If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that we selected Lainey Wilson as one of our 2020 Artists to Watch. We were impressed by her self-titled EP and our instincts were spot-on. Her 2021 album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ propelled her to her first number one single, “Things a Man Oughta Know.” We attended her celebration in Nashville, as well as a preceding press conference with her cowriters and I am excited to share the details with you.
A “Dude” Song
Lainey, Jason Nix, and Jonathan Singleton sat across from us at the Rambler Cocktail Bar in Nashville and described how they began creating the song. Jason had the initial concept for a while, but always thought maybe it was a “dude idea.” Lainey joked, “I guess I’m the closest thing to a dude.”
“You’re the only dude friend I have,” Jason quipped. After they decided to move forward, Lainey joked that they’d have to cancel their evening plans because there’s a lot that a man needs to know.
Things Lainey Oughta Know
As the songwriting progressed, they listed out not only things a man should know, like putting the toilet seat down, but also some of the things Lainey’s parents taught her. Her parents made it a point to teach their daughters important life skills before they left home and went out on their own.
Lainey reminisced about life in her hometown and how it formed her love of storytelling. “Songwritin’ has been my free therapy since I was nine years old,” she said and continued to say that she doesn’t know where she’d be without it
The Song’s Deeper Meaning
The bigger picture isn’t about the specific skills a person needs to know. Lainey explained, “At the end of the day, the song is not about whether you can change a flat tire or start a fire. That song is about having good character, it’s about treating people right, and I think that’s something that all three of us stand for and believe in. It’s about having the courage and the discernment to do the right thing.”
“It’s my goal as a songwriter, as an artist to make sure I’m not just appealin’ to females my age. It’s my goal to make everybody feel something.”
-Lainey Wilson
Many people have related to this song in different ways. I asked how she strikes a balance between being too specific with her songwriting and too general. She responded, saying, “I feel like the songs that people relate to the most are the ones where I’m being like, even if it’s a little too specific, the most truthful i could possibly be, like brutally honest, because at the end of the day, I feel like I try to say things that people are scared to say or say it in a way where people are like ‘dang I can’t believe she just said that.’”
Lainey Wilson Tour Dates
What’s Next for Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson continues to tour and release new music. Learn more about Lainey Wilson’s songs.
New Faces of Country Music at CRS
We hope you enjoy this bonus photo gallery of Lainey Wilson at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville!
