Let’s Think About Livin’

Song Meaning

Billy Walker's "Let's Think About Livin'" arrives as a defiant ray of honky-tonk sunshine cutting through a storm of bleak narratives. Walker doesn't just offer escapism; he diagnoses a cultural preoccupation with death and despair permeating popular music. The opening lines immediately establish this meta-commentary, lamenting the endless cycle of fictional gunfights and tragic demises dominating the airwaves. It's a pointed critique, suggesting that this constant exposure to simulated trauma can be psychologically draining, a form of vicarious morbidity. The song meaning, therefore, is not simply about promoting positivity, but about actively resisting a culture of negativity. Walker is advocating for a conscious shift in focus, a reclaiming of joy as a form of rebellion. The chorus serves as the sonic embodiment of this resistance. The insistent repetition of "Let's think about livin', let's think about lovin'" becomes a mantra, an incantation against the encroaching darkness. The playful, almost nonsensical phrases like "hoopin' and a hopin' and a poppin' and a lovey dovey dovin'" are deliberate. They represent a rejection of seriousness, an embrace of lightheartedness as a coping mechanism. It's not about ignoring the bad things in life, but about choosing to prioritize the good, about actively cultivating moments of joy and connection in the face of adversity. The repeated line about forgetting "a fellow with a switchblade knife" underscores the intention to actively reject the violent imagery so prevalent in other songs. Beyond a general call for optimism, "Let's Think About Livin'" subtly acknowledges the very real losses that life inevitably brings. The verse referencing the deaths of Marty Robbins and the potential demise of the Everly Brothers adds a layer of poignant awareness. Walker isn't advocating for blind naivete; he understands that loss is a part of the human experience. However, he argues that dwelling solely on these losses is detrimental. By remembering these artists, yet still choosing to focus on the vibrant act of living, Walker suggests a path towards resilience. The song becomes a testament to the power of choice, the ability to actively shape one's mental landscape, even in the face of profound sorrow. In essence, Billy Walker positions 'livin'' itself as a radical act.