The Making of ‘Whirlwind’: Lainey Wilson Shares the Inspiration for Her Songs
Lainey Wilson’s latest album, Whirlwind, isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s the best description of her life lately. With 14 songs she co-wrote, Wilson offered fans (and new listeners alike!) a glimpse of her emotions and personal stories behind each track. From the hardworking theme in “Hang Tight Honey” about chasing after your dreams, to the celebration of independent women in “4x4xU,” Whirlwind is an album with a song for everyone.
“Hang Tight Honey”
The album’s lead single, “Hang Tight Honey” is about Wilson’s life at the moment. In an interview with Backstage Country’s Kelly Ford, Wilson said, “You know, I take pride in working hard, but it makes working hard a lot easier when you know that you’re working for other people, too, and you get to come home to somebody.” That “somebody,” is likely her boyfriend, former football player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. She mentioned that she wrote the song for all the hardworking people chasing their dreams.
“Whirlwind”
Lainey Wilson admitted that her “Life’s been a whirlwind since we put out Bell Bottom Country trying to keep one foot on the ground.” She added, “Writing and recording all of these songs just brought me a lot of peace and comfort, and that’s how I felt when I wrote the song ‘Whirlwind.’ I finally met somebody who, I guess you could say I met my match. Somebody who can run wide open with me but makes it pretty easy too.”
Perhaps this “somebody” is also the inspiration for her song “Ring Finger.”
“Ring Finger”
Ford teased Wilson about her songs “Ring Finger” and “Counting Chickens,” asking her if she’s getting hitched anytime soon. Wilson joked, “I’m planning on it. But I might have to ask him at this point.” In all seriousness, she explained, “I have definitely found the one. I’ll tell you that. I love that he’s put up with me for three and a half years. And I put up with him. We’ve had like just a crazy journey. Like, he was coming off football and it was just a lot happening at once. And we managed to get through that. And he’s just a good dude.”
“4x4xU”
“4x4xU” is a song for all the independent women who are still having a hard time riding shotgun, like Wilson. “I am learning how to ride shotgun every now and then. I still like to drive.” She said that beyond giving up the keys, “4x4xU” is a reminder that the simple things in life still matter and that it’s essential to keep important people close. “It’s important for me right now in this season of my life that’s changing constantly for me to be Lainey, the girlfriend, the sister, the friend, the daughter. So, I can do my job the best I possibly can.”
Get ready to experience Lainey Wilson’s latest album. Whirlwind out now.
