Blake Shelton's "Came Here to Forget" doesn't lean on metaphor or symbolism to recall the early days of his relationship with Gwen Stefani. It's written clear as water in the ballad's first two lyrics.

“Girl you gettin’ over him, and I’m gettin’ over her," Shelton sings to begin his first song from a new project, and then he opens up from there. The 39-year-old didn't write "Came Here to Forget," so accepting every line as truth is dangerous. But given what he's said about the personal nature of his new album one can accept that the story is a revealing look at the rocky end of his marriage with Miranda Lambert (the "Getting even with her / Getting even with him" line is sure to ignite speculation) and combustible start to his romance with Stefani.

Sonically Shelton mixes a traditional sound with a style that's as progressive as anything he's pressed. The drum loops and steel guitar mix is very California-meets-Nashville, and that's sure to bunch underwear among the traditionalist crowd as quickly as the tabloidy nature of the lyrics. "Came Here to Forget" is, in the end, another Shelton vocal showcase — a smart move, as the singer still has one of the most pure voices in country music.

But it won't be remembered for a vocal performance, which, while not his most dynamic or difficult performance, is his most expressive in several years. The total package captures the treasonous nature of the start of this torrid affair. That Shelton and Stefani knew what they were doing was dangerous is one of few certainties fans can take from "Came Here to Forget," the first song from an upcoming album.

Did You Know?: Songwriters Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan have written several Blake Shelton songs, including "Boys 'Round Here" and "Mine Would Be You." "Came Here to Forget" is the first they've written together.

Listen to Blake Shelton, “Came Here to Forget”

Watch: The Story Behind Blake's New Music

Blake Shelton, “Came Here To Forget” Lyrics:

“Girl you gettin’ over him, and I’m gettin’ over her / The eyes have it made, ain’t gotta say a word / Misery loves company, that’s why it’s you and me / Buying each other drinks, back at the bar as thick as thieves / Stealing these little sips, doing the best to make the best of the worst of it.”

Chorus:
“Keep playing them songs / Keep singing along / Keep leaning it on in closer / Keep salting the rim, getting even with her and with him / Before the night is over / That first kiss is like a Colorado hit we’d better keep on keeping it lit / Until we can’t remember, can’t remember what we came here to forget.”

“Go ahead and check your phone, like I’ve been checkin’ mine / Nobody’s ex is texting for a rewind / Looks like it’s just me and you / Fall in love just enough to get us through what we’re getting through.”

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