Not Today Lyrics – Mitchell Tenpenny

To numb the hurt and try to heal the pain, kill the pain
Their own path to peace of mind, I got mine
But timelines are subject to change

I’ma let it rain, I’ma let it burn
I’ma sit my ass in the back of church
I’ma let it go but I’ma feel it first
Oh, for what it’s worth

I’ll find a way to forget you
With a bottle, a bible, or a mistake
I know I’m gonna move on, I know I’ll be ok
I’ll find a way to forget you
I’m gonna give my broken heart a break
Baby, gimme some time
I’ll get you off of my mind
Just not today

I’ma call the boys, hit the town, burn it down
Find a heart in the downtown lost and found
Send a barstool drunk prayer upstairs
To get me over you, I’ll get there

I’ll find a way to forget you
With a bottle, a bible, or a mistake
I know I’m gonna move on, I know I’ll be ok
I’ll find a way to forget you
I’m gonna give my broken heart a break
Baby, gimme some time
I’ll get you off of my mind
Just not today

I’ma let it rain, I’ma let it burn
I’ma sit my ass in the back of church
I’ma let it go but I’ma feel it first
Oh, for what it’s worth

I’ll find a way to forget you
With a bottle, a bible, or a mistake
I know I’m gonna move on, I know I’ll be ok
I’ll find a way to forget you
I’m gonna give my broken heart a break
Baby, gimme some time
I’ll get you off of my mind
Just not today
Not today, not today, just not today
Not today, not today, just not today
Not today, not today, just not today
Not today, not today, just not today
Not today, not today, just not today
Not today, not today, just not today

The first paragraph reflects the initial attempt to cope with heartbreak by numbing the pain and seeking solace to heal. The phrase “kill the pain” suggests a desire to escape the emotional distress through various means. Each person finds their own unique path towards peace of mind, but the journey is uncertain, as indicated by the line “timelines are subject to change.” This highlights the unpredictable nature of the healing process, emphasizing that it cannot be rushed or controlled.

In the second paragraph, the singer expresses a willingness to confront their emotions head-on. They acknowledge the pain by letting it rain and burn, indicating a readiness to experience and process it fully. Despite this, they find themselves in a place of reflection, symbolized by sitting in the back of a church. The line “I’ma let it go but I’ma feel it first” underscores the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions before moving forward.

The third paragraph delves into the struggle of trying to forget someone. The singer acknowledges the inevitability of moving on but recognizes that it will take time. They contemplate various methods of coping, whether through distractions like alcohol (“a bottle”), seeking comfort in religion (“a bible”), or making mistakes along the way. Despite the pain, there is a sense of determination to eventually find peace and give their broken heart a much-needed break.

In the final paragraph, the singer continues to grapple with their emotions. They seek support from friends (“the boys”), indulge in temporary distractions, and even offer prayers in moments of vulnerability. Despite their efforts, the pain persists, and the journey towards healing is ongoing. The repetition of “not today” emphasizes the difficulty of letting go immediately, suggesting that while healing is inevitable, it requires patience and time.