Unconditional

Album: Unconditional (2000)
Charted: 49
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a tearful Country ballad about the dying love of a father and son. The lead singer was a teenager and drank whisky, then his father caught him in the kitchen and said, "I know you live here, but this is still my home. It's my way or the highway." Then he slammed the door and said "I hate you!" He shook his head and said "okay." Later in life, he discovers for himself how that felt when he got into a nasty argument with his girl, then she slammed the door and said "I hate you." In both incidents, the same message was given. Although they never loved back, that can't stop the love given to them. It's unconditional. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Landon - Winchester, OH

Comments: 2

  • Monte from Glade Spring, VaAnyone who knows Clay personally would know the deep compassion he has for his family. If you listen to the words to the song, it reflects back on his life with his father and his undieing love for Clay. To rebut angela in knoxville, you don't know the true circumstances behing the seperation of Clay and his son so please don't be so quick to judge. And again, listen to this wonderful song.
  • Angela from Knoxville, TnSad how he can write a song like this about how much love a father can have for his son but yet, he has a 14 yr old son that he has nothing to do with, & is thousands behind in child support for. Goes to show you, he doesn't write from his real heart. If he would ever get to know his son, those words, I hate you, would be the last words to come out of his son's mouth...even after he gets treated like he has all his life. This man would never flick a wooden nickel to his own son so I would never pay a penny to hear this song-unconditional...hypocracy at its finest.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.