The story behind Shooter Jennings's song "Don't Wait Up (I'm Playing Possum)" revolves around a narrator who is involved in a rocky relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator as someone who is elusive, unfaithful, and taking their partner for granted. The opening lines, "I’m a rattlesnake and I make no bones / And I’m in too deep like 'No Show Jones'," convey the narrator's recklessness and their willingness to hide their true feelings ("playing possum"). The reference to "No Show Jones" is an allusion to country singer George Jones's nickname, suggesting that the narrator is deeply entrenched in their deceptive behavior. The narrator mentions enjoying "a little sugar" in their coffee, metaphorically representing pleasure and excitement. However, they also acknowledge that someone else is giving their partner that sweetness, implying that the narrator is not fulfilling their partner's emotional needs. The narrator reveals their plan to seek attention elsewhere, mentioning that they have contacts they keep hidden in their phone. They plan to indulge in late nights downtown, away from their partner's watchful eyes. This reflects their intention to find temporary solace from their troubled relationship. The lines "She gonna love me right and you love me wrong / Tonight lemme put on some more cheatin’ songs" express the narrator's desire for affection and understanding from somebody else. They also mention listening to songs by country artists like Keith Whitley and Vern Gosdin, known for their emotional and heartbreak-themed music. This further emphasizes the narrator's inclination towards seeking comfort in infidelity. The second half of the song takes a different perspective. The narrator references spending time in "honky dives" and learning about their partner's whereabouts through intoxicated acquaintances. They seem unaffected by the information, using it as an opportunity to justify their own actions. The repeated phrase "Baby, don’t wait up I’m-a playin’ possum" signifies the narrator's disregard for their partner's presence and expectations. Playing possum refers to feigning sleep or inactivity to deceive others, which aligns with the narrator's deceptive behavior in the relationship. Overall, "Don't Wait Up (I'm Playing Possum)" presents a narrative of a troubled relationship where one partner seeks fulfillment outside of their committed bond. The song explores themes of infidelity, emotional detachment, and the consequences of taking someone for granted.
