“High Road” by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph is a poignant duet that explores the complexities of a tumultuous relationship. Released in 2024, the song combines country rock with R&B elements, featuring lyrics that delve into themes of conflict, disengagement, and personal growth. The song’s narrative is marked by recurring fights, substance use, and the decision to “take the high road,” symbolizing a choice to rise above toxic dynamics.
The chorus, with lines like “I don’t need a ticket to your shit show,” underscores the desire to distance oneself from destructive behaviors.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“High Road” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Koe Wetzel]
I can tell that you’re mad
And I ain’t half surprised about that
Since the day that we met
It’s always who cuts first and never who bleeds last
Rumors always turn into yelling and fighting
And once it’s in your mind, only one way you’re driving
This verse sets the scene of a recurring argument in the relationship. The narrator acknowledges the partner’s anger and suggests that their conflicts often escalate quickly, with both parties trying to hurt each other emotionally. The line about rumors indicates that external factors often contribute to their fights.
[Chorus: Koe Wetzel]
I know, I know
I’ma take the high road, maybe get stoned
Have a little too much of something terrible
I’ma let you cool down while I walk out
You ain’t messing me up like the times before
I don’t need a ticket to your shit show
Knock yourself out and hit a new low
Well, I’ma take the high road, take the high road, take the high road
The chorus introduces the central theme of taking the “high road.” This metaphor is cleverly combined with the idea of getting “stoned,” suggesting that the narrator chooses to disengage from the conflict by using substances. The narrator expresses a desire to avoid further emotional damage by walking away and refusing to participate in the partner’s drama.
[Verse 2: Jessie Murph]
You don’t wanna talk about it, boy, that’s no surprisе
You come home smelling likе liquor like every other night
If I catch you with her, you gon’ catch me with him
You think I don’t hear about it, you better think again
You know that rumors always turn into yelling and fighting
And once it’s in my mind, only one way I’m driving
Jessie Murph’s verse presents the perspective of the other partner in the relationship. It describes a pattern of behavior involving alcohol use and potential infidelity. The verse mirrors the first in structure, ending with the same lines about rumors and driving, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their conflicts.
[Chorus: Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph]
You know, I know
I’ma take the high road, maybe get stoned
Have a little too much of something terrible
I’ma let you cool down while I walk out
You ain’t messing me up like the times before
I don’t need a ticket to your shit show
Knock yourself out and hit a new low
Well, I’ma take the high road, take the high road, take the high road
Whoa, whoa
[Chorus: Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph]
I’ma take the high road, maybe get stoned
Have a little too much of something terrible
I’ma let you cool down while I walk out
You ain’t messing me up like the times before
And I don’t need a ticket to your shit show
Knock yourself out and hit a new low
Well I’ma take the high road, take the high road, take the high road
I’ma take the high road, take the high road, take the high road
Oh, yeah, yeah, mm
The repetition of the chorus by both artists reinforces the theme of choosing to disengage from toxic situations. It emphasizes their shared decision to “take the high road” despite the challenges in their relationship.
Deeper Meaning Behind “High Road”
“High Road” by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph explores the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, delving into themes of conflict, emotional distance, and coping mechanisms. The song’s title and chorus present an ironic twist on the concept of taking the “high road,” traditionally associated with moral superiority or maturity in difficult situations.
In this context, “taking the high road” is reimagined as a form of escapism, with the narrator choosing to get intoxicated (“maybe get stoned”) rather than engaging in further conflict. This interpretation of the “high road” serves as a metaphor for emotional detachment and self-preservation in the face of recurring relationship issues. The lyrics suggest a cycle of arguments, rumors, and emotional outbursts that have become predictable and exhausting for both parties.
The song’s structure, featuring alternating perspectives from Wetzel and Murph, highlights the lack of communication and understanding between the two characters. Each verse presents a similar narrative from opposing viewpoints, emphasizing how both individuals feel victimized and justified in their actions. This mirroring effect underscores the idea that in toxic relationships, there are often no clear heroes or villains – just two people caught in a destructive pattern.
The memorable line “I don’t need a ticket to your shit show” encapsulates the frustration and desire for emotional distance that characterizes the song’s message. It’s a blunt, relatable expression of reaching one’s limit in a dysfunctional relationship, choosing self-care over continued engagement in drama. The song ultimately portrays a relationship at a breaking point, where both parties are more focused on self-preservation than reconciliation or growth together.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.