Lainey Wilson’s ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ Rockets To The Top 10 At Country Radio In Record Time
Wilson’s latest hit is the fastest-rising single by a solo female in five years, the last being “Cry Pretty” by Carrie Underwood in 2018.
Lainey Wilson; Photo by Mason Goodson Courtesy of Lainey Wilson, Instagram
Since the release of Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine,” the single has continued to dominate country radio. Now, after just 13 weeks, the nostalgic, love-struck tune has risen to the Top 10 of the Mediabase country charts.
Making History
The fan-favorite track jumped three spots to No. 9, making it Wilson’s fastest-rising single and the fastest-rising single by a solo female in five years, the last being “Cry Pretty” by Carrie Underwood in 2018.
Co-written by Wilson alongside Jordan Schmidt and Josh Kear, “Watermelon Moonshine” serves as a nostalgia-filled ballad that finds the reigning ACM Female Artist Of The Year and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year reflecting on the innocence of young love.
“Drinkin’ watermelon moonshine / Cut the burn with a little lime / Parkin’ back in them kudzu vines / I was his and every bit of that boy was mine / Too young to know what love was / But we werе learnin’ on a sweet buzz / There’s never nothin’ like the first time / And mine’s always gonna taste like / Watermelon moonshine,” Wilson sings on the track’s chorus.
Music Video
The sentimental storyline behind the tune was recently brought to life in a cinematic music video directed by Stephen and Alexa Kinigopoulos. The clip portrays the rollercoaster of emotions that come from falling head-over-heels in love at 18 years old.
Rachel Lynn Matthews plays the love-struck character who can’t help but reminisce about her history with Sam Sherrod, the boy who stole her heart.
“This song is about the young, wild, crazy love that we all hope to experience,” Wilson previously shared. “From locking eyes for the first time, to playing spin the bottle with an Ole Smoky mason jar, to being too crazy about each other to tame it, I am so happy with how Rachel Lynn Matthews and Sam Sherrod brought the vision to life through their portrayal of their innocently passionate characters.”
Wilson admits that while filming the music video, she experienced a wave of nostalgia as she lived out the relatable narrative.
“It’s the love that makes you feel like you’ve got somethin really special that can’t ever be taken away. Filming out in the pasture brought me back to those days and made me feel right at home,” she said. “I’m real proud of how this one turned out and hope y’all love it too!”
Watch
Bell Bottom Country
“Watermelon Moonshine” appears on the Louisiana native’s sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country, which arrived on October 28, 2022.
The 16-track project includes the chart-topping “Heart Like A Truck,” as well as “Atta Girl,” “Smells Like Smoke,” “Hillbilly Hippie,” “Grease” and the heartfelt “Those Boots (Deddy’s Song),” which pays tribute to her father, Brian Wilson.
“I’ve lived quite a bit of life the past few years, and I have a lot more to say,” Wilson shared of the new album. “Sure, I love a good pair of bell bottoms, but Bell Bottom Country to me has always been about the flare and what makes someone unique — I have really embraced mine, and I hope y’all can hear that across this project.”
On Tour
Lainey Wilson is currently on the road with Eric Church for select dates of his The Outsiders Revival Tour.
Later, she will also join HARDY for the second leg of his the mockingbird & THE CROW tour. Presented by Ebay Motors, the trek kicks off on August 31 in Knoxville, Tennessee at Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
“It’s about dang time HARDY and I toured together again! It’s gonna be WILD with all these rednecks together,” Wilson wrote on Instagram at the time of the tour announcement.
For a full list of Lainey Wilson’s upcoming tour dates, visit her official website HERE.
Written by
Madeleine O’Connell
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.