Follow Your Arrow | Kacey Musgraves Lyrics, Meaning & Videos

April 2024 · 7 minute read

Follow Your Arrow
Kacey Musgraves Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴If you save yourself for marriage, you're a bore
If you don't save yourself for marriage, you're a horrible person
If you won't have a drink, then you're a prude
But they'll call you a drunk as soon as you down the first one

If you can't lose the weight, then you're just fat
But if you lose too much, then you're on crack
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't

So you might as well just do whatever you want
So

Make lots of noise (hey)
Kiss lots of boys (yeah)
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint
Or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points

If you don't go to church, you'll go to Hell
If you're the first one on the front row
You're a self-righteous son of a
Can't win for losing
You'll just disappoint 'em
Just 'cause you can't beat 'em
Don't mean you should join 'em

So make lots of noise (hey)
Kiss lots of boys (yeah)
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint
Or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points

Say what you think
Love who you love
'Cause you just get so many trips 'round the sun
Yeah, you only
Only live once

So make lots of noise (hey)
Kiss lots of boys (yeah)
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's what you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint
I would
And follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah

Follow your arrow
Wherever it points


Overall Meaning

"Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves is a song that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and follow their own paths in life, regardless of what others may think or say. The lyrics describe various societal expectations and double standards that people face, including pressure to conform to traditional values of marriage, religion, and appearance. The song argues that no matter what choice you make, someone is going to judge you, so you might as well do what makes you happy and true to yourself.


The first verse describes how people are judged for their sexual behavior and alcohol consumption. Those who choose to save themselves for marriage are seen as boring or repressed, while those who drink are labeled as prudes or drunks. The second verse similarly addresses body image, with individuals who cannot lose weight being labeled as fat, and those who lose too much being accused of using drugs. The bridge addresses the pressure to conform to religious beliefs and social expectations, with individuals who do not attend church being told they will go to hell and those who do being labeled as self-righteous.


Throughout the song, the repetitive chorus emphasizes the idea that individuals should "follow your arrow wherever it points," meaning that they should go after what they truly want in life, even if it goes against the norm. The song also emphasizes the importance of being honest and true to oneself, encouraging listeners to say what they think and love who they love.


Line by Line Meaning

If you save yourself for marriage, you're a bore
Society often labels those who choose to save themselves for marriage as boring, unadventurous people who lack sexual experience.


If you don't save yourself for marriage, you're a horrible person
At the same time, people who do not choose to save themselves for marriage are often viewed negatively as morally bankrupt individuals.


If you won't have a drink, then you're a prude
Those who abstain from drinking alcohol are perceived as too uptight, and not open to having a good time.


But they'll call you a drunk as soon as you down the first one
Society has a double standard with drinking, as someone who chooses to indulge even a little may be labeled an alcoholic.


If you can't lose the weight, then you're just fat
Those who struggle with their weight are often judged harshly, and labeled as just being lazy or unhealthy.


But if you lose too much, then you're on crack
At the same time, society stigmatizes those who are underweight, and jump to conclusions about drug use when someone appears too thin.


You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't
No matter what decision you make, society has a way of criticizing or labeling you.


So you might as well just do whatever you want
Given the earlier statements, Kacey is urging listeners to simply follow their hearts and do what makes them happy, regardless of what others may say or think.


Make lots of noise (hey)
Live life to the fullest and enjoy yourself, often disrupting the norm along the way.


Kiss lots of boys (yeah)
Be free to love whomever you choose, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.


Or kiss lots of girls If that's something you're into
Further emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself when it comes to sexual preference and intimate relationships.


When the straight and narrow Gets a little too straight
When life becomes monotonous, boring, or unfulfilling, it's time to change course.


Roll up a joint Or don't
Kacey does not advocate drug use, but rather urges listeners to follow their desires and not be afraid to break the law or challenge societal norms.


Just follow your arrow Wherever it points, yeah Follow your arrow Wherever it points
Ultimately, Kacey stresses the importance of trusting one's own judgment and staying true to oneself.


If you don't go to church, you'll go to Hell
Kacey highlights the idea that people who do not follow one specific religious path often face criticism and judgment from those who do.


If you're the first one on the front row You're a self-righteous son of a
Even those that are deeply religious and follow religious teachings to the letter can often face ridicule and labeling from others for being too pious.


Can't win for losing You'll just disappoint 'em
No matter what decision one makes, social pressures may lead to being judged, criticized or labeled. So, one may be better off staying true to one's own desires.


Just 'cause you can't beat 'em Don't mean you should join 'em
Simply because you do not share the same values as someone else does not mean you need to change or neglect your own values to fit in.


Say what you think Love who you love
Regardless of what others may think, treat everyone with kindness and respect, be honest with your opinions, and love the people who make you happy.


'Cause you just get so many trips 'round the sun Yeah, you only Only live once
Life is short, although you get multiple chances, so live your life in a way that makes you happy, regardless of others' opinions or societal pressures.


So make lots of noise (hey) Kiss lots of boys (yeah) Or kiss lots of girls If that's what you're into When the straight and narrow Gets a little too straight Roll up a joint I would And follow your arrow Wherever it points, yeah Follow your arrow Wherever it points
The final stanza reiterates the importance of living life to the fullest, standing true to oneself, challenging societal pressures, and not being afraid to embrace oneself.


Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brandy Lynn Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Shane L McAnally

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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