Rising country singer-songwriter Payton Smith has released a heart-rending new ballad, “This Ain’t That Song.”
Instead of feeling bitterly indignant or painfully wishing for her to return (like most breakup tunes do), “This Ain’t That Song” finds Smith genuinely wishing his ex-girlfriend the very best for her life journey ahead—even if it’s without him. While the heartache still lingers, he is looking at life and this past relationship with a renewed lens of hope.
“This is you go your way, I’ll go mine / We’re gonna be better off, gonna be fine / Keep chasin’ your life down the highway / Keep it real, live it up like it’s Friday / Wish I could tell you, girl / My front porch light’s still on / But this ain’t that song,” the 21-year-old sings with tender assurance on the chorus, which he co-wrote with hit songmaker, Casey Beathard.
“’This Ain’t That Song’ is a great representation of what I love about songwriting,” Smith shares in a press statement. “You think it will go one way and then, the story completely turns around on you, bringing even more focus to each lyric. “My favorite lines are in the second verse where all the things you should, or think you would be feeling, end up the opposite.”
The Louisiana native continues, “I was thankful to have my songwriting hero, Casey Beathard, in the room with me for this one. The riff, the melody and the production of the song really captures the essence of the hard truths in Country music but there is a rebellious kind of Rock energy that gives a power ballad feel.”
“This Ain’t That Song” is the follow-up to Smith’s 2019 self-titled EP, which featured his debut single “Like I Knew You Would,” as well as the songs “Ready Set Summer” and “Creek Don’t Rise”—both of which were released separately last year.
Bringing his talent, energy and heart together, the multi-talented artist also hosted a special virtual concert this past Saturday (Feb. 27) to support the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, in partnership with University of Tennessee student run VOLthon. The hour-long live performance aired on the Riff app, with Smith matching up to $1,000 in donations, and his label, Big Machine Label Group, making an additional $1000 through their Music Has Value foundation.
Fans can keep up with Smith on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/TikTok at @paytonsmith.