Sam Hunt's "Outskirts": A Journey Through Memory And Melancholy

There is nothing like returning to one’s old stomping ground and reliving old memories. Sometimes, those are fond. But sometimes, they are marked with melancholy and a little heartbreak. The latter is exactly what Sam Hunt sings about in his new song, “Outskirts.” In this reflective piece, Hunt takes listeners on a journey filled with nostalgia and emotional depth, capturing the complex feelings that arise when one revisits places from the past.

Hunt co-wrote the song with Josh Osborne, Jerry Flowers, and Zach Crowell, and the pensive mid-tempo tune finds Hunt brooding over how memories of his ex flood him whenever he’s in the “outskirts” of town. He’s living a great and busy life in the city with that past buried, but somehow, being back in this old stomping ground takes him back to a place of wistfulness. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and reflection, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of revisiting their roots.

In the chorus, Hunt's poignant words resonate deeply with listeners: “But soon as I get out here on the outskirts / I wish I was runnin' by your house first / Something 'bout a summer in the South, sure / Shines like gold down these old / Round bail river valley backroads / Way back in the holler where the grass grows / God almighty, baby, we were that close / To ditchin' this town and settlin' down / Out here on the outskirts.” These lines beautifully encapsulate the feelings of nostalgia and the sense of what might have been, drawing listeners into his reflective narrative.

With the release of “Outskirts,” fans can look forward to more from Sam Hunt as he prepares for a summer tour. The multi-city trek kicks off in Hartford, Conn., on July 6, and wraps up in Raleigh, N.C., on September 9. This summer promises to be exciting for Hunt and his followers, with tickets available on his website. As he continues to craft songs that resonate deeply with emotions, it’s clear that Sam Hunt remains a significant voice in the country music scene.