If you happened to tune into Sirius XM The Highway the morning of April 6th, you may have caught Kip Moore singing his underground hit “That Was Us” live on air for morning host Storme Warren.
It’s another honest, relatable, raw song written by Moore. The song was co-written with good friends and fellow songwriters Westin Davis and Dan Couch and produced by Brett James. “That Was Us” is a track off the highly anticipated sophomore album Wild Ones released late last summer. While it may never see mainstream radio play, it is, as so many are, a fan favorite. Just go to any Kip Moore & The Slow Hearts show and see for yourself – thousands of die hard fans will be singing along to every word.
The song is relatable to those having grown up in rural and suburban areas alike. You don’t have to haven been born with country roots to connect with it, with references to the mischief many young people find while simply learning about life. The experiences and experimentation are all a part of the journey shaping our lives.
“We got high / we got stoned / if there was a fight, we got it on / if there was a backseat, we made love / that was then / that was us”
“That Was Us” not only touches upon mischievous youth but references domestic abuse, a theme not commonly heard in songs on the radio. “This was one of the songs they told me not to put on the record,” Moore said introducing the song at a show in Knoxville, TN. “They said, ‘You can’t sing about that,’” he continues. “Not only did I say, ‘Watch me,’ I said, ‘Everyone’s gonna like this one.’”
Moore’s signature gritty vocals add to the nostalgic feeling of the song, making no excuses for the choices along the way, much like Moore does when asked about himself. The “have no regrets” attitude is what makes his writing so magical and allows the audience to connect so significantly. His refusal to compromise and passionately fight for the songs he wants released makes his music that much more authentic. Moore says, “If it relates to me, its gonna relate to y’all.”
Co-writer Westin Davis says, “The reason why it’s so special is not only is it a great song, and I’m proud that we are a part of it, but it took me back to the beginning when it was just he and I and a dream with a bunch of naysayers. Not only is he one of my buddies but I’m his biggest fan, even on songs I didn’t write with him.”
Why radio hasn’t completely embraced him is still a mystery to me. However, with such a fierce fan base it may not matter. Bottom line, “That Was Us” is another must hear song from Kip Moore.
Wild Ones is available now on iTunes.
