The song "That Man" by Jon Pardi tells the story of a person who has been friends with someone they love for a long time. However, they have never expressed their true feelings and instead stayed in the friend zone. The protagonist realizes that it's time to make a move and take a chance on love. They acknowledge that they've always loved the person but not in the same way they do now. They have been waiting for a long time to make things right and yearn for a chance to experience a romantic relationship and taste the person's kiss. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and frustration as the protagonist watches the person they love go through the pain of being with someone who has lied to them. They want to be there for the person, to uplift them and never let them down. The protagonist assures the person that they will always be around whenever they are ready to move on from their current relationship. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's desire to be wanted and needed by the person. They express their willingness to be the one the person chooses, as they believe they are a better option compared to the person's current partner. The protagonist affirms that they have been waiting for this moment and want to be seen as "that man" who can fulfill all the person's needs and desires. Overall, the song "That Man" is about unrequited love and finally mustering the courage to confess feelings after being stuck in the friend zone for a long time. The protagonist wants to be the one who is wanted and needed by the person, hoping to build a romantic relationship that surpasses the current situation they find themselves in.
