New collab appears on Rhett’s ’20 Number Ones’ compilation
On average, Thomas Rhett has scored a Number One song on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart every six months for the past decade, explaining the title of his recent 20 Number Ones compilation. He repeated the trick again earlier this year with “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings),” bringing his total up to 21, and hopes to repeat it with a new single, “Mamaw’s House,” which finds him duetting with country lightning rod (and stadium headliner) Morgan Wallen.
Rhett and Wallen wrote the easy-paced tune, filled with reminiscences of quality time spent with Mamaw and projecting an idealized vision of the past on the present day. “If every nightstand had a Bible, every front porch had a swing,” he sings. “If every backyard had a garden, every front door had a screen/Well maybe this crazy world will straighten up and slow on down if every town had a Mamaw’s house.”
With high hopes, the song, which songwriters Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill helped compose, now figures on the track list for 20 Number Ones (a title that will hold either way given Rhett’s past.)
“Morgan and I were writing one day, and he got a call from his Mamaw,” Rhett said in a statement. “We got to talking and realized we both had a ‘Mamaw’ growing up and so we decided to write a song about that. The song describes my grandmothers and Morgan’s as well. We wanted to describe a small town piece of paradise. Growing up, I can remember going to both of my grandmothers’ houses in South Georgia. I learned so many life lessons there about hard work, manners, and respect. This song really hits home for me, and I hope everyone feels the same.”
“Many times in the past I’ve been open and honest about the love I have for my Mamaw Boots,” Wallen said. “It was only a matter of time before a song was inspired by her. I dedicate this one to not only her but to my living grandmothers as well. I hope they know what a big part they’ve all played in shaping my life. TR had a similar experience growing up so I’m really glad we got to write and record this song together.”
The song may or may not feature in Rhett’s set list tonight when he plays Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the second evening of a two-night stand there. Fans can stream the show at 9:15 CT on YouTube to find out.