The Meaning Behind The Song: 865 by Morgan Wallen

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Country music has always been known for its storytelling ability, and Morgan Wallen’s latest single “865” is no exception. Released in early 2021, the song has quickly become a fan favorite and has even landed on the top of the charts. But what’s the story behind the song? Let’s take a closer look.

Table of Contents

The Inspiration

For Wallen, “865” is a nod to his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. The area code for Knoxville is, you guessed it, 865. Wallen wrote the song as a tribute to his roots and the people who he grew up with. In an interview with CMT, Wallen said “It’s kind of my way of just paying homage to where I come from and the way I was raised and the people that made me who I am.”

The Lyrics

The lyrics are simple, yet powerful. The opening lines of the song set the tone for what’s to come:

“Blue-collar boys and rednecks/
Doing what they do best/
Working hard for a little check/
Barely gettin’ by, but they’re gettin’ by the grace of God and American pride”

These lines paint a picture of a hardworking community who are just trying to make ends meet. The chorus provides a sense of pride and belonging:

“Eight-six-five, stick it on my shirt/
Yeah, these are the people that’ll keep you fed/
Eight-six-five, down to the bone/
They don’t need no help, they’re country grown/”

The chorus speaks to the resilience and independence of the people in Wallen’s hometown. They don’t need anyone else to succeed, they can do it on their own.

The Music Video

The music video for “865” is a visual representation of the song’s message. It was shot in Wallen’s hometown and features people from the community. The video showcases the beauty of the area and the pride that people have for their town. It’s a simple, yet effective video that perfectly complements the song.

The Success

“865” has been a huge success for Wallen. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart and has spent multiple weeks at the top of the chart. It has also been streamed more than 70 million times on Spotify alone.

The Reaction

Fans have shared their love for the song online, with many commenting on how relatable the lyrics are. Some have even shared their own stories of growing up in small towns and the pride they have for their communities.

Others, however, have criticized Wallen due to his controversial past. In early 2021, a video surfaced of Wallen using a racial slur, which resulted in his music being pulled from radio stations and award shows. While some fans have forgiven him, others have boycotted his music entirely.

The Importance

Despite the controversy surrounding Wallen, “865” is still an important song for the country music industry. It highlights the importance of small towns and rural communities, and it speaks to a demographic that is often overlooked in mainstream music. It’s a reminder that country music is for everyone, no matter where you come from.

In conclusion, “865” is a tribute to Morgan Wallen’s hometown and the people who made him who he is. The song’s success is a testament to the power of simple, yet meaningful lyrics. While the controversy surrounding Wallen cannot be overlooked, “865” is still an important song for the country music industry and for those who feel a connection to small towns and rural communities.

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