Ashley McBryde's song, "Learned To Lie," delves into the complexities of emotional upbringing and the lasting impact it has on an individual's life. Through heartfelt lyrics and emotive storytelling, McBryde navigates themes of familial struggle, resilience, and the internal conflict between deception and authenticity.
In the opening lines, McBryde invites listeners on a reflective journey, tracing the roots of her understanding of life to a time before her birth. The narrative unveils a glimpse into her parents' relationship, where the exhaustion expressed by her mother thinly veiled deeper unhappiness.
The lyrics vividly depict McBryde's childhood, characterized by a sense of parental absenteeism and the unspoken turmoil within her household. Despite her father's physical presence, his emotional absence casts a profound shadow, compelling McBryde to grapple with her emotions in solitude, learning to navigate pain and disappointment.
Through the chorus, McBryde offers a poignant reflection on the learned behaviors ingrained during her upbringing. She articulates the silent tears shed, the prayers whispered, and the internalized anguish of growing up in an environment tainted by deception and darkness. The repetition of phrases such as "I learned to cry" and "I hate how easy it comes" underscores the depth of her emotional scars.
McBryde juxtaposes moments of innocence and resilience with the harsh realities of her upbringing. From singing along to Carole King to mastering practical skills like shooting and driving, she portrays a narrative of adaptability and survival amidst adversity.
The song crescendos to an emotional climax as McBryde confronts the legacy of deceit woven into her bloodline. She mourns the ease with which she can deceive, yearning to experience love authentically, free from the shadows of her past.
In the final verses, McBryde grapples with the painful truth of her learned behavior, acknowledging the moments of deception within her own relationships. She wrestles with the conflict between honesty and self-preservation, recognizing the allure of retreating into falsehoods when faced with vulnerability.
"Learned To Lie" serves as a profound reflection on the intricate tapestry of human experience, shedding light on the enduring impact of upbringing and the internal battles waged in the pursuit of authenticity. Through raw vulnerability and evocative storytelling, Ashley McBryde extends an invitation to listeners to confront their own truths and embrace the complexities of the human heart.
