Ashley McBryde’s “One Night Standards” is more than just a hit song; it brilliantly resonates with the listener. Released in 2019 as part of her album Never Will, the song takes on the difficulties of today’s relationship structures and conveys the tough emotions that come with a short, no-strings affair. In a new, raw way with her lyrics, McBryde lays out a scenario of love, loneliness, and the risks that people take to try to stay together.
The Story Behind “One Night Standards”
“One Night Standards” is told from the perspective of a person who realizes they might never find love or a lasting connection. The song’s protagonist is a woman who accepts that love and connections cannot be found in these temporary moments. She instead embraces the physical part of the relationship, understanding that is likely all she will get. The lyrics are full of resignation and much practicality that describes the emotional armor she wears to protect herself from disappointment.
When McBryde sings, “It’s what it is,” she makes it clear that the character really doesn’t prefer her status quo, but she has to be okay with it. Like it or not, the character understands that a transactional relationship is better than being alone. The song’s chorus is persistent in driving this point home, filled with an insistent drone that keeps bumping against the transactional nature of the encounter. This underscores the lack of emotional depth the character hopes for but does not necessarily expect to receive.
Storytelling Techniques
Images and setting, among other things, make “One Night Standards” one of McBryde’s most evocative narratives. Here, the central element of the song, the motel room, symbolizes the fleeting nature of this encounter: much like the relationships that the protagonist always finds herself in, it is a place made for someone to stay in briefly. The strong choice of words is simple yet powerful; it’s easy to see what’s going on and feel a little empathy for the main character’s circumstances.
The song’s structure and lyrics are very strong in shaping its storytelling. The verses lay out the scenario so that the encounter has context for the listener, so by the time one hits the chorus, they experience the full force of the emotional gut-punch. McBryde layers it on thick with emotion, singing in a voice rich and intense enough to make her listener feel all the pent-up determination and sadness mixing inside the protagonist.
Love and Loneliness
“One Night Standards” looks into the tale of affection, loneliness, and concessions people make in the modern-day age. More importantly, the protagonist’s readiness for a one-night stand showcases a sour kind of loneliness and a want to be connected, even if for a short period. Universal in nature, the song strikes a chord with a wide audience.
McBryde doesn’t shy away from the complexities of these emotions. Instead, she leans into them, using the song to explore the tension between wanting something more and accepting what’s available. The result is a song that feels both personal and universal, speaking to the experiences of many who have faced similar situations.
Impact And Reception
“One Night Standards” has won wide acclaim for its storytelling and the gravity of its themes; critics have praised it for relating the many facets that contemporary relationships can have, while fans have cherished it for its honesty and relatability. The track became another of her signature songs to show even more that she was one of the most compellingly important storytellers in country music.
That “One Night Standards” is a success speaks well for the power of true storytelling in songs. Here, McBryde has taken hard, sensitive topics and braved the much-needed, deep treatment that has resonated with many loners, thus setting this track way above much of her other catalog.
Conclusion
In Ashley McBryde’s “One Night Standards,” the story, of course, is not about the one-night standards. Instead, it is filled with deep inquiries on love, solitude, and the things a person is pushed to do. The use of this storytelling technique is evidenced by her judicious use of descriptive and vivid prose and haunting melody so that the scenario is touching yet universal at the same time. The impact this song has on the listener speaks volumes about how powerful it can be when used to tell a story.
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