We’re always on the hunt for rare Chris Stapleton songs and just when you thought we couldn’t find another unreleased Stapleton gem, we did you one better.
This old heartbreaker is called “Heart Letting Go,” and while it never made it to a Chris Stapleton record, it was eventually cut by another well-known icon in the country music world.
Written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, as I mentioned previously, “Heart Letting Go” was never released by Christ Stapleton. In fact, the only performance of the song I can find was from a benefit for East Kentucky tornado victims at Nashville’s Station Inn back in 2012.
Even in the intro, Chris laughs that the song”
“May or may not come out someday…”
The video has nearly a million and a half views to date, perhaps a good indicator that he should’ve definitely recorded it someday.
I think it would sound great on From A Room: Volume 3. Amirite?
Here’s a little taste of the first verse and chorus:
“I don’t see the same look in your eyes
One that used to say we’re meant to be
I can’t feel the hunger in your touch
You used to tell me I’m all you need…
It’s hard to stay or leaving her first
I’m not sure which one is the worst
Cause tonight I’ll hold the love I used to know
Listen to a heart letting go…”
Ronnie Dunn Records Chris Stapleton’s “Heart Letting Go”
Like I said earlier, it was never cut by Chris, but it was cut by someone else… the great Ronnie Dunn.
And when it comes to covering Chris Stapleton, there’s only a few names out there can do him a semblance of justice.
Luke Combs’ cover of “Tennessee Whiskey” (which I know Chris didn’t write) comes to mind, but back in 2014, Ronnie Dunn released his own version of “Heart Letting Go” and it’s one of those “stop what you’re doing and listen” kind of tracks.
Recorded it for his 2014 Peace, Love, & Country Music record, it was never released as a single, but it’s such a damn good performance from Ronnie. Like I said earlier, it’s damn near impossible to outdo Chris Stapleton, especially on his own song, but if anybody is going to take a run at it, Ronnie Dunn is the guy.
Much like Chris Stapleton, Ronnie Dunn can sing the hell out of any song you put in front of him. His Re-Dunn cover album will prove that.
And while I’ll admit that this one fell through the cracks for me, it popped up on the shuffle this morning. And thankfully it did.
Because right now, I’m convinced that it just might be the best kept secret in country music.
“Heart Letting Go”
