Cody Johnson Delivers Heartfelt New Year’s Eve Message On ‘Nashville’s Big Bash’

The Texas native urged fans to embrace life’s precious moments.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

December 31, 2023

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8:03 pm

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Cody Johnson; Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

Cody Johnson is reminding fans to live life to the fullest with his performance on NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH

Heading into the new year, the Texas native performed his multi-week chart-topping hit, “‘Til You Can’t,” for a room full of adoring fans in downtown Nashville. Johnson showcased his raw vocals and authentic country sound as the audience cheered him on and sang along to every word. 

This song is especially meaningful on New Year’s Eve as people set out to change their lives in the new year. “‘Til You Can’t” shares a powerful message about appreciating life’s little moments while you can. 

A Powerful Message

“If you got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance/ If you got a dream, chase it, ’cause a dream won’t chase you back/ If you’re gonna love somebody/ Hold ’em as long and as strong and as close as you can/ ‘Til you can’t,” Johnson sings on the chorus. 

What Does The Song Mean?

The country star previously opened up about the song with Country Now and other outlets. He said, “I have an opportunity to be the guy that says that message and reminds them, yes we’re all at shows and we’re drinking, and partying, and having fun, and we’re there for the moment. We’re just letting life go for a little bit. But just a reminder, the important things are to do it while we’re here because we’re not always going to be here.”

The father of two later added, “Do all those things that are important to you while you’re here, whether it is husband, wife, child, as a parent, as a son or a daughter. Whatever it is, make sure you’re trying to milk this life for all that it’s worth.” 

Cody Johnson; Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
Cody Johnson; Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

“‘Til You Can’t” was co-written by Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers and was a career-changing song for Johnson. It appears on his 2021 project, Human: The Double Album. Johnson’s newest album, Leather, is out now.   

How To Watch and Who’s Performing

NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH is a five-hour celebration, airing on Sunday, December 31 7:30-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:05 AM, ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.

Hosted by Elle King and Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith, the show is also set to feature performances by Thomas Rhett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Kane Brown, Jackson Dean, Old Dominion, HARDY, Elle King, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Trombone Shorty, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, and Bailey Zimmerman. Additionally, Dustin Lynch will deliver a live performance from Times Square in New York City.

Cody Johnson; Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
Cody Johnson; Photo: CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

Viewers can also anticipate a special guest appearance from Tennessee Titan and five-time all-pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and actor/comedian Rob Schneider.  

In addition to her co-hosting duties, Elle King will also perform. 

NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH is also streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.