Back Then Right Now

Album

Single

Label

EMI Nashville

Genre

Country

Composer(s)

David Garcia;Geoff Warburton;Jessie Jo Dillion;Tyler Hubbard

Entered Chart

Mar 23, 2024

Peak Date

Apr 27, 2024

Released

September 8, 2023

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