Released: 2021
Thomas Rhett’s ‘What’s Your Country Song’ is a lyrical tribute to the country lifestyle and the genre’s iconic tunes. The song weaves together references to classic country hits, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and familiar stories that resonate with country music fans.
Rhett starts off with a series of questions, asking listeners if they’ve lived the quintessential country life. ‘Did you grow up on a tractor?’ and ‘Did your daddy let you drive?’ are nods to the rural upbringing that’s often celebrated in country music. ‘Are you whiskey bent and hell bound, even though your mama tried?’ is a reference to Hank Williams Jr.’s ‘Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound’, suggesting a rebellious streak.
The line ‘Are you on the Chattahoochee on a barefoot blue jean night?’ is a nod to Alan Jackson’s ‘Chattahoochee’ and Kenny Chesney’s ‘She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy’. Both songs depict the laid-back, fun-loving side of country life.
‘Do your exes live in Texas?’ and ‘Are you so lonesome you could cry?’ are references to George Strait’s ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’ and Hank Williams’ ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’. These lines hint at the heartbreak and longing that are common themes in country music.
‘Are your friends all in low places underneath the neon moon?’ is a mash-up of Garth Brooks’ ‘Friends in Low Places’ and Brooks & Dunn’s ‘Neon Moon’. These songs speak to the camaraderie and solace found in country bars and honky-tonks.
‘Were you already country back when country wasn’t cool?’ is a reference to Barbara Mandrell’s ‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’. This line speaks to the authenticity and resilience of country music and its fans.
The chorus ‘Everybody got a small town anthem, Everybody got a story to tell’ encapsulates the universal appeal of country music. It suggests that everyone, regardless of their background, can find a country song that speaks to their experiences.
Rhett’s question ‘What’s your country song?’ invites listeners to reflect on the country tunes that have shaped their lives. It’s a celebration of the genre’s diversity and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories.
Overall, ‘What’s Your Country Song’ is a love letter to country music, its rich history, and its enduring relevance. Rhett uses familiar lyrics and themes to create a sense of shared identity and nostalgia among country music fans.
