‘Long Live Country Music’ Showcases RaeLynn’s Love Letter to the Genre
Throughout the song, she tips her hat to country legends like Dolly Parton and George Jones.
Photo Courtesy RaeLynn
RaeLynn is wearing her country music-loving heart on her sleeve with the release of her brand-new anthem, “Long Live Country Music.”
Out now via The Valory Music Co. in partnership with Red Van Records/Jonas Group Entertainment, the song is an unapologetic tribute to the genre that shaped her and the lifestyle that comes with it.
A Platinum-selling artist with a reputation for her bold lyrics and unique style, RaeLynn uses the track to celebrate not only the sound of country music but also the rowdy, resilient way of life it represents.
Throughout the song, she nods to icons like George Jones, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, embracing the spirit of those who came before her. And while she admits that chasing the dream might not lead to the longest life, she paints it as a life well lived.
“I’ll be six feet under sawdust floors/ Singing hillbilly shit ’til I can’t no more/ Good thing I pray ’cause this train’s a wreck/ Three chords, three sheets ’til I’m good and dead/ Dying living the dream, that’s a damn good way to do it/ Might not live long, but long live country music,” she sings in the high-energy chorus.
Co-written with Aaron Gillespie and Lauren Hungate, RaeLynn says the song means a lot to her.
“This song is basically my love letter to Country music,” she shared. “I’m so passionate about this new sound and what it represents for me. Working with Aaron Gillespie on the production brought it to life in such a powerful way. Every reference, every lyric, it’s all straight from my heart and full of truth.”
“Long Live Country Music” follows her return single, “Heaven Is A Honkytonk,” marking RaeLynn’s continued partnership with The Valory Music Co. This marked a special reunion for RaeLynn and the label, which she previously worked with on tracks like “Boyfriend” and “God Made Girls.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back home to Big Machine Label Group,” she previously shared. “Having both Scott Borchetta and Kevin Jonas Sr. covering all corners of my career is a dream come true! Kicking things off with ‘Heaven Is A Honky Tonk’ makes it even sweeter; it’s bold, it’s country, and it’s 100% me. I am more inspired and grateful than ever because of this new music and team!”
“I’ve been intrigued by RaeLynn since the very first time I saw her on The Voice,” added BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s now come full circle as her energy is infectious, her determination unwavering, and she’s brought us the absolute best music of her career. Welcome home, Rae!”
Fans can expect to hear both tracks and more new music live as she hits the road with Jason Aldean on his Full Throttle Tour 2025. The nationwide run will visit Raleigh, North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, and Alpharetta, GA this week and will wrap up on October 4 in West Palm Beach, FL.
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.
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