Thomas Rhett – What Could Go Right: Meaning, Lyric, Quotes
Thomas Rhett – What Could Go Right : Taking the Leap from Friends to Forever
Hey everyone! Let’s chat about a song that seriously gives you those butterflies, you know? Thomas Rhett’s “What Could Go Right”. It’s one of those tracks that just grabs you because, let’s be real, who hasn’t been in a situation where you’re teetering on the edge of something potentially amazing, but also kinda terrifying?
This song basically throws you right into that moment. Picture this: a guy, maybe after a couple of beers (he mentions “Few Blue Moons® in my veins now” – relatable, right?), finally gets the guts to say what he’s been holding back for ages. He’s talking to his best friend, and the bomb he drops is huge: “Girl, I love you, and I’ve known it since the day that we met.” Whoa! Talk about putting it all out there.
Decoding the Heartfelt Confession in Thomas Rhett’s “What Could Go Right”
So, what’s the real story simmering beneath the surface here? This song is all about that pivotal moment, the fork in the road between staying in the safe, comfortable “friend zone” and taking a massive leap of faith into something potentially much, much more. It’s about vulnerability, courage, and choosing optimism over fear.
The Liquid Courage and the Long-Held Secret
The song kicks off with him admitting he’s had a little something to drink. It’s not about being drunk, but more like needing that tiny nudge, that little bit of lowered inhibition to finally voice the “thoughts I’ve kept hidden way down.” It makes the confession feel incredibly authentic and human. He knows things won’t be the same after this (“Things ain’t gon’ be the same now / Can’t take back what just came out”), but the need to be honest outweighs the fear of changing the dynamic.
The “Best Friends” Hurdle
Her immediate reaction? Predictable, but totally understandable: “But we’re best friends”. It’s the classic defense mechanism, the immediate worry about ruining a perfectly good friendship. We’ve all heard it, maybe even said it. It’s the fear talking – the fear of losing something stable and known for something uncertain.
Reframing the Fear: “That’s the Best Part”
But here’s where the song’s core message really shines. His response is just brilliant: “I say, ‘That’s the best part'”. He doesn’t dismiss her fear; instead, he reframes it. He suggests that their existing bond, their deep understanding of each other built through friendship, isn’t a roadblock – it’s the perfect foundation for something deeper. It could be a “dead-end,” sure, he acknowledges the risk. But, crucially, he emphasizes it could also be a “head start” into an amazing relationship. This shift in perspective is everything.
The Core Message: Choosing Hope Over Hesitation
Ultimately, “What Could Go Right” is a powerful anthem about perspective. It’s a direct challenge to our natural tendency to focus on potential negatives when faced with a big decision, especially in matters of the heart. The chorus drives this home repeatedly.
Forget “What If It Goes Wrong?”
The central plea is crystal clear: “Girl, don’t think about what could go wrong / Just think about what could go right.” It’s an active choice. He’s asking her (and maybe himself, too) to consciously push past the anxieties and the “what ifs” that can paralyze us. He acknowledges the worst-case scenario (“Yeah, maybe we ruin this all”) but immediately contrasts it with the best-case dream (“or / Sing it through the rest of our lives”). That contrast is so potent – total destruction versus lifelong happiness.
The Fear of Regret
There’s another layer here too, captured perfectly in the lines: “And I don’t wanna mess it all up, but / I don’t wanna say we never tried”. This speaks volumes about the fear of future regret. Messing up is scary, yes. But looking back years later and wondering “what if?” because you were too afraid to even try? That can be a much heavier burden to carry. He’s arguing that the potential pain of trying and failing is less daunting than the guaranteed ache of never knowing.
The Tension of the Moment
The second verse beautifully paints the picture of her hesitation and his hopeful observation: “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 / But I can tell you wanna find out”. You can almost feel that electric, awkward, hopeful tension in the air. Her body language shows the internal conflict – the desire to lean in versus the instinct to pull back. He sees that flicker of curiosity, that shared desire to know “what could be,” and gently encourages it.
The song isn’t just about romantic love, though. It’s a metaphor for so many life choices, isn’t it? Starting a new career, moving to a new city, pursuing a passion project – they all come with that same “what could go wrong?” voice. This track is a reminder to give the “what could go right?” voice equal, if not more, airtime. It’s about embracing possibility and having the courage to take a chance on potential happiness, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Alright, let’s switch gears slightly. Some lines in this song just stick with you, right? They’re like little nuggets of wisdom wrapped up in a catchy country tune. Let’s pull out a few that feel particularly inspirational.
Let’s Talk Gems: Inspirational Quotes from Thomas Rhett’s “What Could Go Right”
Sometimes a song lyric just hits differently. It pops out and makes you think, “Wow, that’s actually great advice!” “What Could Go Right” is packed with moments like that. Here are a few standout lines that feel pretty inspiring:
Focusing on the Upside
Okay, this is the big one, the main event! It’s basically the song’s thesis statement. How often do we get bogged down by anxiety, imagining every possible way things could fail? This line is a direct command – or maybe a gentle nudge – to flip the script. Acknowledge the risks, sure, but then consciously shift your mental energy towards the positive possibilities. What amazing things could happen if you take this chance? It’s about choosing optimism as your default setting, especially when fear tries to take over. It’s simple, direct, and incredibly powerful advice for love and life.
Best Friends = Best Foundation?
This one is fantastic because it’s all about reframing a perceived obstacle into an advantage. The fear is losing the friendship. The reframe? That very friendship – the trust, the history, the comfort, the inside jokes – is actually the strongest possible starting point for a romantic relationship. It challenges the idea that friendship is a barrier to romance, suggesting instead that it’s the ultimate launching pad. It’s inspiring because it encourages us to see the strengths in our existing connections, rather than just the potential complications.
Risk vs. Reward: The Crossroads
I love the honesty here. He’s not pretending there’s no risk involved. He openly admits, yeah, this could go nowhere (“dead-end”). But right alongside that risk is the incredible potential for it to be the beginning of something amazing (“head start”). It’s a balanced perspective. It acknowledges the fear but doesn’t let it overshadow the hope. This line inspires by validating the risk while simultaneously highlighting the potential reward, encouraging a calculated leap rather than blind optimism or paralyzing fear.
Avoiding the ‘What Ifs’
This hits deep, doesn’t it? It perfectly captures the tension between the fear of failure and the fear of regret. Which is worse: trying something and potentially messing it up, or playing it safe and always wondering what might have been? For the person singing, the regret of inaction looms larger. It’s an inspiration to be brave, to act despite the fear of negative consequences, because the pain of never knowing, of constantly asking “what if?”, can be a lifelong burden. It motivates us to choose action over passivity when something truly matters.
So, there you have it! “What Could Go Right” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a feel-good reminder to lean into hope, embrace vulnerability, and sometimes, just sometimes, focus on the amazing possibilities instead of letting the potential pitfalls hold you back. It captures that heart-in-your-throat moment of taking a chance perfectly.
What do you think? Does this song resonate with you? Maybe you interpret some of these lyrics differently, or perhaps another part of the song really stands out to you. I’d love to hear your take on it! Let’s discuss in the comments below – what does “What Could Go Right” mean to you?
