“The One That Got Away” by Hunter Hayes

Hunter Hayes’ “The One That Got Away” is one of those types of songs where the singer is celebrating being free from a toxic relationship. The way the situation reads is that his ex may have dumped him or at least when they were together made him unwanted. And the whole experience proved quite bothersome to him, especially considering that he was really into her. But in the aftermath of the two of them going their separate ways, he has come to realize that he is now better off emotionally, as in feeling freer than he had before. And that idea is ultimately what the title of the track alludes to, i.e. the singer himself being able to ‘escape’ the clutches of an abusive lover.

Facts about “The One That Got Away”

The track is the lead single from Red Sky (Part II), which is Hunter’s fifth album. The single was released on 14 January 2021, being the first song he’s dropped for that year.  On that same day Hunter debuted the tune to the world via Good Morning America. And of course he also publicized it on his Twitter account.

The music video to this track was filmed in Los Angeles and managed by director Ryan Sheehy.

Hunter wrote “The One That Got Away” himself, in addition to serving as one of the song’s co-producers alongside Andrew Wells. And the other co-writers are Sara Haze and Sam Ellis.

What Hunter Hayes has said about the song

Hunter has implied that this song is about a real-life experience he went through.  Furthermore, the implication is that he got dumped by the woman he loves but refused to let go. However, upon realizing the less-than-ideal state not moving on was putting him in, he decided it was in fact time to move forward with his life. And upon doing so he felt a great sense of relief. Moreover the singer has further indicated that the idealized affect this track will have on the listener is encouraging them to likewise flee from toxic situations, “whether that be a town or a job or a relationship or whatever else”.