'Regret' by Gavin Adcock – Lyrics & Meaning

Parts of Gavin Adcock's new studio album, Own Worst Enemy, certainly show a pragmatic side to the often belligerent rising star. Of the collection's 24 tracks, the song, 'Regret', does so best of all, the cautionary tune an exercise in self-awareness when faced with extreme heartache.

Own Worst Enemy is quite a multidimensional release for the country genre's latest party anthem purveyor, making the album one of the most surprising of the year so far.

Of the project, which arrived on Aug. 15, the artist has shared, "Over the last 4 years I’ve spent my life writing, traveling, and trying to find time to breathe. It doesn’t always add up on paper like it would seem, but through the happiness, hard times and self destruction I’ve found the best part of my job is letting out music for my fans. I can’t thank y’all enough for sticking with me for this long. I’m the furthest thing from perfect and I don’t ever plan to be."

Here, we are examining the more discerning side of Gavin Adcock.

At the beginning, 'Regret' is all mournful strings, the song one incessantly tip-toeing melody of careful acoustics. It's a methodical arrangement from the start, one reflective of the emotion Adcock is trying to wring out of every word. When a wholehearted rhythm joins in come the chorus, the song transforms from a mindful tune into an adamant ode.

"If you think that I'm worth the time, you're surely mistaken
You've got your heart in your hand, now it's just breaking
And I guess I wasn't really built for the long haul
And I'd take right on off if I was you"

'Regret' may sound like another self-deprecating number from the moody new star, but in reality, the song is an act of selflessness.

No one understands Adcock better than he himself and he knows, without a doubt, that he is going to break someone's heart. Full stop.

He will never really let anyone in and he refuses to be tied down, so in the song, he does his latest love interest a kindness. He tells them to leave, singing "Run, just run away from me darling / Sure was fun, but now it's just broken."

But before they head their separate ways, he thinks they should talk, say everything they need to say so no one is left with regrets in the end.

Do you remember the time, the first time I met you
Had a few drinks with your friend in a bar corner back booth
And if you'd ask me where we'd end up that day
Well I never thought I'd see your taillights fade

As the tune progresses, they take a little walk down memory lane, to the time they first met. They didn't see the writing on the wall then, but they, especially the singer in question, sure see it now. He sings: "Knew that I'd make you leave, didn't know it'd be this soon..."

Now that the couple have reached their fated end, Adcock reiterates his former lover's need to flee. After having toyed with their heart, it seems he's now acting in their best interest and imploring them to leave. It will be for their own good in the end.

Run, just run away from me
Sure was fun, but now it's just broken
So say everything you should get off your chest
And just leave me no regret

If you think that I'm worth the time, you're surely mistaken
You've got your heart in your hand, now it's just breaking
And I guess I wasn't really built for the long haul
And I'd take right on off if I was you

Run, just run away from me darling
Sure was fun, but now it's just broken
So say everything you should get off your chest
And just leave me with no regret

Do you remember the time, the first time I met you
Had a few drinks with your friend in a bar corner back booth
And if you'd ask me where we'd end up that day
Well I never thought I'd see your taillights fade

Run, just run away from me darling
Sure was fun, but now it's just broken
So say everything you should get off your chest
And just leave me with no regret

Half damn drunk on the wine you left in my bedroom
Knew that I'd make you leave, didn't know it'd be this soon
And from the moment I took off her black dress
I guess sorry don't mean a goddamn thing

Run, just run away from me
Sure was fun, but now it's just broken
So say everything you should get off your chest
And just leave me no regret

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For more on Gavin Adcock, see below: