The Paris, IL, native was visiting Nashville for the first time early in his sophomore year at Chicago's Elmhurst College. He was at the Station Inn, an historic bluegrass/country venue where many of the greats of both worlds have played. His cousin Terry, a veteran of Dolly Parton's band and now a member of the Grascals, was playing with a band called the Sidemen, and a mesmerized Brett was in the crowd.
"There was something so real and truthful about the songs they were playing," he says. “What happened next came as a shock.”
"He asked me to come up on stage and told me to pick a song to play with the band," says Brett. I said, 'Amarillo By Morning,' and when I heard that fiddle intro, chills shot up my spine. I sang it for the crowd there and it was a magical experience. That was the point where I thought, 'This is it. This is something I've got to do.'"
By the start of the next school year, he had transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and begun the round of writers' nights and writing appointments that led him eventually to a record deal.
The talent that let him turn that dream into reality—the depth of his writing and the sheer power of his smoky and expressive baritone—are both apparent in his first single. "Raymond" is the poignant tale of a nursing home employee mistaken by a patient with Alzheimer's for her deceased son, who was killed at war. It is a song whose inspiring reaffirmation of their mutual humanity is affecting listeners deeply. The single rings true for Eldredge as his Grandmother currently struggles through the disease.
"There are a lot of things I'll play live where people will say, 'I like that,' or 'That's a really cool song,'" Brett says, "but when I do this one, I get the chance to tell people how special a thing it's been in my life, and it always touches someone. A lot of people know someone with Alzheimer's and people react in a really emotional way to it."
Brett has earned a reputation as much for the strength of his writing as for his world-class voice. He and co-writer Pat McLaughlin landed a song called "I Think I've Had Enough" on Gary Allan's latest album, Get Off On The Pain, and one of his frequent collaborators is Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry stalwart Bill Anderson.
"He's one of my favorite people to write with," says Brett. "I love the fact that he believes in country music so much, because it's something I really believe in. My dream, as I find my place in country music, is one day to be an Opry member."
Brett heard all kinds of music growing up, and became a particular fan of the classic pop singers he heard in his grandfather's car.
"I heard a lot of Frank Sinatra, who is still a favorite of mine, and Ray Charles and Bobby Darin," he says. "When my mother convinced me to sing 'Mack The Knife' at a talent show, I got hooked on singing in public."
That was in Paris, a town of 9,000 with "cornfields and factories and lake right in the middle." Brett, his older brother and his parents—a traveling grain salesman and a nurse—lived on the lake and, says Brett, "We were on the water every day, from the time I was so little they could pull me on water skis in a paddle boat until I left for college at 18." Sports were a big part of his life, and he played basketball, baseball and football in high school.
He also sang everywhere he could, often the Big Band music of Sinatra, earning spending money and learning to work a stage. His appreciation for country music became a passion when he turned 16 and he and a friend rode around listening to a Brooks & Dunn greatest hits album.
"There was something about it that just struck me," he says. "I couldn't get enough of it. Ronnie Dunn is one of my favorite singers of all time—I love the soul in his voice—and one of the main reasons I got into this in the first place."
Brett spent two years in Chicago, where his older brother lived, performing with a school jazz band and with a Big Band around the region.
"One of the coolest gigs," he says, "was at the Field Museum, I was singing in front of a 12-piece band under this huge Tyrannosaurus Rex statue near some mammoths. It was quite the experience."
Then came that fateful visit to Nashville and his transfer to MTSU. He studied classic country stylists like Ray Price and George Jones, and later Vince Gill, absorbing everything he could.
"I was driving back and forth Nashville every day from Murfreesboro, which is thirty miles away," he says. "I had a guitar Terry had given me, which was originally a gift from Dolly, and I'd pretty much lock myself in my room and make myself learn songs. I would play writers' nights all around Nashville. There might be two people, there might be 40 or 50. I'd go play my songs and see what people liked and what they didn't. I'd screw up royally in front of them, but I learned."
He earned a degree, which, he says, "made Mom and Dad happy, and then I moved on to what I really wanted to do.
A staff writer for hit producer/publisher Byron Gallimore heard him at a writers' night and introduced him to Byron, who signed him.
"I wrote for about two years, developing my craft and writing with everyone I could. In the beginning, Byron just let me kind of find myself, because that takes a while. As you write more you starting homing in on what you sound good on. Eventually, Byron said, 'You've got something here' and we went in and started cutting songs. We did a showcase, and Carole Ann Mobley from Warner Music Nashville said, 'We've gotta sign this kid'. Mobley and Craig Kallman then signed Brett to Atlantic Records, making him the first official signing for the new imprint.
As he worked with his band tightening his show, he was offered a particularly gratifying gig.
