Feeling the Void of Lost Loved Ones: Craig Morgan’s “This Ain’t Nothin'”
In January of 2010, Craig Morgan released a profoundly emotional single titled “This Ain’t Nothin’,” where he deeply expressed the nuanced feelings and emotions associated with loss and resilience. The song was penned by the talented duo Kerry Kurt Phillips and Chris DuBois, marking it as Morgan’s 17th single. It successfully climbed into the top 40 on the US Country Charts in 2010 and was featured on Morgan’s fifth studio album, “That’s Why.”
Craig Morgan shared that “This Ain’t Nothin'” was a later addition to the album. Initially, the album was set to include ten tracks that Morgan was particularly fond of. However, during the recording process, he felt compelled to include “This Ain’t Nothin'” and another track, “Bonfire,” due to their significant impact and the emotions they evoked in the studio.
Originally intended for a future album, the overwhelming response to “This Ain’t Nothin'” and “Bonfire” during their studio sessions led to a bold decision. The team decided to recall all unsold copies of the album to replace them with updated versions that included these two powerful tracks, underscoring their importance and the strong connection they had forged with Morgan and his team.
The narrative woven into “This Ain’t Nothin'” is particularly poignant, capable of deeply moving its listeners. It tells the story of an elderly man who, when interviewed by a reporter about the loss of his home to a tornado, delves into the deeper losses he has endured throughout his life. He reflects on the profound losses of his father to a mining accident when he was just eight, his younger brother during the turmoil in Vietnam, and most heartbreakingly, his wife of fifty years to a long illness.
These losses, he implies, dwarf the material loss of a home, as they have left irreplaceable voids in his life. The song masterfully captures the essence of true loss — the kind that is not about material possessions but about the irreplaceable human connections that give life its deepest meaning.
“This Ain’t Nothin'” serves as a stark reminder of the depth of human emotion and the strength it takes to face profound loss. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone dear, making it an essential listen for those who appreciate music’s power to touch the heart and soul. When you do decide to listen, it might be wise to keep a box of tissues close at hand, as the song’s poignant message is likely to evoke a deep emotional response.