by Alex Wilson
Album
Dust & Neon
Year
2025
Genre
Country Rock/Americana/Singer-Songwriter
Duration
3:52
Description
A raw and emotionally charged country-rock ballad about the aftermath of a toxic relationship. "The Mourning After" captures the struggle of moving on from betrayal, battling lingering memories, and finding the strength to rebuild a life shattered by heartbreak. Alex Wilson's vocals deliver a poignant performance, blending vulnerability with a gritty determination. Musically, the song builds from a melancholic acoustic intro to a cathartic, guitar-driven climax, reflecting the journey from despair to hope.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Woke up to a headache and your face in my mind, That video call still burns like cheap red wine. I torched your old photos in a rusted tin can, But your laugh keeps echoin’ through this broken man. Pre-Chorus I’m half-dead, but I’m fightin’ to breathe, Tradin’ tears for the strength to believe. Chorus The mournin’ after’s a cold, lonesome fight, Scrapin’ up my heart in the pale morning light. I’m chasin’ new shadows where your ghost don’t roam, Findin’ my way, but I ain’t yet home. Verse 2 New bar down the highway, new smoke in the air, A girl’s crooked smile says she don’t know my care. I’m shakin’ off the weight of your cheatin’ disguise, But your voice still cuts through the neon-lit skies. Pre-Chorus I’m not healed, but I’m startin’ to mend, Carvin’ out a road where your lies gotta end. Chorus The mournin’ after’s a cold, lonesome fight, Scrapin’ up my heart in the pale morning light. I’m chasin’ new shadows where your ghost don’t roam, Findin’ my way, but I ain’t yet home. Bridge Every mile I drive, I bury you deeper in the dust, Every shot I take, I’m weldin’ back my trust. Your love was a blade that cut me to the core, But I’m stitchin’ up my soul, I don’t need you no more. Chorus The mournin’ after’s a cold, lonesome fight, Scrapin’ up my heart in the pale morning light. I’m chasin’ new shadows where your ghost don’t roam, Findin’ my way, but I ain’t yet home. Outro New dives, new dawns, new battles to win, The mournin’ after’s where I’m learnin’ to begin. Mournin’ after you… I’m startin’ again. Yeah, startin' again...
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (steel-string), electric guitar (Telecaster sound), bass guitar, drums, possibly some subtle pedal steel. Tempo: The song starts with a slow, deliberate tempo, gradually building in intensity as the song progresses. Key: The provided guitar tabs at the end suggest this is in E major or uses E as the tonal center. Dynamics: The verses should be more subdued, building into the pre-chorus, and then a powerful, emotional chorus. Vocals: Expressive and slightly raspy vocal performance. Emphasize the pain and resilience in the lyrics. A slight country twang would be appropriate. Guitar solo suggestion: Consider a short, bluesy guitar solo after the second chorus or during the bridge, using bends and vibrato to convey the emotion of the song. Outro: The outro fades out with the acoustic guitar riff, leaving the listener with a sense of hope and resolution. The final lyric can be sung with a slight breathiness, emphasizing the vulnerability of starting over. Ending guitar tab, as specified: (Slow picking: E|-3---3---|)