Record: Non-Secure Connection (album) .. 2020
Shit’s Crazy Out Here features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, Chamberlin, vocals, 12-string-guitar); Gibb Droll (guitar); J.T. Thomas (organ, Novation keyboard); Gibb Droll (guitar); John Mailander (violin); J.V. Collier (bass); Chad Wright (drums); Sonny Emory (drums); Hideaki Aomori (clarinet); Wayne Pooley (12-string-guitar); University of Miami Frost School Orchestra, Bruce Coughlin (orchestration).
From Bruce Hornsby on Apple Music:
“It comes from real life. My son Keith Hornsby is a very strong basketball player. He’s a pro now, entering his fifth pro year. He was the starting two guard at LSU in college, so he went through the Darwinian world of summer AAU basketball. And it truly is that—survival of the fittest to the max. I wrote the song about the AAU scene, coming from a very specific time when one of his teammates yelled over to him, ‘Keith, shit’s crazy out here!’ after he had just been yanked for making a turnover. Certain players have a short leash in that world, and that makes it very stressful for them.”
“But I also try not to make my songs so literal that they can’t be thought of as having other meanings, so to me this song is also a bit of a metaphor for our crazy world now, and the dysphoria and anxiety with which we live. Musically, it’s great fun for me. I’m always trying to execute unlikely musical marriages and meanings. I describe ‘Shit’s Crazy Out Here’ as Arnold Schoenberg and Elliott Carter meet The Beatles at the Boo Williams Sportsplex, which is a famous basketball venue in our area.”
Shit’s Crazy Out Here meaning
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Shit’s Crazy Out Here” is grounded in a specific personal experience but is written in such a way that it also reflects broader societal themes. Drawing from his son Keith’s experience in the high-pressure world of AAU basketball, the song uses basketball as a metaphor for the uncertainty, intensity, and stress of life in general.
Basketball and the AAU
The song’s origin comes from Keith’s journey through the competitive world of AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball, which is known for its survival-of-the-fittest mentality. The line “Shit’s crazy out here” was directly inspired by a moment when a teammate shouted this phrase after Keith was benched for a mistake during a game. The world of AAU basketball is unforgiving, and players often face short leashes, especially when mistakes are made. This pressure cooker atmosphere, where players are judged harshly for every move, reflects a sense of constant performance evaluation that parallels real-life struggles outside of sports.
Life’s craziness
While the lyrics describe the competitive world of basketball, Bruce expands the meaning of the song to make it a metaphor for modern life. The chaotic, unpredictable nature of the AAU basketball scene mirrors the unpredictability and instability of the world at large. The repeated refrain “Shit’s crazy out here” could apply to many facets of life, such as work stress, social pressure, or navigating personal struggles. In this way, the song speaks to the broader experience of living in a time when unpredictability, dysphoria, and anxiety are constant companions.
Insecurity and struggle
Throughout the song, there is an exploration of insecurity, self-doubt, and struggle, which can be tied both to the competitive world of sports and to the experience of trying to succeed in life. Phrases like “I’m up, and then I’m down” and “I’m good, and then I’m bad” point to the emotional rollercoaster of constantly being judged and evaluated. Whether it’s the “painted lines” of a basketball court or the metaphorical boundaries of life, there’s always a sense that external forces are determining your success or failure.
Broader social commentary
Bruce subtly links the personal experience of his son with a broader commentary on modern life, where many feel judged or trapped by societal expectations. The verse “There’s the anointed, and then there’s me, grinding silently” highlights a sense of division between those who are perceived as “chosen” or successful, and those who are constantly working hard, often without recognition. This feeling of being marginalized or overlooked can be applied beyond basketball, resonating with anyone who feels they are struggling to achieve their potential in a system that may not reward their efforts.
Musical context
Bruce describes the music of “Shit’s Crazy Out Here” as a blend of seemingly unlikely influences, such as Arnold Schoenberg and Elliott Carter with The Beatles. This combination reflects his unique approach to blending complex, classical structures with more accessible pop music. The dissonance and unpredictability in the music parallel the chaotic themes in the lyrics. The reference to the Boo Williams Sportsplex, a well-known basketball venue, brings the entire song back to its original inspiration while also showing how specific experiences can translate into universal feelings.
In “Shit’s Crazy Out Here,” Bruce Hornsby captures the anxiety, pressure, and unpredictability of competitive basketball, using it as a lens through which to view the broader world. The song moves between personal reflection and societal commentary, creating a narrative that resonates with anyone facing uncertainty and the fear of failure. By grounding the song in a real-life moment but expanding its meaning, Bruce creates a powerful commentary on the struggles of modern life.