“No Hard Feelings” by Old Dominion

Romantic disappointment is like no other letdown in the world. Ideally, as put forth by Old Dominion, when such occurs, it would be a situation where the parties involved can go their separate ways with “no hard feelings”.

Of course in the real world, most of us probably aren’t that selfless, especially if the other person is someone we truly love. And this song does a sound job of presenting such a sentiment in a realistic fashion. For instance, in the first verse the vocalist admits that the breakup “was hard” on him (with other parts of the song further suggesting that it still is). In the second, he also implies that said parting was mainly due to his tendency to spaz, i.e. being a toxic partner. So the vocalist feeling as if this is all primarily his fault isn’t making the pill any easier to swallow.

But that said, the chorus goes on to imply that when he and the addressee did finally call it quits, there wasn’t any bitterness involved (even though other parts of the same passage can be interpreted otherwise). And the vocalist’s ex has now moved on to somebody else. So despite feelings for her remaining intact and Matthew still recuperating from their breakup, he does come off as someone who is happy that his ex has now found a lover who visibly uplifts her.

But all lyrics of “No Hard Feelings” considered, this song may have been intended as an exercise in romantic selflessness alright. However, by the time all is said and done it reads more like the lamentations of a fellow who shot himself in the foot when it comes to love.

Facts about “No Hard Feelings”

RCA Nashville released this song on 8 October 2021, as the second and final single from the studio album Old Dominion put out that year, entitled “Time, Tequila & Therapy”. 

This track was written by the five individuals which make up Old Dominion. These individuals are:

• Matthew Ramsey
• Trevor Rosen
• Whit Sellers
• Geoff Sprung
• Brad Tursi

And Shane McAnally, who is ever-present on the country music scene, also helped them in that regard. Likewise, McAnally served as executive producer of the entirety of the aforementioned album. To note, “time, tequila and therapy” is actually a phrase derived from the first line of this song.

This track managed to appear on a couple of Billboard charts stateside, in addition to charting in Canada. It also made headlines in April of 2022 when Old Dominion performed it at the CMT Music Awards.