Peak
62
Weeks
13
Score
622
Chart Year
2024
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Tyler Hubbard's "Back Then Right Now" is a heartfelt trip down memory lane to his formative years in Macon, Georgia. He wistfully reflects on the changes that have unfolded since his youth and how he longs for the simplicity of the past. Kicking off the tune, Hubbard laments how big-box stores have replaced his cherished old fishing spots and how asphalt has swallowed up the gravel roads. He's bewildered by the constant snapping of photos and their instant sharing on social media, a world he can't quite comprehend. Hubbard's yearning for the past is palpable, acknowledging that those bygone days are forever out of reach. In the chorus, Hubbard shares memories of his youth back in his hometown. They include: A '98 Chevy with the tailgate down, Blasting FM radio with the volume cranked up high, Embracing a carefree attitude with his friends, When the only thing that mattered was the hand he was holding, Living in the moment, surrounded by a fun-loving crowd Hubbard co-wrote "Back Then Right Now" with Jessie Jo Dillon, Geoff Warburton and David Garcia in April 2023 at Garcia's studio. It was their first time writing together; they gathered at David Garcia's house and studio with the title already in mind. The quartet began by exchanging stories and fond recollections, and the idea of crafting a nostalgic anthem took root. Their goal was to capture the essence of living in the moment, cherishing life to the fullest, and appreciating the simple pleasures. "It was a great day," Hubbard recalled. "I think we all kind of needed it, and it was just a reminder of the importance of making memories, being present and kind of where we came from as well." Hubbard co-produced "Back Then Right Now" with Jordan Schmidt. Hubbard's songwriting buddy Schmidt co-penned many of Florida Georgia Line's tracks, including "Blessings" and their Nelly collaboration "Lil Bit." He also co-produced Hubbard's debut solo album. "Back Then Right Now" is about more than just nostalgia. The song sums up a mindset that's been Hubbard's mantra since he embarked on his solo career in 2022. Back when you took a pic and didn't have to post it Hubbard understands the power of social media, especially as an artist who thrives on connecting with fans. Yet he's also a firm believer in setting boundaries, and in 2022 he drew a clear line in the sand. "I haven't been taking a lot of pictures for posting lately, and it's been good. Just being present, man," Hubbard told Taste of Country Nights' Evan Paul. "I do turn it off. I don't have social media on my phone anymore... It's been a good year of being present and trying not to be too consumed with the social media stuff, even though it's important. But it's something that can take over, you know, if you're not careful." It was Dillon who suggested the "Back Then Right Now" title. During a trip to East Tennessee her uncle got frustrated with his new-model truck. "He was like, 'I could use a little back then right now,'" she recalled to Billboard. "I was like, 'Oh, my God, that's such a great song title.' And so, I wrote it down, and that day we wrote it, that was the first title anyone said."
Back then, right now Back when that blacktop was just a gravel road Back when that Walmart was just a fishin' hole Back when my ol' guitar had some brand-new strings Yes, it did Back when a work truck was just a stick shift Back when you took a pic and didn't have to post it Back when a Baptist church was where we learned to sing Yeah, we did I could use some back then, right now '98 Chevy with the tailgate down Fm only with the gold up loud Burnin' up the night Innocent and wild I could use a little more wide open Back when all I wanted was the hand I was holdin' Livin' in the moment With the good time crowd Makin' life count Damn, I could use a little more Back then, right now Back then, right now Back when a, "How ya been?" Came through a phone call Back when a pastime was watchin' baseball Yeah, back when politics, it wasn't table talk Back when you had a fight, you could just walk it off I could use some back then right now '98 Chevy with the tailgate down Fm only with the gold up loud Burnin' up the night Innocent and wild I could use a little more wide open Back when all I wanted was the hand I was holdin' Livin' in the moment With the good time crowd Makin' life count Damn, I could use a little more Back then, right now Back then, right now Back then, it was simple, it was slow (mm, yeah) We didn't worry 'bout what we didn't know I could use some back then, right now '98 Chevy with the tailgate down Fm only with the gold up loud Burnin' up the night Innocent and wild I could use a little more wide open Back when all I wanted was the hand I was holdin' Livin' in the moment With the good time crowd Makin' life count (Yeah) damn, I could use a little more Back then, right now Back then, back then, back then, right now Yeah, back then, right now Back then, back then, back then right now Yeah, back then, right now Just a little more back then now
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 23, 2024 | 96 | 30 |
| 2 | Mar 30, 2024 | 83 | 43 |
| 4 | Apr 13, 2024 | 97 | 29 |
| 5 | Apr 20, 2024 | 86 | 40 |
| 6 | Apr 27, 2024 | 62 | 64 |
| 7 | May 4, 2024 | 73 | 53 |
| 8 | May 11, 2024 | 65 | 61 |
| 9 | May 18, 2024 | 68 | 58 |
| 10 | May 25, 2024 | 71 | 55 |
| 11 | Jun 1, 2024 | 77 | 49 |
| 12 | Jun 8, 2024 | 86 | 40 |
| 13 | Jun 15, 2024 | 92 | 34 |
| 14 | Jun 22, 2024 | 99 | 27 |