Trace Adkins – Then They Do

About the song

Few artists in modern country music possess the vocal power, emotional weight, and sheer authenticity of Chris Stapleton. Known for his ability to blend country, blues, and soul, Stapleton has a way of turning simple stories into deeply felt experiences. In “You Should Probably Leave,” he delivers a heart-wrenching, intimate ballad about love, temptation, and the painful pull of an inevitable goodbye.

From the moment the song begins, there’s an understated yet undeniable tension in the air. The gentle acoustic guitar and Stapleton’s smoky, weathered voice create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and heavy with unspoken emotions. This is not a song about grand, dramatic heartbreak—it’s about the quiet, lingering moments before the fall, when both people know how the night will end, yet neither can bring themselves to walk away.

A Story of Love, Regret, and Inevitable Goodbye

The lyrics of “You Should Probably Leave” tell a familiar but painfully real story. Two people, clearly drawn to each other, find themselves in a moment where passion and reason collide. There’s history between them—perhaps past mistakes, unresolved feelings, or a love that never quite worked—and they both know that staying will only lead to more heartbreak.

“I recognize that look in your eyes,
Yeah, you should probably leave…”

Stapleton doesn’t need elaborate metaphors or complex storytelling to convey the weight of the moment. With simple, direct lines, he paints a scene filled with subtle tension, regret, and longing. There’s an unspoken understanding between the two characters in the song—they’ve been here before, and they know how it always ends.

Yet, despite the warnings, despite the logic that says walking away is the right choice, the pull is too strong. The way Stapleton sings each line—with both restraint and deep emotion—makes the listener feel as if they’re in the room, witnessing the struggle unfold in real-time.

Musical Simplicity, Emotional Complexity

One of Chris Stapleton’s greatest strengths as an artist is his ability to let the music breathe. There’s no need for overproduction or dramatic instrumentation—his voice, the melody, and the lyrics do all the heavy lifting. “You Should Probably Leave” is built around a simple acoustic guitar pattern, subtle percussion, and Stapleton’s soulful, textured voice, which carries the weight of the song’s emotions effortlessly.

The melody itself has an almost bluesy, smoky barroom feel, fitting perfectly with the song’s theme of late-night temptation and regret. It’s the kind of song that plays softly in the background of dimly lit rooms, where lovers meet and part, knowing full well they’re caught in a cycle they can’t escape.

A Modern Classic in Country and Soulful Storytelling

What makes “You Should Probably Leave” so powerful is its relatability. Nearly everyone has experienced a moment of weakness, a love that’s difficult to resist, or a goodbye that never quite sticks. Chris Stapleton captures that feeling with honesty, raw emotion, and a voice that makes every word feel lived-in.

It’s this ability to connect with listeners on such a deep, personal level that makes Stapleton one of the most respected artists in country music today. His songs don’t just tell stories—they make you feel them.

So if you’ve ever been caught between love and logic, desire and reason, “You Should Probably Leave” will strike a chord deep within you. It’s a song that lingers long after it ends—much like the kind of love it describes.

Video

Lyrics

In the early rush of morning
Trying to get the kids to school
One’s hangin’ on my shirt tail
The other’s locked up in her room
And I’m yellin’ up the stairs
“Stop worrying about your hair, you look fine”

Then they’re fightin’ in the back seat
And I’m playing referee
Now someone’s gotta go
The moment that we leave
And everybody’s late
I swear I can’t wait ’til they grow up

Then they do
And that’s how it is
It’s just quiet in the morning
Can’t believe how much you miss
All they do
And all they did
You want all the dreams they’ve dreamed of to come true
Then they do

Now the youngest is starting college
She’ll be leaving in the fall
And Brianna’s latest boyfriend
Called to ask if we could talk
And I’ve got the impression
That he’s about the pop the question any day

I look over at their pictures
Sittin’ in their frames
I see them as babies
I guess that’ll never change
You pray all their lives
That someday they will find happiness

Then they do
And that’s how it is
It’s just quiet in the morning
Can’t believe how much you miss
All they do
And all they did
You want all the dreams they’ve dreamed of to come true
Then they do

No more Monday PTAs
No more carpools or soccer games
Your work is done
Now you’ve got time that’s all your own
You’ve been waiting for so long
For those days to come

Then they do
And that’s how it is
It’s just quiet in the morning
Can’t believe how much you miss
All they do
And all they did
You want all the dreams they’ve dreamed of to come true
Then they do
Oh, and then they do