LISTEN: Tim McGraw Recruits Parker McCollum For New Rendition Of ‘Paper Umbrellas’

Tim McGraw recently took a trip back to 2023 when he unveiled a brand-new collaborative version of the fan-favorite “Paper Umbrellas,” which originally appeared on his 16th studio album, Standing Room Only. The fresh version of the song offers the same clever heartbreak narrative with the addition of Parker McCollum’s baritone vocals.

The musical icon announced the new release featuring McCollum on Friday (March 7) through a social media post that read, “Had to have my friend Parker McCollum join me on this one!” The re-recorded track was paired with an accompanying lyric video that matches the vibrancy of the tropical imagery on display throughout story.

“Paper Umbrellas” was written by Monty Criswell and Drake Milligan and is produced by Byron Gallimore, McGraw, and Eric Masse. McGraw lends his signature vocals to the first verse, illustrating the moment he stumbles into a “little tiki bar” in an attempt to stay dry from a storm outside and ends up being the voice of reason for a stranger in need.

He spots a lonesome woman sitting at the bar sipping on a tropical drink garnished with a tiny pink and yellow paper umbrella. She is clearly distraught over something, as she’s seen with tears in her eyes while “flipping through old pictures on her phone.” So, McGraw’s character takes a seat beside her and tries to unravel the source of her pain, while suggesting she trades the sugary drink for something stronger, like a tequila straight.

McGraw sings, “I duct in that little tiki bar thinking I’d ride out the storm/ She was spinning pink and yellow paper umbrellas/ And holding up her hand to have one more/ I stood and watched her sip and crying / Flipping through old pictures on her phone/ I said, “Hey, is this seat taken? / I’d sure hate for you to have to drink alone”/ She cracked a smile said, “Sit here if you want”/ I said, “I don’t mean to pry but girl, you’re doing this all wrong.”

McCollum can be heard softly, at first, as he effortlessly blends his sound into McGraw’s vocals on the chorus. Then the Texas native’s twangy voice comes out in full force as he leads the second verse, and takes on the role of the stranger-turned-friend for the heartbroken woman.

“It’s gonna take a lot of Pina Coladas/ If you’re gonna drink him off your mind/ I’ll sit here a little longer and get us something stronger/ Something that’ll work in half the time/ ‘Cause when love don’t shine like you thought it would/ Ain’t nothing quite like good tequila straight/ To chase the clouds away/ Yeah, girl, I’m here to tell ya paper umbrellas/ Look good on top but they won’t stop the rain.”

“Paper Umbrellas” is the result of truly impressive songwriting as it offers a unique twist on a classic country drinking song. While listening to the lyrics, it becomes clear that the paper umbrellas he speaks of is about more than just a cute decoration, it also symbolizes the delicate nature of relationships. Tim McGraw and Parker McCollum coming together takes the song to a whole new level while keeping their focus on the depth of the personal and yet relatable story.

This is the first time the pair of artists have collaborated, however the Gold Chain Cowboy is undeniably a longtime fan of McGraw and has covered several of his songs in the past.

“Been a fan of this guy for a long time. Honored to have “Paper Umbrellas” out with @thetimmcgraw today,” he wrote on Instagram.

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A post shared by Parker McCollum (@parkermccollum)

The release of this tune follows closely behind the announcement from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, stating that McGraw would be among the lineup of country stars headlining Nashville’s first-ever rodeo. Jelly Roll and Reba McEntire are also set to perform throughout the inaugural three-day festival taking place May 29-31 at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville.

Meanwhile, Parker McCollum is in the midst of his What Kinda Man Tour, which will pick back up again in Portsmouth, VA on April 24.