About the song
Ah, yes, George Strait’s “I Hate Everything”. Released in July of 2004, this song might surprise some longtime fans of the King of Country. While Strait is known for his smooth baritone and songs that often paint a picture of rural life, love, and perseverance, “I Hate Everything” takes a decidedly different turn.
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This isn’t to say Strait shied away from darker themes throughout his career. There’s a melancholic beauty to songs like “The Chair” or the lonesome longing of “I Just Want to Dance With You.” But “I Hate Everything” is a full-on grump fest, a country music curmudgeon anthem, if you will.
Composed by Gary Harrison and Keith Stegall, the song is a departure from Strait’s usual collaborators – the likes of Dean Dillon and Rex Linn. This fresh perspective might explain the song’s unique flavor.
“I Hate Everything” opens with a simple yet effective guitar riff, setting the stage for Strait’s signature vocals. The lyrics are a hilarious and relatable inventory of everyday annoyances. From “traffic jams and crowded stores” to “cell phones ringin’ in the middle of a prayer,” the song captures the frustration of modern life with a wink and a nudge.
There’s a certain tongue-in-cheek quality to the lyrics. Lines like “I hate the way these jeans won’t stay up no more” and “I hate watchin’ politicians on TV” are delivered with a dry wit that’s quintessentially Strait. However, beneath the humor lies a relatable truth. We’ve all had those days where everything seems to be conspiring against us, and “I Hate Everything” perfectly captures that feeling.
Released as the lead single for Strait’s compilation album, “50 Number Ones,” the song was a bit of a gamble. It wasn’t a typical radio hit, lacking the usual themes of love and loss. However, “I Hate Everything” did manage to debut at number 41 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, proving that even the King of Country could embrace a bit of grumpiness and find success.
Ultimately, “I Hate Everything” is a fun and unexpected addition to George Strait’s discography. It showcases his versatility as a singer and his ability to connect with audiences on a relatable level. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the little annoyances of life, crank up “I Hate Everything” and let George Strait commiserate with you. You might just find yourself singing along, even if you don’t actually hate everything.
Video
Lyrics
“I Hate Everything”
When he ordered up his third one he looked around
Then he looked at me, said I do believe I’ll have one more
He said I hate this bar and I hate to drink
But on second thought tonight I think I hate everythingThen he opened up his bill-fold and threw a 20 down
And the faded photograph fell out and hit the ground
And I picked it up, he said thank you bud, I put it in his hand
He said I probably ought to throw this one away
‘Cause she’s the reason I feel this way, I hate everything
[Chorus:]
I hate my job, I hate my life and if it weren’t for my two kids I’d hate my ex-wife
I know I should move on and try to start again
But I just can’t get over her leaving me for him
Then he shook his head and looked down at his ring and said I hate everything
He said one bedroom apartment where I get my mail
Is really not a home, it’s more like a jail
With a swimming pool and a parking lot view, man that’s just great
I hate summer, winter, fall and spring
Red and yellow, purple, blue and green, I hate everything
[Chorus]
So I pulled out my phone and I called my house
I said babe I’m comin’ home, we’re gonna work this out
I paid for his drinks and I told him thanks, thanks for everything