About the song
Background
“Austin” was the launching pad for Blake Shelton’s country music career. Released in April 2001, it became both his debut single and the first track on his self-titled album. Songwriters David Kent and Kirsti Manna crafted the tune, which quickly gained traction on the charts.
Lyrics
The song follows a man reflecting on a past love. The lyrics paint a picture of a carefree life where weekends are spent at ball games and on the lake. However, a lingering message from his ex, Austin, disrupts his easygoing routine. The unanswered message and the woman’s name “Austin” become a symbol of his unresolved feelings.
Themes
- Lost Love: The central theme revolves around the protagonist’s struggle to move on from a past relationship. Austin represents a love that continues to hold a significant place in his heart.
- Regret: The lyrics hint at the narrator’s regret for letting Austin go. He ponders whether things could have been different if he’d paid more attention.
- Moving On: Despite his lingering emotions, the song also suggests a tentative step towards moving forward. The carefree weekend plans showcase an attempt to live life despite the heartache.
Video
Lyrics
She left without leavin’ a number
Said she needed to clear her mind He figured she’d gone back to Austin ‘Cause she talked about it all the time It was almost a year before she called him up Three rings and an answering machine is what she gotIf your callin’ ’bout the car, I sold it
If this is Tuesday night, I’m bowlin’ If you’ve got somethin’ to sell your wastin’ your time, I’m not buyin’ If it’s anybody else wait for the tone you know what to do And P.S., if this is Austin, I still love youThe telephone fell to the counter
She heard but she couldn’t believe What kind of man would hang on that long What kind of love that must be She waited three days and then she tried again She didn’t know what she’d say But she heard three rings and thenIf it’s Friday night, I’m at the ball game
And first thing Saturday, if it don’t rain I’m headed out to the lake and I’ll be gone all weekend long But I’ll call you back when I get home on Sunday afternoon And P.S., if this is Austin, I still love youWell, this time she left her number
But not another word Then she waited by the phone on Sunday evening And this is what he heardIf your callin’ ’bout my heart, it’s still yours
I should’ve listened to it a little more Then it wouldn’t have taken me so long To know where I belong And by the way, boy, this is no machine your talkin’ to Can’t you tell, this is Austin, and I still love youI still love you