Mae Estes Redefines The Term ‘Good Ol’ Boys’ with Heart-Wrenching Ballad About Betrayal and Abuse

Mae Estes draws a new meaning of the term, “Good Ol’ Boys,” with her just-released ballad that brings awareness to the pain and betrayal felt by someone who experienced abuse in their romantic relationship at an early age. Through her powerful vocals, the rising star shines a light on a situation that is often swept under the rug out of fear from the victim. 

The song, penned by Estes with Autumn McEntire, Marti Dodson and SJ McDonald, shows that no matter how perfect someone may appear on the outside, it’s what happens behind closed doors that reveals their true character.

Estes sings from the viewpoint of a teenager who falls for the lies and deception of someone she once cared about. She begins by describing the man as a true gentleman who held the door, held her hand, said “Yes sir, yes ma’am,” and always made sure to attend mass on Sundays, all qualities that made her believe he was someone who she felt she could introduce to her family. 

Listeners soon discover that while “Good Ol’ Boys” are often praised for their kindness and chivalry, some hide behind the label as a facade. Through this song, Estes empowers victims and reminds them they are not alone.

“I gave you my heart and you gave me hell/ Gave me a secret and who’d believe it/ If I ever got the nerve to tell?/ Ain’t it a shame I’ll never see them the same?/ You give good ol’ boys a bad name,” she delivers on the chorus. 

If the opening wasn’t enough to bring tears to your eyes, the second verse surely will as the Arkansas native recounts the night that she lost something that she won’t ever get back. 

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Estes sings, “Now Chevy trucks, Carhartt and winter Wintergreen skoal cans/ Make me think of fifteen and how I never stood a chance/ Countin’ tiles on the ceiling ’til you let me go/ And I can’t unlearn what I wish I didn’t know.” 

The songstress got honest as she shared why she felt so compelled to record this story and the message she hopes to get across to her fans as well as anyone who may have experienced this time of pain.  

“There is all kinds of heartbreak in life and Country music, but nothing hits harder than the heartbreak that comes from someone you never expected to hurt you” explains Estes. “I was raised in a small town in the south, surrounded by honest, hardworking, godly, well-mannered men that we lovingly called ‘good ol’ boys.’ This important song shares the perspective of a heartbroken woman, forever changed by the betrayal of a man she thought she could trust. I have such respect and admiration for the ‘three chords and the truth’ sentiment of traditional Country music and tried my best to channel that when writing this unapologetic story.”

Following its official release, the song featuring Estes’ effortless storytelling was paired with a scenic music video that made its world premiere on CMT on September 17. Estes elegantly makes her way around the forest-like setting just as the sky reaches the beautifully lit golden hour, offering the perfect imagery to pair with the somber yet beautiful tune.

“Good Ol’ Boys” follows the rising singer/songwriter’s recent set of releases – “High And Lonesome,” “Gettin’ Back Up To Heaven” and “What I Shoulda Done.”

Fans can experience the emotion of her newest song live on stage during one of her upcoming shows. Mae Estes has been tapped to serve as an opener on select dates with Kimberly Perry and Lainey Wilson at this year’s NFR. Then in the spring of 2025, she will appear on the star-studded Stagecoach lineup in Indio, CA.