The song "What Mattered Most" by Ty Herndon tells the story of a person who realizes that they failed to truly understand and appreciate their partner in a relationship until it was too late. The narrator believed that they knew everything about their significant other. They knew small details about her such as her eye color, birthplace, favorite song, and even her everyday routines. However, they neglected to pay attention to what truly mattered - her feelings and emotions. The narrator admits that they missed the signs that she was unhappy and struggling. They didn't ask, and she didn't openly communicate about her inner struggles. Instead of being attentive and supportive, the narrator turned away and ignored her pain, causing her dreams and desires to be easily overlooked. As a result of their neglect, she eventually walked out the door, leaving the narrator alone with nothing but regrets and realization of what they lost. The song emphasizes that despite knowing many superficial things about her, it was the deeper emotional connection that truly mattered, and without that, everything else became meaningless. The lyrics ultimately express the narrator's remorse and desperation for understanding what they did wrong. They plead for help in explaining their actions and realizing the impact their ignorance had on the relationship. In summary, "What Mattered Most" explores the theme of realizing the importance of paying attention to and understanding the emotional needs of a loved one. It serves as a reminder to appreciate and prioritize the things that truly matter in a relationship, rather than getting caught up in superficial details.
