Behind the Meaning of Megan Moroney’s Bargaining Breakup Anthem, “Miss Universe”

Breakups are always hard, but sometimes there is something to hold on to that makes them a little easier. In Megan Moroney’s case, it’s her ex’s new choice of girl that is her bargaining chip. Uncover the meaning behind Moroney’s breakup anthem, “Miss Universe,” below.

[RELATED: Watch Megan Moroney Join Kenny Chesney for a Classic Rendition of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”]

Videos by American Songwriter

Behind the Meaning of Megan Moroney’s Bargaining Breakup Anthem, “Miss Universe”

I was just twenty-one and he was barely twenty-two

I wanted him to want me and he said, “Baby, you know I do”

We were picture-perfect, thought the distance would be worth it

He said, “When you know, you know,” and I believed him (And I believed him)

As with any good country, storytelling song, Moroney sets the scene with the first verses. She describes a young love that feels like it might go on forever. The listener shouldn’t get too comfortable though, things are about to go awry.

Then I got a goodbye call

‘Cause he found a beauty queen

I’m in a dive bar drinkin’

While she’s in a magazine

Yeah, it hurt like hell

But hell, it could’ve been worse

At least my whole world lеft me for Miss Universe

In the chorus, Moroney details their breakup. At the beginning it seems to be going through the familiar notions. Towards the end of the chorus though, Moroney walks back a little bit. But hell, it could’ve been worse / At least my whole world lеft me for Miss Universe, she sings.

Her ex has replaced her with a beauty pageant winner. Though many of us can’t imagine anything worse, Moroney playfully shrugs it off. Like many of her songs, Moroney tows the line between gut wrenching emotion and playful lyricism. This song is one of her best in that pursuit.

Featured Image by Jason Moore/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstoc