – “Pretty Heart” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

This piece speaks about a man reflecting on a past relationship, realizing his mistakes and the pain he caused. The song navigates through feelings of guilt and self-realization. It’s a classic tale of taking something precious for granted and understanding its value only after losing it. The protagonist acknowledges his role in the relationship’s downfall, expressing remorse over hurting someone who was ‘golden on the inside.’ This song resonates with anyone who’s ever looked back on a relationship and questioned their actions.

Have you ever looked back on a relationship and wished you could turn back time? “Pretty Heart” captures that feeling perfectly. Stay tuned to unravel the layers of this emotional song.


“Pretty Heart” Lyrics Meaning

“Pretty Heart” begins with a blunt admission: “I didn’t think I was a bad guy.” This sets the tone for a journey of self-reflection. The songwriter acknowledges the goodness of his partner, painting her as someone pure and loving. The line “You were golden on the inside” suggests an inherent virtue in her character, contrasting with his own flaws.

The chorus, “What does that say about me? I could do you like I did,” is a moment of realization. It’s an introspective question about his character, highlighting a deep sense of guilt and self-awareness. He realizes the gravity of his actions, equating them to breaking an angel’s wings – a powerful metaphor for causing harm to someone innocent and good.

The imagery of standing “like a fence post” as she drives away in her car is striking. It depicts a moment of inaction and helplessness, perhaps signifying his inability to change or make amends at that moment.

The repetition of “What does that say about me?” throughout the song underlines the theme of self-reflection and regret. It’s a rhetorical question that speaks to the core of the song’s message: understanding oneself through the lens of past actions and their consequences.

The Story Behind “Pretty Heart”

“Pretty Heart” was born from a place of introspection and personal growth. When Parker McCollum wrote this song, he was likely reflecting on his own life experiences. Songwriters often draw from personal emotions and events, and “Pretty Heart” feels deeply personal and authentic. It’s a story not just about a failed relationship, but about growing and learning from one’s mistakes.

The state of mind of the songwriter seems to be one of retrospection and remorse. It’s a realization that comes from looking back on one’s actions and understanding their impact on others. This song serves as a confession and a lesson learned the hard way. It’s about coming to terms with one’s flaws and the pain caused to others, particularly to someone who was cherished and loved.

The song’s emotional depth suggests a deep personal connection to the lyrics. It’s not just a story about heartbreak, but also about self-awareness and the journey towards becoming a better person. This underlying message gives “Pretty Heart” its relatable and poignant quality.