Parker McCollum Shares the Texas Story Behind “Hell of a Year”

Leave it to a Texas artist to find inspiration in one of the most Texas places possible.

During a recent concert, Parker McCollum opened up about the story behind his song “Hell of a Year,” and it turns out the idea came to him while sitting in line at an Austin Whataburger. According to Parker, the wait at the drive-thru was so long that he joked it gave him enough time to write an entire song — and that song eventually became one of his fan favorites.

The moment had fans laughing, but it also highlighted Parker’s authentic, down-to-earth songwriting style — pulling real-life moments and turning them into music that connects.

McCollum also reflected on his history with Schroeder Hall, where he’s performed multiple times over the years. A scheduled show there in 2020 was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving fans waiting for his return and making his recent appearance even more meaningful.

From writing songs in Whataburger lines to selling out venues across Texas, Parker McCollum continues to prove that his roots run deep — and that sometimes, the best songs come from the most unexpected places.