* LISTEN TO THE SONG IN ORDER TO GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE *
More Than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen is more than a song to me. This represents a well-loved friendship that has had its ups and downs but will always be my closest. It represents my love for my roots and those who helped influence who I am today.
This song was released in 2021 from Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album, which includes some of Wallen’s most successful songs to date and ranked 10th on Spotify. I know country music is not for everyone, but this song is what actually opened my ears to other country songs, it was the first one that didn’t seem “too” twangy.
Morgan Wallen has been in the music industry since 2014 and has been extremely successful in his career. He even made it to the Top 20 of Season 6 of the blind audition competition show, The Voice. Wallen has won many awards since beginning to sing, with the album Dangerous, winning Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music, and selling out every tour for this album.
Morgan Wallen is not best known for More Than My Hometown, but this is easily my favorite country song. This song is slightly less sentimental than my previous songs, but in interviews, Wallen describes how “It’s a song that represents, to me, a lot about not changing who you are for someone else…”, this truly resonates with me as this is something I always strive to do (Outsider). I find this quote very important in a time like college, where I must remember my hometown identity and frequently compare my current self to it, checking to make sure I have not lost this side of me. I have these friendly reminders every so often, and it’s comforting sense to realize I have not lost my true self.
Additionally, this song reminds me of entering my happy place. Every time I cross the bridge to take me to my summer home, I am reminded that this is where I am happiest. This song with the combination of arriving at my destination is the greatest serotonin boost. I always try to make sure to document this moment so I can relive it. I frequently go back and rewatch my videos from down in Maryland as a beam of sunlight on the horizon. Listening to this song has that same effect as well as if I am with my hometown friends just like in the good old days.
Many dance parties, laughs, and solid memories have been tied to this song. This song came on at approximately 4 AM
during my first shift at THON where my morale was low, but this song sparked a second life in me and gave me the necessary energy to visit my organization’s dancers. I have received many videos of this song from close friends, knowing how happy this song can make me. This simple act is a friendly reminder that those around me care about me, and are capable of remembering small details like this song. I actually ran into one of my closest friends moments after this song and it reminded me how special life is, getting to share it with those you love.
Leah, this was a very interesting read. I have always been familiar with Morgan Wallen’s work, due to his affinity in the country music space. My friends are all big Wallen friends, (plus my sister who currently lives in Mississippi), but I myself have never been as familiar with his discography. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this analysis, as well as how it was applicable to your recent THON weekend as well 🙂
Leah,
Although I am not a country music listener, I enjoyed learning about your connection to the song. The story is truly heart-warming, especially reading about its uplifting power for you during THON. Music really does have the power to bring forth amazing memories and feelings. Maybe, I will give country-music another chance.
Great post!
The second I saw Morgan Wallen I got excited to read this post! I absolutely love his music. I know that he’s a controversial artist, though in today’s day and age I think we’re able to separate artist and art from one another. The meaning you add to each song you talk about sounds so special, and saying that you sometimes have to remind yourself of your hometown identity to make sure that you still stick to who you are resonates with me as well. It’s so important to not let people change who you are, and if a song helps you remember that, even better!
I was really excited to read your post because like you, I am also a Morgan Wallan fan! As I’m writing this blog, his newest album just came out. Since you like Morgan Wallan, you might enjoy a lot of his new songs. While I am familiar with the album “Dangerous,” I am not familiar with the song “More Than My Hometown,” and look forward to listening to it after I finish writing this blog comment. Thank you for the recommendation and sharing what this song means to you!
I feel almost exactly the same way as you about this song! Despite often having a love-hate relationship with my hometown for most of my life, when it came time to leave and go to college I realized how much the place I grew up in meant to me. I haven’t listened to this song in quite a while, so thanks for reminding me how good it is.