Released: 2024
Lainey Wilson’s ‘4x4xU’ is a heartfelt country song that captures the essence of a strong, independent woman who’s head over boots for her man. It’s a celebration of love, freedom, and the open road, painted with vivid imagery of rural America.
The song kicks off with Wilson asserting her independence, ‘I’m the kind to take the keys, Don’t sit in a shotgun seat ‘less I want to.’ Here, she’s saying she’s in control of her life and doesn’t take a backseat unless she chooses to. But her man, he’s the exception, ‘And you make me want to.’
The chorus, ‘In a 4x4xU babe, From the Bayou to Kentucky, City to the country, From here to Timbuktu,’ is a testament to their bond. The ‘4×4’ is a symbol of their journey together, regardless of the terrain or distance. The phrase ‘From here to Timbuktu’ is a common saying meaning a long distance, emphasizing that she’s willing to go anywhere with him.
The line ‘Parked out in the driveway, Backed up to a fire on a tailgate,’ paints a classic country scene of a tailgate party. It’s a nod to the simple pleasures of country living, further emphasizing the comfort and joy she finds in their shared experiences.
The lyrics ’90 to nothing but we in slow motion, Up in the mountains or down by the ocean, It’s all the same to me, Ain’t nowhere I’d rather be,’ reiterate her contentment with their relationship. Whether they’re speeding down the highway or taking it slow, whether they’re in the mountains or by the sea, she’s happy as long as she’s with him.
In the end, the song is a love letter to her man and their journey together. It’s about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. And for Wilson, there’s no wrong way to drive her crazy, as long as it’s ‘In a 4x4xU.’
