Thomas Rhett is a country music superstar known for hits like “Die A Happy Man,” “Marry Me,” and “Life Changes.” But beyond his chart-topping success, the singer-songwriter has a special connection to one particularly meaningful song – “Be A Light,” which he recorded with his father, Rhett Akins.
In this blog post, we delve into the story behind this sentimental collaboration, exploring the origins of the song, the inspiration behind its message, and the impact it has had on Thomas Rhett’s life and career.
The History of “Be A Light”
“Be A Light” was first released in March 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. The song was written by Thomas Rhett, alongside several other notable country artists, including Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, and Matt Dragstrem. However, it was the involvement of Rhett Akins that added an extra layer of meaning and significance to the track.
Rhett Akins is a country music veteran who has achieved his own considerable success as a singer-songwriter. He is perhaps best known for his hits “Don’t Get Me Started” and “That Ain’t My Truck,” but he has also written songs for a wide range of other artists, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Brooks & Dunn.
For Thomas Rhett, collaborating with his father on “Be A Light” was a natural and meaningful choice. In an interview with Billboard, he revealed that the idea for the song came about during a conversation with his wife, Lauren, about the difficult events unfolding around the world at the time.
As Rhett explained, “We were just thinking about how heavy the world felt with everything from politics to racism to COVID, and wanting to be a light in dark times.”
The song was born out of that desire to spread a positive message during a time of uncertainty and fear. And having his dad alongside him in the writing and recording process made the experience all the more special for Thomas Rhett.
The Message of “Be A Light”
So what is it about “Be A Light” that makes it such a powerful and uplifting song?
At its heart, the track is all about the importance of kindness, love, and empathy. The lyrics encourage listeners to be a light in a dark world, to spread positivity wherever they can, and to remember that even when things are tough, there is always hope.
As Thomas Rhett sings in the chorus:
“In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light”
These words are particularly resonant in a year that has been marked by so much division and despair. And they are a reminder to all of us that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can have a positive impact on those around us.
The Legacy of “Be A Light”
Since its release in 2020, “Be A Light” has become one of Thomas Rhett’s most beloved songs. The track hit number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in August of that year, firmly cementing its status as a fan favorite.
But beyond its commercial success, “Be A Light” has also had a profound impact on Thomas Rhett and his relationship with his dad. In an interview with Country Now, he spoke about the experience of working with Rhett Akins on the song:
“We had such a good time in the studio, and it was one of the first times that we had ever sat down to write a song with just the two of us,” he said.
“It was really special, and now we have that memory forever. And I think even if the song had never done anything, it would have been worth it just for that time with him.”
For Thomas Rhett, “Be A Light” is more than just a song – it’s a testament to the power of family, collaboration, and positivity. And for fans around the world, it is a source of hope and inspiration during difficult times.
Conclusion
“Be A Light” is a song with a special place in Thomas Rhett’s heart – and it’s not hard to see why. Its message of love, kindness, and hope is more important now than ever, and its collaboration with his father adds an extra layer of meaning and significance.
As we navigate through challenging times, “Be A Light” reminds us that even the smallest actions can have a powerful impact on those around us. And it serves as a powerful testament to the ways in which music can bring people together, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
FAQ
Does Thomas Rhett have a relationship with his dad?
Yes, Thomas Rhett has a close relationship with his dad, Rhett Akins. Not only is Rhett Akins a successful singer in his own right, but he has also been a mentor and collaborator for his son, Thomas Rhett. In fact, the two co-wrote several of Thomas Rhett’s hit singles, including “Die a Happy Man” and “Life Changes.”
Thomas Rhett has spoken publicly about his admiration for his dad’s talent and his appreciation for the time they spend together. In an interview with People, Thomas Rhett said, “Somehow, someway, he is one of my favorite co-writers. His perspective on the music industry, the history that he’s had in the business – not only is he a great friend and co-writer, but just a great advice giver, and he can actually speak from personal experience.”
The bond between Thomas Rhett and his dad extends beyond just music. They often spend time together with their families, going on vacation and attending sporting events. In fact, Thomas Rhett has said that his dad is “one of his favorite people to hang out with.”
It’S clear that Thomas Rhett and his dad have a special relationship that goes beyond just father and son. They share a love of music and a deep respect for each other, and their bond is sure to continue to inspire and uplift fans for years to come.
Who sings with Thomas Rhett on death row?
Thomas Rhett is a popular American country singer-songwriter, known for his hit songs such as “Die a Happy Man,” “It Goes Like This,” and “Craving You.” In 2022, Rhett released his fifth studio album titled “Country Again: Side A,” which features a variety of songs that showcase his talent and versatility as an artist. One of the standout tracks on the album is called “Death Row,” which is a collaboration with two fellow country music stars, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line.
“Death Row” is a heartfelt ballad that explores the themes of love, regret, and redemption. The song talks about a man who is facing his final moments on death row and is reflecting on his life choices. He wishes he could go back and change some of the things he did, but now it’s too late. The lyrics are poignant and emotional, and the vocal performances by Rhett, Hubbard, and Kelley are stunning. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a haunting and beautiful sound.
The story behind the collaboration is quite interesting. Rhett originally wrote “Death Row” by himself and intended to keep it as a personal song that he would never release. However, his family and friends encouraged him to record it and share it with the world. That’s when he decided to reach out to Hubbard and Kelley, who he had worked with in the past and had a strong musical connection with. The duo agreed to sing on the track, and together, they took the song to a whole new level.
In August 2020, Rhett, Hubbard, and Kelley released video clips of them working on the song in the studio on Instagram, generating excitement among their fans. But it wasn’t until March 4, 2022, that “Death Row” was officially released as the fifth single of the album. Since then, the song has received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics, haunting melody, and exceptional vocal performances. It showcases the incredible talent of three of country music’s biggest stars, and it’s a testament to the power of collaboration in the music industry.
