half of my hometown

About this song

Kelsea Ballerini co-wrote the song with Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins, and it was released to country radio in April 2021 as the fourth single from her album Kelsea. The song references Knoxville, Tennessee, the hometown of both artists, which inspired the decision to bring Kenny Chesney in to sing on it. It won Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards, and an alternate version appears on Ballerini's remix album, Ballerini.

What it's about

The song explores the conflicting feelings of someone torn between staying in their hometown and leaving for a better opportunity. Its music video shows Ballerini imagining an alternate life in which she stayed in Knoxville rather than pursuing her country music dream.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's Wikipedia article. Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Fun facts

• Sampled in 1 other song, like “Evicted Skit by Period Tears”.
• Covered once, including “Half of My Hometown by Monarch Cast (Ft. Emma Milani & Trace Adkins)”.
• Written by Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins.
• Produced by Jimmy Robbins, Ross Copperman and Kelsea Ballerini.
• Recorded at The Robbins Nest and The Red Room.