"I opened for Blake Shelton at The Ryman and it was the coolest experience. I flew back from this house gig and all of a sudden I'm thrown into playing the Mother Church of Country Music, something I always dreamed of doing. I was operating on almost no sleep, but stepping out on that stage where everybody who's anybody in country music has been meant the world to me."
He remains active in sports, playing basketball and volleyball and playing on an intramural softball team in Nashville, and rooting for the Cubs and Bears. Meanwhile, he is dedicated to improving his craft.
"As a songwriter," he says, "my aim is to portray a little bit of me and my life along with the stories of other people and turn them into something that can really touch somebody's heart and soul. We sit down on Music Row every day and write songs and every once in a while a song like ‘Raymond’ comes from such a real place. I hope it's that real to other people and that I can make them feel the way I felt when I wrote it and when I sing it."
Judging from audience reaction, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Hideaway
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What if I sold everything 'cause who really needs it?
Get an old Wagoneer, find a day bright and clear
Tell you I'm on my way, hey, let's get out of here
And we'll drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Well, can't you hear it now? Bluebirds are singin'
Some little quaint downtown where church bells are ringin'
I've been fallin' apart, sure could use a new start
Yeah, I'll follow the needle from your steady heart
And we'll drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
And hide away
Oh, mm
No, time ain't for wastin'
It's for livin', not chasin'
So let's drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
And hide away (ooh)
Oh, buy a house on a hill with a dock on the lake
And hide away
Mm, hide away
The lyrics to Brett Eldredge's song "Hideaway" depict a strong desire for simplicity, escape, and finding a new beginning. The singer contemplates the idea of selling off all his possessions because he questions their necessity. He suggests getting an old Wagoneer, a nostalgic and adventurous vehicle, and embarking on a spontaneous journey with his loved one, leaving behind their current lives. This reflects a longing for freedom and a break from the mundane.
As they drive for miles, the singer imagines finding a new favorite place, a location far away from their current county or state. This symbolizes a desire for a fresh start, somewhere they can create new memories and live life on their own terms. The idea of buying a house on a hill with a dock on a lake represents a picturesque and idyllic setting, a place where they can retreat and hide away from the everyday pressures and responsibilities of life.
The line "Bluebirds are singin', some little quaint downtown where church bells are ringin'" evokes a sense of tranquility and peace. The singer longs for a small town atmosphere, where nature and simplicity reign, and the community is close-knit. There is a sense of longing for a new beginning, a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past and start afresh.
The overall message of the song is about seizing and appreciating the time we have and not wasting it. The line "Time ain't for wastin', it's for livin', not chasin'" highlights the importance of embracing life's opportunities and making the most out of every moment. The singer encourages the listener to embark on their own journey, to find their own favorite place, and to create their own hideaway where they can escape and embrace a simpler way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Every now and then, I get to thinkin'
Occasionally, I find myself contemplating
What if I sold everything 'cause who really needs it?
What if I got rid of all my possessions since they aren't truly necessary?
Get an old Wagoneer, find a day bright and clear
Acquire an old Wagoneer car and search for a clear and sunny day
Tell you I'm on my way, hey, let's get out of here
Inform you that I'm leaving and suggest we escape
And we'll drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
We will continue driving for a long distance to discover a new beloved location
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Perhaps beyond this county, maybe even beyond the current state
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Purchase a house situated on a hill with a dock extending into a lake
And hide away
And retreat from the world
Well, can't you hear it now? Bluebirds are singin'
Can't you currently perceive it? Bluebirds are joyfully singing
Some little quaint downtown where church bells are ringin'
A small, charming downtown area where church bells are ringing
I've been fallin' apart, sure could use a new start
I have been crumbling emotionally and definitely need a fresh beginning
Yeah, I'll follow the needle from your steady heart
Indeed, I will pursue the compass needle guided by your steadfast heart
No, time ain't for wastin'
Time is not meant to be squandered
It's for livin', not chasin'
Time is meant for living, not constantly pursuing
So let's drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Therefore, let's continue driving for a long distance to discover a new beloved location
Oh, mm
Oh
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Purchase a house situated on a hill with a dock extending into a lake
And hide away
And retreat from the world
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brett Ryan Eldredge, Jon Mark Nite, Ross Copperman, Jess Clayton Cates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Justbeingme...
Am I dreaming?? Where can I find this man???
I need to take a deep breath after hearing that voice coming out loud and clear from my over sized TV as I walked in the front door. His voice got my immediate attention but when I heard the actually lyrics they drew me into the living room where I kick off my flup flops and just listened...
I could not believe my ears... I was litterly JUST coming in to my house, which is on a hill with a dock on the lake! I had been working on the decks and had just been thinking about how many times I have thought about selling it all, because who needs all of this?? Not me... And just to get away from here and make a new start!!
There have been so many times over the last 8 years I have thought that I just deserve a break, and I wanted to drive away from here in this very small town that I live in and where you can literally hear the church bells ring... But then it meant giving up my own hideaway that I called my safe haven. I have though about leaving the state to go have a new start in a new place. Wishing I could find the one that wants the same things in life but together!
