Tyler Childers (Ft. The Highwall) – “Shake the Frost” Lyrics Meaning

Tyler Childers’ song “Shake the Frost,” featuring The Highwall, is a heartfelt narrative about love, regret, and longing. It’s a song that explores the themes of missed opportunities and the desire to change for love. Childers uses vivid imagery of his Kentucky roots and nature to express deep emotions. The song seems to be about a significant other and reflects on what he would do differently in his relationship if given another chance. Through the lyrics, Childers conveys a message about the importance of expressing love and not holding back feelings. The underlying reason for writing this song might be a personal experience or reflection on the complexities of relationships and the changes one is willing to make for love.

Ever wondered what goes on in the heart of a songwriter? “Shake the Frost” isn’t just a song; it’s a journey through emotions and missed chances. Get ready to see the world through Tyler Childers’ eyes. You might just find a piece of your own story in his lyrics.


“Shake the Frost” Lyrics Meaning

“Shake the Frost” starts with a powerful imagery: “You remind me of a Sunday / Back home in ole Kentucky / With the church choirs just beltin’ to the pines.” This line sets the tone for the song – it’s nostalgic, warm, and deeply personal. Childers compares his love to the comforting and familiar feeling of a Sunday back home. This establishes a sense of longing and a connection to his roots.

As we move through the song, “And I love you like the mountains / Love’s the way the mornin’ opens / To a soft and bright greetin’ from the sun,” the lyrics become a metaphor for unconditional and natural love. It’s as if he’s saying his love is as grand and inevitable as the sunrise in the mountains – pure and unwavering.

The chorus, “So if it’d make you stay / I wouldn’t act so angry all the time / I wouldn’t keep it all inside,” speaks volumes about regret and the desire for change. It suggests a realization that his actions or inactions may have cost him in his relationship. The repetition of this chorus emphasizes the depth of his longing and the extent of his willingness to change.

The second verse, “Well, I used to ride a Mustang / And I’d run that thing on high hopes / ‘Til they raised the price of dreams so high I couldn’t pay,” touches on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life. It symbolizes how life’s challenges dampened his aspirations and youthful optimism.

As the song concludes with “So darlin’, will ya stay right here / And shake this frost off of my bones?” it’s a plea for warmth, companionship, and a second chance. The ‘frost’ is a metaphor for the coldness and loneliness he feels without his love.

The Story Behind “Shake the Frost”

The song’s intimate and reflective nature suggests that Childers was in a state of reminiscing or longing when he wrote it. Perhaps he was thinking about a particular relationship, or maybe it was a broader reflection on his life choices and the impact of his actions on his relationships. The vivid imagery of Kentucky and the mountains indicates a deep connection to his roots and a yearning for simpler times or missed opportunities.

The recurring theme of change – the willingness to be less angry and more open – indicates a period of personal growth for Childers. It’s as if through the song, he’s acknowledging his flaws and expressing a deep desire to be better for someone he loves. This song could have been a cathartic process for him, a way to express his feelings and a hope for redemption or a new beginning.

“Shake the Frost” is more than just lyrics and melody; it’s a window into Tyler Childers’ soul, reflecting his journey, regrets, and hopes.