Luke Combs, a prominent figure in contemporary country music, is gearing up to release his next single, “Where The Wild Things Are,” to country radio on October 16th. This song, rich in storytelling, is a classic addition to Combs’ repertoire. Interestingly, this captivating track was previously considered by another country music titan, Eric Church.
Before the official radio release, Luke Combs, in collaboration with his frequent songwriting partners Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton, Ray Fulcher, Chip Matthews, and Rob Williford, delved into the journey of how “Where The Wild Things Are” ultimately found its home with him.
The Untold Story of “Where The Wild Things Are”
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“Where the Wild Things Are” is the brainchild of songwriters Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull. This song had been circulating within the Nashville music scene for several years, awaiting the right artist to bring its narrative to life. Luke Combs openly admitted feeling a profound connection to the song’s story. However, he wasn’t alone in recognizing its potential. Jonathan Singleton and Dan Isbell revealed that Eric Church, known for his keen ear for exceptional songwriting, also had a strong interest in recording it.
“He almost cut it…I couldn’t believe that song couldn’t land somewhere,” Isbell remarked, highlighting the song’s journey through the industry before Luke Combs finally recorded it.
Combs added context to the industry landscape at the time, stating, “At the time, nobody was cutting story songs at all, really. I mean, outside of Eric Church, probably.” This underscores Church’s reputation for embracing narrative-driven songs even when they weren’t mainstream.
Shared Musical Ground: Combs and Church
It’s not surprising that Luke Combs and Eric Church share similar musical tastes. Their commonalities extend beyond music; both are North Carolina natives and alumni of Appalachian State University. Furthermore, Combs has frequently cited Eric Church as a significant musical influence and one of his long-time heroes.
Image alt text: Luke Combs and Eric Church pose for a photo together, highlighting their connection as country music artists from North Carolina.
In an episode of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s USA Network series, Straight Up Steve Austin, Combs confessed that during his college years, he temporarily drifted away from country music, gravitating towards more mainstream popular music.
“I think the reason that myself and my parents stopped listening to country music is it wasn’t, at that moment in time, as relatable. A lot of guys got heavy into The Beach, it was getting more poppy sounding at that time,” Combs explained. He clarified, “And not to say I’m Merle Haggard, because I’m not, I’m not claiming to be that either, but that was the big shift.” This candidly illustrates the evolving landscape of country music and Combs’ personal musical journey.
Eric Church: An Inspiration and Catalyst
Combs further elaborated that it was Eric Church’s distinctive music that reignited his passion for country music. Church’s unique sound and career trajectory not only rekindled Combs’ love for the genre but also inspired him to pursue his own path as a country artist.
“When I got to Appalachian State, a guy that lived on my floor brought in an Eric Church CD and said, ‘Hey this guy went to college here, you should check him out,’” Combs recounted. “Once I heard Eric, I was like, ‘This is something I can relate to, and if he can do that and he’s from here, and I’m from here, I can do that.’ And that’s kind of where the fire caught spark for lack of a better term.” This pivotal moment at Appalachian State marked the beginning of Luke Combs’ ascent in country music, directly influenced by Eric Church.
Since then, these two country music stars have become peers and collaborators. Notably, in 2019, Combs and Church joined forces in the studio to record “Does To Me,” a duet featured on Combs’ successful sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get.
“Does To Me,” co-written by Combs with Ray Fulcher and Tyler Reeve, resonated deeply with fans of both artists. It became a chart-topping hit for Combs, securing his eighth consecutive No. 1 single and further solidifying his place in country music.
“Does To Me”: A Collaboration of Titans
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Image alt text: YouTube video thumbnail for Luke Combs’ song “Does To Me” featuring Eric Church, showcasing their successful collaboration.
“Where The Wild Things Are” is the newest single from Luke Combs’ latest album, Gettin’ Old. Demonstrating Combs’ storytelling prowess, the song is a poignant tribute to a free-spirited brother. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone reflecting on their sibling’s adventurous life out West, “where the wild things are.” Combs’ powerful vocals immediately draw listeners into the emotional core of the song, underscored by impactful drum beats and a compelling narrative.
In the opening verse, Combs sings: “My big brother rode an Indian Scout / It was black like his jacket / American Spirit hangin’ outta his mouth / Just like our daddy / He kicked started that bike one night and broke mama’s heart / He pointed that headlight west / Out where the wild things are.” These lyrics paint a vivid picture of the brother’s rebellious and adventurous spirit.
As the song progresses, it’s revealed that the brother, described as “wild as the devil,” tragically dies in a motorcycle accident. However, Combs delivers a powerful message of acceptance and honoring his brother’s life, emphasizing that he lived life on his own terms and is buried in the very place that symbolized his freedom and adventures.
The final verse resonates with emotion: “They said he hit that guardrail at half past three / Lit up those streets that never sleep when the sky goes dark / We buried him out in the wind ‘neath the West Coast stars / Out where the wild things are.” This powerful conclusion encapsulates the song’s themes of freedom, loss, and remembrance.
Listen to “Where The Wild Things Are”
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Image alt text: YouTube video thumbnail for Luke Combs’ official audio of “Where The Wild Things Are,” inviting listeners to experience his new single.
Similar to his chart-topping hit, “The Kind of Love We Make,” Combs acknowledged that “Where the Wild Things Are” presents significant vocal challenges for live performances.
The Vocal Gauntlet
“I would argue that it’s a really tough song to sing and figure out how you would do you live,” he admitted. “I mean, we struggle with it even in studio. But I mean that’s one of those ones that I haven’t even run with the band yet. And I’m like…what does that look like live?” This honesty reveals the dedication Combs has to delivering authentic and emotionally resonant performances, even when technically demanding.
Despite the vocal complexities, Combs recognized the artistic value these songs brought to his album. He credits his producer, Scott Moffatt, for encouraging him to embrace the challenge and prioritize artistic integrity over ease of live performance.
“I remember somebody telling me, I think it was when me and Moffitt were still doing stuff and I was telling him, ‘well, we can’t do this, because I’m not going to be able to sing this thing live like this.’ And he was like, ‘dude, we can’t dumb down the record. You’ll figure it out, like, we got to make it as good as we can and you’re gonna figure it out. I promise.’ So I always remembered that.” This anecdote highlights the commitment to quality that drives Luke Combs and his team.
He concluded, “I don’t know how that song never get cut, because it’s an awesome, awesome song.” This reinforces the song’s inherent appeal and the fortunate circumstance of it landing with Luke Combs.
Currently, Luke Combs is on a global tour throughout October, performing across Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, and England as part of his extensive 2023 world tour.
The country music sensation has also recently announced his 2024 Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour, set to commence on April 12 in Milwaukee, WI. Fans worldwide have numerous opportunities to experience Luke Combs’ music live.
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For complete details on Luke Combs’ tour schedule and ticket information, visit his official website HERE. Don’t miss the chance to hear “Where The Wild Things Are” and other hits live!
