Max McNown Talks ‘Night Diving’ And The Power Of Symbolism In Lyrics [Exclusive]
The powerful new song appears on McNown’s just-released album of the same name.

Max McNown; Photo by Nate Griffin
Max McNown puts his acting skills to the test as he dives into the turmoil of addiction in the powerful new music video for “Night Diving,” which also acts as the focus track of his just-released album of the same name.
The emotional track was co-written with producer Jamie Kenney and singer/songwriter Erin McCarley. Infused with haunting rhythms and complexities within the lyrics that are representative of one’s battle with their own inner demons, “Night Diving” offers an intense look at the cycle of trying to break free from addiction.
The strong desire for redemption cursing through the lyrics is depicted through vivid imagery within the music video, with the Oregon native taking center stage. His character within the cinematic footage yearns to escape from the darkness constantly looming over his shoulder, which in this case is portrayed by a woman in a long dark gown. After running feverishly through the line of trains stalled on the tracks, he comes face to face with another version of himself and finally, the darkness fades away.
Even during McNown’s performance clips, he takes the story to heart and breathes heavy emotions into each note. He sings, “And I’m tired of running from the conversations/ Screaming in the silence all alone/ And I miss the innocence that it has taken/ Oh I’m frustrated I can’t take it/ But I’ll fake it/ Then I’ll hate myself again.”
Watch The Story Unfold
Taking on this heavy of a topic for his first run with acting on camera was likely no easy feat, but he assures that his fascination with the art made it “very enjoyable.”
“With no prior experience, I did my best to fall into the mindset of the character I was playing in each scene. I’m very excited with how it turned out, and even more excited for my fans to see it.”
Exploring The Symbolism Within “Night Diving”
A series of sonic elements, including a beat recorded from train tracks and banging chains against the floor, were also incorporated throughout the tune as a way to further highlight the song’s message. Every aspect from this creative process was clearly thought out with profound intent as a way to continue McNown’s mission of writing songs with “depth and symbolism.”
“From start to finish, ‘Night Diving’ is the most symbolism-filled song that I’ve ever released,” McNown tells Country Now. “The chains represent the bondage addiction can have on somebody. While the train running throughout the song represents the importance of consistently moving forward and doing your best to grow. Lastly, the word ‘silence’ is the loudest belt in the song, filled with pain, it’s meant to show that the worst way to battle addiction is to battle it alone.”

“Night Diving” was chosen as the title track of McNown’s new full-length project as he feels it “represented my art in the most authentic way.” The same threads of raw emotions and honest are found within the remainder of the nine tracks. Fans got a taste for what to expect through advanced releases of songs like “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” “Hotel Bible,” “Marley” and his duet with Hailey Whitters, “Roses and Wolves.”
Taking in the project from top to bottom, McNown reveals his main go was for his listeners to “to feel the honesty in my words.”
“I hope they feel a little less alone by the end of it,” he added.

Night Diving Track List:
- Night Diving
- Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)
- It’s Not Your Fault
- Azalea Place
- Love I Couldn’t Mend
- Hotel Bible
- Won’t Let Me Go
- Roses and Wolves feat. Hailey Whitters
- Marley
- Freezing in November (Revisited)
McNown Reflects On Sold-Out Headline Tour
On January 14, Max McNown kicked off his sold-out debut headline trek, dubbed the A Lot More Free Tour, with a show in San Diego, CA. This milestone run will continue through February with dates across the U.S. featuring support from Theo Kandel, Johnathan Hutcherson, Barrett, Ireland Owens and Cate Gartner on select dates. Then in the spring, the rising star will embark on a series of international dates as well as a mix of various festivals.
Selling out his very first headline run is an incredible feat for McNown and he admits he is doing his best to take in all the goodness coming his way and be present with the fans that have gotten him to this point.
“It feels incredible. I think it will take my mind a good while to catch up to all that is happening in my career,” he shared honestly. “All I know [is] I’m grateful for every single listener and none of it would be possible without them, and the village it takes to make this dream a reality.”
For a full list of McNown’s upcoming dates, click HERE.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.