Walker Hayes, a name that’s become synonymous with the new wave of country music, hails from Mobile, Alabama. With his unique blend of traditional and modern elements, Hayes has managed to carve out a significant niche in the country music landscape.
One song that truly stands out in his repertoire is “Fancy Like.” Released in June 2021, this catchy track quickly took social media by storm, thanks to its memorable hook and relatable lyrics. The song not only showcases Hayes’ musical talent but also his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
“Fancy Like” has achieved immense popularity, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus have resonated with listeners worldwide, making it a signature hit in Hayes’ career.
The success of “Fancy Like” is a testament to Walker Hayes’ unique approach to country music and his talent for crafting songs that strike a chord with today’s audience.
Background of “Fancy Like”
Fancy Like” is a standout track recorded by country music artist Walker Hayes. The song, which was released on August 2, 2021, is part of his fifth EP titled “Country Stuff” [^1^]. The inspiration behind the song stems from Hayes’ personal experiences and is a celebration of the working class and affordable nights out at places like Applebee’s.
The song quickly gained traction on social media, especially on TikTok, where it became a viral hit. The catchy lyrics and relatable theme resonated with audiences worldwide, catapulting the song to the top of the charts. The success of “Fancy Like” came as a surprise to Hayes, who had been in Nashville for 17 years before the song changed his life in just 12 weeks.
“Fancy Like” stands as a testament to Hayes’ musical talent and his knack for creating songs that strike a chord with today’s audience. Despite his gradual rise in the music industry, Hayes continued to write songs, and “Fancy Like” marked a significant turning point in his career. Its unexpected success showcases the power of social media in shaping music trends and propelling artists to new heights.
Sources: [^1^]: Wikipedia
Lyrics Analysis
“Fancy Like” is a song that celebrates the simple joys in life, particularly within the context of a romantic relationship. The lyrics are filled with references to everyday experiences, making it very relatable to many listeners.
Verse 1
“Yeah, we fancy like Applebee’s on a date night Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake Get some whipped cream on the top too Two straws, one check, girl, I got you Bougie like Natty in the styrofoam Squeak-squeakin’ in the truck bed all the way home“
In the opening verse, Hayes sets the scene for a perfect date night at Applebee’s, a popular American casual dining restaurant. The lyrics paint a picture of an affordable yet enjoyable evening out, complete with a steak dinner and Oreo shake — a far cry from the high-end dinners often associated with fancy dates.
Chorus
“Yeah, we fancy like Applebee’s on a date night Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake A couple of good years and some kids in our playdate Ain’t exactly what you’d call high class But we ain’t trash, we’re just fancy like“
The chorus reiterates the theme of the song — being “fancy” in their own unique way. It further emphasizes the point by mentioning a few years into the relationship with kids involved in their lives, showing that they’ve maintained their love and simplicity throughout the years.
Verse 2
“Yeah, we fancy like my new clean tee shirt Lookin’ at you with your lashes curled in your sweet perfume Girl, you’re lookin’ fancy like“
The second verse focuses on the little things that make a person feel special or “fancy.” For Hayes, it’s wearing a new clean t-shirt. For his partner, it’s curling her lashes and wearing sweet perfume.
The central theme of “Fancy Like” is about finding joy and happiness in simple, everyday things. It challenges the idea that being “fancy” or sophisticated requires expensive tastes or luxurious lifestyles. Instead, Hayes suggests that being “fancy” can mean enjoying a meal at Applebee’s, wearing a new clean t-shirt, or spending time with loved ones. It’s a celebration of authenticity, simplicity, and contentment, making it a refreshing take on modern country music.
Meaning behind “Fancy Like”
“Fancy Like” is a charming ode to the simple things in life, as reflected in its catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythm. The song was written by Walker Hayes as a tribute to his wife and their humble yet meaningful date nights.
The song’s message revolves around simplicity, authenticity, and love. It conveys the idea that you don’t need extravagant, high-end experiences to show someone you care or to enjoy life.
A simple date at Applebee’s, for instance, can be just as special and memorable. This is a sentiment that resonates with many listeners, making the song widely relatable.
The lyrics of “Fancy Like” also reflect Hayes’ own life experiences and values. As he mentioned in an interview, the song is about him and his family, and he always writes about what’s authentic to his life. This authenticity shines through in the song, contributing to its appeal and success.
Moreover, the creation of “Fancy Like” was somewhat of a twist of fate for Hayes, who wrote the song with Cameron Bartolini. The song’s viral dance was choreographed on their modest front porch, further emphasizing the song’s celebration of simplicity.
Impact of “Fancy Like”
“Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes has had a significant impact on listeners, both in terms of its catchy tune and resonant message. The song’s influence extends beyond the realm of music, challenging societal norms about luxury, lifestyle, and what it means to be ‘fancy’.
One of the key ways “Fancy Like” has influenced listeners is through its relatable lyrics. Many people can identify with the simple pleasures celebrated in the song, like a date night at Applebee’s or wearing a new clean t-shirt. This relatability has contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and success.
In addition to its catchy tune, “Fancy Like” also carries a powerful message about challenging societal norms. In a society often obsessed with luxury and extravagance, the song puts forth a different perspective.
It suggests that being ‘fancy’ doesn’t necessarily mean indulging in high-end experiences or possessions. Instead, it can mean finding joy in simple, everyday experiences.
The song also reflects the reality of many working-class families and individuals, who might not have access to luxury, but still know how to enjoy life in their own way. This representation is important and can help to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about lifestyle and class.
Furthermore, the song’s success on platforms like TikTok demonstrates the power of social media in shaping music trends and influencing popular culture. Through the viral dance associated with the song, “Fancy Like” has reached an even wider audience, further amplifying its influence.
Conclusion
“Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes is more than just a catchy country music song; it’s a cultural commentary that resonates with many listeners. The song celebrates the simple pleasures in life, demonstrating that being ‘fancy’ isn’t about luxury or extravagance, but about appreciating everyday experiences.
The lyrics of “Fancy Like” are deeply rooted in Hayes’ own life experiences and values, providing an authentic reflection of his humble yet meaningful date nights with his wife. This authenticity has contributed to the song’s widespread appeal and success, making it relatable for many listeners.
Furthermore, “Fancy Like” challenges societal norms about lifestyle and class. It provides a refreshing perspective on what it means to enjoy life, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and authenticity over material possessions or high-end experiences.
The song’s impact extends beyond music, influencing popular culture and challenging stereotypes about class and lifestyle. Its success on social media platforms like TikTok further amplifies its influence, reaching a wider audience and shaping music trends.
In terms of Walker Hayes’ career, “Fancy Like” has been a significant milestone. It not only catapulted him into mainstream success, but it also positioned him as an artist who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and write about what’s authentic to his life.
In the context of contemporary country music, “Fancy Like” stands out for its unique message and relatable lyrics. It’s a reminder of the genre’s roots in storytelling and its ability to connect with listeners through shared experiences and values. As such, “Fancy Like” is not just a hit song, but a testament to the enduring appeal of country music and its capacity to reflect the realities and aspirations of everyday life.