I have been asked over and over why I am still single and I can just say...I knew I needed to wait... He is out there looking for me also... We both just have to be patient and he will find his way to me! And yes I do need my man to be the one that I want to dive with all day. That's because I love road trips, holding hands and exploring new places! 😉
I will be honest and admit that In December of 2021 my life was flipped upside down and changed forever. I got That Call and as shocking as that call was..it turned out it was about me! So basically I was told to go home and focus on my quality of life... That was 2 days before Christmas. Now I look at life so much differently and I will not waste a min of enjoying life when there's so much more to enjoy and explore.
So see why I had to catch my breath...I was just thinking today as I was working out side, about all the excitement of dating again and how awesome it would be to find that man who makes my heart jump and wind me over with his own chemistry. And I have to admit I have a weak spot for a good looking man who can clean himself up in a suit and tie, but can also dress down and wear his tee shirt and flannel to a bon fire! Likewise, for me I love life and having fun in flip flops but being able to be Hot in Heels when needed is part of my life!!
@maranchicteo372
BRETT ELDREDGE (2022) – HIDEAWAY (Traducción en español)
Every now and then, I get to thinkin'
De vez en cuando, me pongo a pensar
What if I sold everything 'cause who really needs it?
¿Y si lo vendo todo porque quién lo necesita en realidad?
Get an old Wagoneer, find a day bright and clear
Consigo un Wagoneer, encuentro un día brillante y claro
Tell you I'm on my way, hey, let's get out of here
Te digo que estoy de camino, eh, salgamos de aquí
And we'll drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Y conduciremos durante millas, encontraremos un nuevo lugar favorito
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Quizás fuera de este condado, incluso fuera de este estado
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Compraremos una casa en una colina con un muelle en un lago
And hide away (Haha)
Y nos esconderemos (Jaja)
Well, can't you hear it now? Bluebirds are singin'
Vaya, ¿no lo oyes ya? Los azulejos están cantando
Some little quaint downtown where church bells are ringin'
Algún pequeño lugar pinturesco y céntrico donde las campanas de la iglesia estén tañendo
I've been fallin' apart, sure could use a new start
Me he estado desmoronando, seguro que me vendría bien un nuevo comienzo
Yeah, I'll follow the needle from your steady heart
Sí, seguiré la aguja de tu seguro corazón
And we'll drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Y conduciremos durante millas, encontraremos un nuevo lugar favorito
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Quizás fuera de este condado, incluso fuera de este estado
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Compraremos una casa en una colina con un muelle en un lago
And hide away
Y nos esconderemos
Oh, mm
No, time ain't for wastin'
No, no hay tiempo que perder
It's for livin', not chasin'
Es para vivirlo, no perseguirlo
So let's drive on for miles, find a new favorite place
Así que conduzcamos durante millas, encontremos nuestro nuevo lugar favorito
Maybe out of this county, even out of this state
Quizás fuera de este condado, incluso fuera de este estado
Buy a house on a hill with a dock on a lake
Compremos una casa en una colina con un muelle en un lago
And hide away (Ooh)
Y escondámonos (Ooh)
Oh, buy a house on a hill with a dock on the lake
Oh, compremos una casa en una colina con un muelle en un lago
And hide away
Y escondámonos
Mm, hide away
Mm, escondámonos
@FancFree85
This song is like arms slowly making their way around your waist to pull you close…your face resting against the heartbeat of someone who feels like home. ❤️❤️❤️
@Bibliakyp
><<Thank you so much for all the support, I'd wish there's another way to show gratitude other than this my comedown on social status.<((
@shaniecegullison1995
Yes
@judy8117
Very well stated
@butterfliesandcamo5975
I couldn't ever describe it any better... absolutely beautiful💜
@jenniferdijames1671
Another new song? Wow. Brett, You never told me that you had another song out. Anyway. Good job Buddy.
@AperEight
I love everything about this song. The way it’s recorded, the simplicity in the production, the purity in your voice. It’s incredible. The whole album is just fantastic!!! You write and sing from a pure heart. You honor women and love with your songs which I know your momma has gotta be truly proud to sit back and listen to her son sing out of respect for the love of a woman….. many sing out of lust. Great work
@AperEight
@James Logan this one. His simple acoustic songs really show the depth of his vocals. Incredible
@daphnewilson7966
@James Logan I second you and April that the production balances with the voice. My mail complaint with Country is bombastic production,sometimes as bad as the 70's! Many Country voices get sort of buried. Of course, it would be hard to "bury" Eldredge's voice, but it is really nice that (whoever they are) let him ring out!
@joshfoster8038
What a relaxing kick back song.. and so easy to play on guitar. We need more acoustic in this world… 👍🏼