Thomas Rhett – What Could Go Right. Lyrics Meaning: A Leap of Faith Over Fear

Ever had that heart-in-your-throat, stomach-in-knots moment where you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, about to tell your best friend you’re hopelessly in love with them? You know, when your brain is screaming a million different versions of “Don’t do it! You’ll ruin everything!” It’s a feeling that’s almost universally terrifying. We’ve all been there, paralyzed by the fear of what could go wrong.

Well, country star Thomas Rhett has bottled up that exact feeling and turned it into the perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever been stuck in that limbo. But instead of dwelling on the potential disaster, his song “What Could Go Right” offers a powerful, refreshing perspective. So, let’s dive into the story he’s telling, because it’s about more than just a crush; it’s a masterclass in flipping the script on fear.

The Liquid Courage and a Game-Changing Confession in “What Could Go Right”

• Thomas Rhett – Ain’t A Bad Life [ft. Jordan Davis] : Finding Joy in the ‘Good Enough’
• Thomas Rhett – What Could Go Right : A Leap of Faith Over Fear

The song kicks off in a scene we can all picture. The narrator has had a couple of beers, just enough to lower his inhibitions and let his real feelings bubble to the surface. It’s that classic moment of liquid courage giving him the final push he needs.

Few Blue Moons® in my veins now
Thoughts I’ve kept hidden way down
Think it’s time I get ’em off my chest

And then, he just goes for it. He lays it all out on the table with a confession that’s been years in the making. There’s no turning back now.

Of course, her immediate reaction is the one he probably feared the most: she puts up the “friend” barrier. It’s the default defense mechanism. But this is where the song truly shines. Instead of backing down, he reframes her entire argument with a single, brilliant line.

You say, “But we’re best friends”, I say, “That’s the best part”
It could be a dead-end, it could be a head start

Right there, he turns a potential obstacle into the very foundation of why this could work. He’s not just some random guy; he’s her best friend. They already have a history, trust, and a deep connection. It’s not a dead-end; it’s a head start on a beautiful relationship.

From ‘What If It Goes Wrong?’ to ‘Why Not See What Goes Right?’

The chorus is the heart and soul of this song. It’s a direct challenge to the pessimistic voice in our heads that always focuses on the negative outcomes. Thomas Rhett basically says, “Okay, let’s acknowledge the worst-case scenario. But what about the best-case one?”

Girl, don’t think about what could go wrong
Just think about what could go right
Yeah, maybe we ruin this all or

That “sing it through the rest of our lives” line is just perfect, isn’t it? It paints such a vivid picture of lifelong happiness, a future so bright it’s worth any risk. He’s admitting the stakes are incredibly high, but he’s also pointing out that the potential reward is immeasurable. It’s about choosing to focus on the possibility of a lifetime of joy over the fear of temporary awkwardness or heartbreak.

The Moment of Hesitation

The second verse brings us right back into the tense, intimate moment after his confession. You can almost feel the awkward electricity in the air. Her hesitation is so palpable and relatable. It’s the physical manifestation of her internal debate.

You move close, then you slow down
Hands don’t know where to go now
You’re half all in, you’re half, whoa now

This is such a masterful piece of storytelling. We can see her leaning in, then pulling back. We can imagine her fidgeting hands, unsure of what to do next. She’s torn, but he can see that a part of her wants to take that leap with him. He’s giving her the space to think, but also gently encouraging her to find out what could happen if she just lets go of the fear.

This song is a powerful reminder that some of the greatest things in life are waiting on the other side of a scary decision. It champions vulnerability and encourages us not to let the fear of failure prevent us from trying in the first place. The real tragedy isn’t messing things up; it’s never knowing what could have been. It’s about choosing optimism and daring to believe in a happy ending.

So, what’s your take on “What Could Go Right”? Does this song resonate with a specific memory or feeling for you? I’d love to hear if you see the story differently or if it inspires a different message for you. Let’s talk about it!