Kenny Chesney’s ‘Happy Does’ Radiates Positivity

In a time of uncertainty and seemingly endless division among our nation, Kenny Chesney is sending the uplifting “Happy Does”…

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

July 7, 2020

at

2:15 pm

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Kenny Chesney; Photo by Allister Ann

In a time of uncertainty and seemingly endless division among our nation, Kenny Chesney is sending the uplifting “Happy Does” to country radio. With its throwback, beachy vibes and positive message, “Happy Does” is exactly what the world needs to hear right now.

“I don’t believe in preaching, and I sure don’t want to tell anyone how to live,” the superstar says. “But right now, I think we can all use something to lift us up. ‘Here And Now’ did such a great job reminding everyone how good living in the moment can be, it felt like the only song that could follow it was ‘Happy Does.’”

Written by Brock Berryhill, Brad Clawson, Greylan James and Jamie Paulin, “Happy Does” reminds listeners to embrace what life throws at them and make the most of what they have, even if it may not be much at all.

“Happy is as happy does/ Grab a six-string, find a rope swing/ Hang a palm tree in your truck/ Drink a beer just because/ Steal a slow dance in a rainstorm/ And a kiss from who you love/ Laugh and live with a half-full cup/ Yeah, happy is as happy does,” the East Tennessee native sings on the chorus.

YouTube video

The eight-time Entertainer of the Year may not have had a hand in writing the carefree anthem, but he envisioned himself when he first heard the song.

“That line about ‘every pickle jar dollar,’” Chesney shares, “that was me in college, playing for tips in this little bar in West Virginia. I’d rent a pretty basic sound system, go over the line, set up, play three sets, tear down and drive home, so I could turn the stuff back in at the music store, go through the drive-in, get a breakfast sandwich and get on to class.

“To do what you love, to chase a dream is a really special thing. When you’re doing that, you find a whole lot of happiness with just a little bit of something. The chorus with the rope swing, the palm tree off the rearview mirror, a kiss from someone you love… With all this unknown and all this who knows, it felt like the song people were going to need this summer. The melody feels good, and the track makes you smile! So ‘Happy Does’ is a pretty good post-it note when you’re having a bad day, or even just a day.”

“Happy Does” is featured on Chesney’s chart-topping album, Here and Now. Click above to listen.

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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.