'Creep' by Ernest & HARDY – Lyrics & Meaning

Featuring 26 tracks that are nothing short of sensational, Ernest's third studio album, titled Nashville, Tennessee – serving as the follow up to 2022's Flower Shops: The Album – seriously has something for everyone, hitting all music streaming services on April 12.

With the project featuring collaborations with Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and more, one of the most notable duets is with 'TRUCK BED' singer HARDY, adding some country twang to a cover of 'Creep' by Radiohead.

This is not the only cover to be featured on the record, as Ernest also included his own rendition of 'Slow Dancing In A Burning Room' by John Mayer, once again adding a country twist to the track we know and love.

Nonetheless, the friendship between Ernest and HARDY is something that has been evident throughout their respective country music careers, forming a “supertrio” with Morgan Wallen while both stars served as supporting acts on his One Night At A Time World Tour.

This strong bond both in and out of the studio, as well as HARDY’s heavy rock influence, makes him the perfect collaborator on 'Creep.'

Opening with a spacious stereo feeling, Radiohead's 'Creep' introduces electric guitars and a strong drum beat in its chorus – behind Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals – causing the track to gain intensity as it progresses.

Ernest and HARDY’s version is a complete contrast to the 1993 tune, beginning with a twangy acoustic guitar that's drastically different from the alternative/rock sound that the original is known for.

Comparing the Ernest and HARDY version to Radiohead's is like comparing apples to oranges.

One is made for drinking a beer on a hot summer day and one is made for smoking a cigarette on a cold winter night. With just one listen of each, we'll let you decide which is which.

"When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special
You're so damn special"

To open up the tune, the narrator introduces a love interest, one who serves as the subject of the song, explaining that he cannot look them in the eye, because they are just too beautiful.

Closing out the first verse, the narrator admits that this person is “so damn special,” while he is not special whatsoever, implying that he feels unworthy of their love.

"But I'm a creep
Yeah I'm a weirdo
The hell am I doin' here?
Oh I don't belong here"

The narrator feels as though this person is too good for him, singing “I'm a creep” and “I'm a weirdo” to detail the reasons why they would not like him, elaborating on his insecurities.

"I don't care if it hurts
Oh I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
Yeah I want a perfect soul
And I want you to notice
Oh when I'm not around
Yeah I was so fucking special
Oh I wish I was special
No"

Aside from simply being “a creep” and “a weirdo”, the narrator proceeds to share even more insecurities, admitting that he wants a perfect body, a perfect soul and more. It's implied that the narrator feels as though these qualities would cause him to finally catch his love interest’s eye, making him worthy of their love and affection after all.

The end of the verse reiterates that he feels as though he is not special enough to make this person his significant other.

While he has yet to speak out about this collaboration since its release, Ernest teased a solo version of 'Creep' via TikTok in September of 2021 – before his smash hit 'Flower Shops' even hit streaming services – something that country music lovers would have never guessed would be a part of Nashville, Tennessee years later.

Nonetheless, listeners were pleased by the country twang Ernest added to 'Creep' at the time, taking to the comment section of the video to express their love for the cover.

“Yoooo, I love the concept and the idea,” one TikTok user shared. Another exclaimed, ““Love this. You are so talented. I love hearing your creations! I wish I could do that!” “Awesome job 👏 makes my heart happy,” gushed a third.

When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special
You're so damn special

But I'm a creep
Yeah I'm a weirdo
The hell am I doin' here?
Oh I don't belong here

I don't care if it hurts
Oh I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
Yeah I want a perfect soul
And I want you to notice
Oh when I'm not around
Yeah I was so fucking special
Oh I wish I was special
No

But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
I don't belong here
I don't belong here yeah

But I'm a creep
Yeah I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
Oh I don't belong here

'm a creep
Hey I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
Oh I don't belong here

––

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