by Parker McCollum · 2024
The song “What Kinda Man” by Parker McCollum is about a restless, wild man who struggles with his past and his inability to settle down, but is so drawn to a particular woman that he questions what kind of man he needs to become in order to be worthy of her love.
This song has been Shazamed over 228,386 times. As of this writing, What Kinda Man is ranked 188
‘What Kinda Man’ by Parker McCollum is a country song about a man who’s trying to figure out if he can change for someone he loves. We’re going to explore what the song really means and why so many people connect with its story. ⬇️
The song feels like a long night spent wrestling with your own demons, set against the backdrop of small towns and neon lights. Its narrative is soaked in longing, regret, and the hope that maybe—just maybe—love can change even the wildest heart.
The chorus hits like a freight train: “Forget the man I am, what kinda man do you need?” There’s a raw vulnerability here, as if we’re eavesdropping on a confession whispered into the darkness. We hear a man desperate to be better, but unsure if he can ever measure up—and honestly, who among us hasn’t wondered if we’re enough for someone we love?
️ In the verses, McCollum paints a picture of late-night struggles and promises made (and broken) to himself, with lines like, “I know I swore the last time would be the last time, but here I am.” He confesses to past mistakes and a restless soul, even standing in a church despite old vows to stay away, all for the chance to be worthy of another’s love. These moments aren’t just about romance—they’re about the battle between who we are and who we want to become.
At its core, this song isn’t just about love or heartbreak—it’s about transformation, the aching hope that someone might inspire us to leave our rough edges behind, even if it means facing ourselves in the process.
Writer(s) of What Kinda Man:
