Morgan Wallen surprised fans with the release of the brand-new track, “Smile,” just ahead of the new year.
Dropped at midnight EST on New Year’s Eve, the unexpected track continues the narrative from Wallen’s earlier releases, “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Somebody,” delving into the unraveling of a once happy and thriving relationship.
Co-written by Wallen alongside Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, and Luis Witkiewitz, “Smile” portrays the narrator reflecting on a fleeting moment of joy preserved in a single photograph, amid the turmoil of a relationship that is crumbling before his eyes.
“It was good to see you smile / Girl you know it’s been a while / It was good to see you smile / Even if it was just for the picture,” he sings.
The haunting lyrics convey the fact that the narrator cherishes seeing his partner smile again, even if it was simply for the sake of the photo.
“You know it took me right back/ To how it used to be/ Baby seeing us like that/ Is still a little bittersweet,” he admits.
The song debuted alongside a rare Morgan Wallen music video, directed by Justin Clough. In the clip, Wallen is seen backstage at what appears to be a late night show on New Year’s Eve. Scheduled to perform “Love Somebody” just before midnight, Wallen decides to go off script and perform a never-before-heard song, “Smile” as tension mounts between between him and his partner backstage.
Both the production crew and the audience appear to be confused as the performance begins, but the song strikes a chord with everyone and winds up drawing more viewers than expected.
In the middle of his performance, Wallen’s other half walks out to witness a portion of the live performance, however, walks away from the set and isn’t seen again.
As the clock strikes midnight, ushering in a brand new year, Wallen finishes his performance. While everyone else celebrates with friends and loved ones, he quietly retreats backstage alone.
Wallen’s friend and Barstool Sports personality, Caleb Pressley, makes a special appearance in the music video as the host of the Dark to Daylight show.
The release of “Smile” comes on the heels of Wallen’s 16th No.1 single at country radio, “Lies Lies Lies,” and the release of “Love Somebody,” which debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries, becoming Wallen’s first solo song to debut at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 100 chart upon release. According to a release, “Love Somebody” led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
All three tracks follow Wallen’s record-breaking One Thing At A Time album, paving the way for a possible new album in 2025.
As fans anticipate Wallen’s next project, the opportunities to see him live are also scare as currently, his only planned tour date for 2025 is his inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival. Taking place on the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL in May, the festival will feature Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, HARDY, and many special guests, including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, The War on Drugs, 2 Chainz, Chase Rice, Three 6 Mafia, 3 Doors Down, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Morgan Wade, Moneybagg Yo and more.
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