"Shades & Hues" by Shooter Jennings is a song that tells the story of two contrasting characters - a small-town wild woman and a big-city woman. The lyrics explore their different journeys and the consequences of their choices. The song begins by introducing the small-town wild woman, whose mother works tirelessly at a new bank in town. However, despite her mother's efforts, the wild woman remains living on the streets of the city. It is hinted that her mother may have passed away in the city, which adds a layer of sadness to the story. The chorus, "Shades and hues, city-boy blues, cranking major moves, on radio now, got nothin' to lose, Charles, Buck, and the blues, gotta [?] what you choose, all the way down," seems to reflect the struggles and challenges faced by the small-town wild woman. She may have made some questionable choices or faced difficult circumstances in the city, but she remains defiant and determined to live life her own way. The second verse introduces the big-city woman, who has come a long way from where she started. She is portrayed as fortunate, perhaps due to her success in the city. The lyrics mention a "rainbow of grass" on her head, which could symbolize wealth or materialism. The chorus is repeated, highlighting the parallel struggles faced by both women, despite their different paths. The line "With Hank Jr. [?] blues" may be a reference to country music and its influence on both characters' lives. Ultimately, the song is open to interpretation, but it seems to explore themes of choice, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. It reflects the challenges faced by those who venture from small towns to big cities, and the different paths they may take.
