"Last Year" by Upchurch is a song about the rapper's journey to success and how he has surpassed the expectations of others. The lyrics reflect on his humble beginnings, where he came from a simple background and had dreams of owning luxuries like a Shelby Cobra, which seemed impossible at the time. The song talks about how people used to doubt his potential and laugh at his career, but now they see him as competition. Upchurch mentions how he purposely wastes record labels' time with business matters to assert his control and independence in the music industry. He describes his rise to success, going from living in a single-wide trailer to owning a house in the hills and having a car collection worth a significant amount of money. He mentions his dirty old jeans, representing his humble beginnings, and his liquor from a still, symbolizing his authenticity and connection to his roots. Upchurch emphasizes that he wakes up feeling fresher and more accomplished than ever before. He mentions the Lamborghini emblem on his steering wheel and receiving messages from fans (whitetail) in his inbox, indicating that he has achieved a level of success he never thought possible. The song also highlights the rapper's determination and perseverance. He mentions going from being doubted to demanded more, implying that he has proven his worth and talent in the music industry. He acknowledges that he has stayed true to his roots and continues to tour for his country music fans. In the last verse, Upchurch compares himself to Popcorn Sutton, a notorious moonshiner, and emphasizes his resilience and ability to create impactful music. He states that he was supposed to be nothing, but he has defied expectations and achieved success. Overall, "Last Year" reflects Upchurch's personal journey to success, going from a small-town artist to an influential figure in the music industry. The song celebrates his accomplishments, persistence, and determination to prove his worth.
