You had to be there.
Kenny Chesney and Megan Moroney are back at it again, but this time, they are not sharing the stage in a packed-out stadium or writing songs on a tropical island. They were in the studio, and now their voices are forever together on their brand new single ” You Had To Be There.”
Last summer, Moroney and Chesney formed the sweetest friendship, and a mentorship, while she was supporting him on the Sun Goes Down stadium tour. The tour was filled with memories, good times, and growth, and served as a transformative experience for Moroney. After the tour, Chesney and Moroney stayed close, and she frequently goes to the tropics with him to write. But after the tour, Moroney noted how incredible it was to learn from the country music veteran and took home many notes on how he’s kept his fan base so engaged over the years.
“I would say just really making it for the fans. You know, his live show is really a celebration of No Shoes Nation, and that’s how I want my shows to feel.”
To keep the celebration of No Shoes Nation going, Moroney penned a song about how special the tour was and pitched it to Kenny, hoping he’d agree that last summer was not just like any other tour.
“As y’all know, I write about things that are important to me & the sun goes down tour and becoming friends with Kenny Chesney last summer was undoubtedly a highlight of my career & my life. I wrote out the lyrics & gifted this song to him for Christmas, and thankfully he loved it.”
When Moroney and Chesney announced the single, the “American Kids” singer noted that he’s never had someone write a song specifically for him, but he was honored that Moroney had.
“As far as I know, this is the first song anyone has written for me. Thank you, Megan. I love ya.”
He also added that the song was an incredible gift and he was excited for fans to hear it:
The song perfectly progresses Moroney’s career from being a student at the University of Georgia and going to a Kenny Chesney concert with her friends, with dreams of becoming a country music singer. Flash forward, and she’s singing to thousands, standing on stage with one of country music’s elite as a soon-to-be CMA Award recipient (given Moroney was awarded the honor after the tour).
While the lyrics from Moroney’s point of view are a “pinch me” moment, from Chesney’s point of view, he sounds like a proud father and wiseman, sharing that the “remember when” moments in her career will come sooner than she realizes.
“Seven years later, got a different point of view
Got a sound check in ten and my own dressin’ room
Goin’ ’round the world with the king of no shoes
Singin’, “Oh-oh-oh”
Can’t tell you how fast time’s gonna fly by
Keep your heart on your sleeve, and your chin held high
Baby, hold on tight
Don’t let go…”
Aside from the sentimental aspect of this single, sonically, it’s got the elements to make it a classic. The songwriting details a story from start to finish, and the melody captures the essence of Chesney’s sound, which makes it appeal to No Shoes Nation as well as the Emo Cowgirl fanbase.
Even though I have not lived in either of their shoes, this song tugs at the listeners’ heartstrings, knowing how special a bond these two share. Turn it up and see for yourself.
