Hailey Whitters and Charles Wesley Godwin cooked up some magic on this collaboration.
Happy New Music Friday, folks. Each week we cover some of the new releases in country music and while there are other stellar singles and projects that his streaming services today like Eric Church’s latest record, and Cody Jink’s new single, another one that needs to be on your radar is “I Don’t Want You” by Hailey Whitters featuring Charles Wesley Godwin.
This is the second single from Whitters’ forthcoming record, Corn Queen, which is slated for a June 6 release via Pigasus Records / Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters. Whitters has shared a few other singles from the album thus far, including “Prodigal Daughter” with Molly Tuttle, “High On The Hog,” “High on A Heartbreak,” and “Casseroles.” Make no mistake, she’s one of the best in the business… I’ll die on that hill.
The preview of what’s in store for this record has been impressive thus far, and “I Don’t Want You” is no exception. Whitters noted that when she penned this song with Jon Nite and Gordie Sampson, the words felt like they jumped on the paper, which surprised her, given that it was her first time writing with these collaborators, and they did not go into the session having a hook or concept in mind for the tune.
“We just started spitting it out line by line and following the feeling. What resonates with me most about this song is that it’s an honest and raw account of a far from perfect relationship. I think we all to some extent or another bring our ‘s***’ into our relationships and I like that this couple wants to work through it rather than just hang it up.”
The result is a lyrically raw song, and you can hear the fragility of the relationship that Whitters and Godwin sing of. Of course, these two artists are in happy and loving relationships, but hot dang, they know how to belt out a song that punches you in the gut.
The twangy slide in the introduction grabs listeners instantly, and then the vulnerable lyrics keep them locked in, intentionally listening to every word of the push and pull of Whitters and Godwin’s vocals as they sing about a couple facing roadblocks but desperately wanting to work through it.
“Never again don’t mean nothin’
When it’s 2 a.m. and we’re all bottled up
I know better, but I still do it
You say something and I just lose it
I’m strong enough
I don’t need a man to run to
Sometimes you’re the last thing that I need
But that don’t mean I don’t want you
I don’t want you”
Whitters noted that it has always been her dream to collaborate with Charles Wesley Godwin, who is a two-time Whiskey Riff Album of the Year winner. She is so thankful he agreed to sing on the track with her because it took the song’s depth to a new level.
“I met Charles Wesley Godwin when we were both on tour last year with Luke Combs and have been completely awestruck by his artistry ever since. He’s a true artist and I was dying to collaborate on something with him. I’m so thankful he said yes to this one because he took it to a place it would have otherwise never reached.”
Godwin echoed similar sentiments about the Iowa native.
“Hailey and I’s paths have crossed a few times, both as labelmates and as part of Luke Combs’ tour last year, so I was thrilled when she asked me to join her on ‘I Don’t Want You.’ Country music has a long history of duets and it was fun to join in on that tradition and help this song come to life.”
This one is a must-listen from this week’s releases. Hailey Whitters and Charles Wesley Godwin knocked this track out of the park.
Fire it up.
Corn Queen tracklist:
1. High On The Hog (Hailey Whitters)
2. Prodigal Daughter (feat. Molly Tuttle) (Hailey Whitters, Paul Sikes, Bryan Simpson)
3. Shotgun Wedding Baby (Hailey Whitters, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Caroline Watkins)
4. Helluva Heart (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
5. High On A Heartbreak (Hailey Whitters, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
6. It’ll Do (Hailey Whitters, Chris LaCorte, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
7. Hearsay (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
8. Anything Like Me (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
9. I Don’t Want You (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin) (Hailey Whitters, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
10. The Nail (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
11. Casseroles (Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater)
12. Wagon (Trannie Anderson, Ben Hayslip, Seth Mosley)
13. Wholesome (Hailey Whitters, Luke Dick)
14. White Limousine (Hailey Whitters, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
15. Corn Queen (Hailey Whitters, Bobby Pinson)
16. DanceMor (feat. The Wilder Blue) (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
Hailey Whitters 2025 Confirmed Tour Dates:
May 16 – Gulf Shores, Ala. – Sand In My Boots Festival
June 28 – Norco, Calif. – SilverLakes
June 29 – Santa Rosa, Calif. – Country Summer Music Festival
July 19 – Whitefish, Mont. – Under The Big Sky Festival
July 25 – Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
August 7-10 – West Chester, Ohio – Voices of America Country Music Fest
August 30 – Dyersville, Iowa – Field of Dreams
September 12 – Saanen, Switzerland – Country Night Gstaad 2025
