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.
Then You Do
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna listen to a record spin
Gonna wake up feelin' right
Then the telephone rings and it's on with some jeans
A couple friends for a drink or two
Said you weren't going out tonight
And then you do
You show up late, it's already loud
Laugh at some jokes and step through the crowd
And she's shinin' like a souvenir
The perfect shade of hazel eyes
Out of your league, it's true
Never think you'll get her to dance and then you do
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely's all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love's games
Swear you're done falling for someone new
You think you won't, then you do
You wait a few nights before you call
You're playin' your cards close
The "hello" turns into a laugh
Six months, the next thing you know
It's whiskeys with her brother
Making space in a one bedroom
Never thought you'd find forever, and then you do
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely's all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love's games
Swear you're done falling for someone new
You think you won't, then you do
Then straight out of the blue
When you least expect her to
She says "Goodbye" and rips your world in two
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely's all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love's games
Swear you're done falling for someone new
You think you won't but then you do, mmm
Oh, then you do
Mmm
In the first verse, the singer discusses his decision to stay in and have a quiet night at home instead of going out to a crowded dive bar. He plans to listen to some music and have a relaxing evening. However, his plans change when he receives a phone call from friends inviting him to go out. Despite initially saying he wouldn't go out, he changes his mind and decides to join them.
In the second verse, the singer describes the scene at the bar. It's loud and lively with dart boards and inexpensive beer. Among the crowd, he notices a woman who stands out to him and whose eyes he finds captivating. Although he believes she is out of his league, he manages to gather the courage to ask her to dance.
The chorus speaks to the cycle of love and heartbreak in relationships. It portrays the rollercoaster of emotions one experiences when falling in and out of love. The singer confesses that he holds out hope, rushes into new relationships, and sometimes makes mistakes. He reflects on the pain of breaking up and reverting back to his old lonely self. He gets involved with new people, only to find himself battered by the games love plays. Despite swearing to himself that he won't fall for someone new, he eventually does.
The third verse describes the progression of a new relationship. After waiting a few nights to call, the singer and the woman form a genuine connection. They spend time together, meet each other's families, and make plans for a future together. Unexpectedly, after experiencing happiness and stability, the woman decides to end the relationship, bringing emotional turmoil and turning the singer's world upside down.
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the theme of the cyclical nature of love and the repeated patterns of holding out hope, getting hurt, and eventually falling for someone new. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "You think you won't, but then you do," suggesting that despite the pain and heartbreak, humans are often drawn into the unpredictable and complex realm of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Gon' stay in, no need to see some cover charge dive tonight
Decided to stay home instead of going out to a crowded and expensive bar
Gonna listen to a record spin
Planning to relax and enjoy some music
Gonna wake up feelin' right
Expecting to have a good night's rest and feel refreshed in the morning
Then the telephone rings and it's on with some jeans
Received a call and quickly changed into casual clothes
A couple friends for a drink or two
Meeting some friends for a few drinks
Said you weren't going out tonight
Initially claimed that you weren't going out
And then you do
Contradicted your previous statement and went out
You show up late, it's already loud
Arrived at the venue later than expected and the atmosphere was already energetic
Dart boards and dollar beer
Engaging in activities such as playing darts and enjoying cheap beer
Laugh at some jokes and step through the crowd
Enjoying the company of friends and navigating through a crowded place
And she's shinin' like a souvenir
Noticed a person who stands out and captures your attention
The perfect shade of hazel eyes
Mesmerized by the unique and attractive color of her eyes
Out of your league, it's true
Believe that she is too good for you
Never think you'll get her to dance and then you do
Initially thought she wouldn't want to dance with you, but she does
You hold out, you hang on
Try to remain patient and hopeful
You rush in, get it all wrong
Act impulsively and make mistakes
Then you break up and go back to
Experience a breakup and revert to your previous state
Who you were when lonely's all you knew
Return to feeling lonely, as it was your familiar state
You get numbers, you get names
Obtain contact information from potential romantic interests
Get banged up from all love's games
Experience emotional pain and setbacks due to romantic relationships
Swear you're done falling for someone new
Promise to yourself that you won't fall in love again
You think you won't, then you do
Believe that you won't fall for someone, but eventually you do
You wait a few nights before you call
Delay contacting the person for a few evenings
You're playin' your cards close
Being cautious and keeping your intentions hidden
The 'hello' turns into a laugh
Your initial conversation evolves into laughter and enjoyment
Six months, the next thing you know
Time passes quickly, and suddenly it's been six months
It's whiskeys with her brother
Spending time drinking whiskey with her sibling
Making space in a one bedroom
Adjusting and accommodating to share a small living space
Never thought you'd find forever, and then you do
Didn't anticipate finding a long-lasting relationship, but eventually you do
Then straight out of the blue
Suddenly and unexpectedly
When you least expect her to
At a time when you had no anticipation or readiness
She says 'Goodbye' and rips your world in two
She ends the relationship and devastates you emotionally
You hold out, you hang on
Struggle to let go and cling to hope
You rush in, get it all wrong
Act impulsively and make mistakes
Then you break up and go back to
Experience a breakup and revert to your previous state
Who you were when lonely's all you knew
Return to feeling lonely, as it was your familiar state
You get numbers, you get names
Obtain contact information from potential romantic interests
Get banged up from all love's games
Experience emotional pain and setbacks due to romantic relationships
Swear you're done falling for someone new
Promise to yourself that you won't fall in love again
You think you won't but then you do, mmm
Believe that you won't fall for someone, but eventually you do
Oh, then you do
Indeed, you end up falling for someone
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brett Eldredge, Travis Hill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
matsmithlondon1
Gon’ stay in, no need to see some cover charge dive tonight
Gonna listen to a record spin
Gonna wake up feelin’ right
Then the telephone rings and it’s on with some jeans
A couple friends for a drink or two
Said you weren’t going out tonight
And then you do
You show up late, it’s already loud
Dart boards and dollar beer
Laugh at some jokes and step through the crowd
And she’s shinin’ like a souvenir
The perfect shade of hazel eyes
Out of your league, it’s true
Never think you’ll get her to dance and then you do
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely’s all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love’s games
Swear you’re done falling for someone new
You think you won’t but then you do
You wait a few nights before you call
You’re playin’ your cards close
The “hello” turns into a laugh
Six months, the next thing you know
It’s whiskeys with her brother
Making space in a one bedroom
Never thought you’d find forever, and then you do
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely’s all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love’s games
Swear you’re done falling for someone new
You think you won’t but then you do
Then straight out of the blue
When you least expect her to
She says “Goodbye” and rips your world in two
You hold out, you hang on
You rush in, get it all wrong
Then you break up and go back to
Who you were when lonely’s all you knew
You get numbers, you get names
Get banged up from all love’s games
Swear you’re done falling for someone new
You think you won’t but then you do, mm
Oh yeah, you do
Mm, mm
Kaitlin Mastrantuono
Then you break up and go back to who you were when lonely is all you knew. Dang I felt that. This album’s gonna be awesome. Love you Brett!
Sad Sade
Tommy VEXT How's asking every other person on Brett's videos for their number working out for you?
Anagail Llaves
Love this, it just shows me that we shouldn't settle for anything less then someone who you really love and they really love you!!!
Meghan O'Donnel
Love this song and love his voice!
Kim Alexander
This is becoming another favorite because it's a hopeful song. It's easy to feel like you'll never find anyone but I try to hold onto the hope.
Heidi Jones
This song is so true! Love your heart Brett! This album is so heartwarming! You are what this world needs as a Entertainer just real!!!! Love you even more!
Amanda Van Dyke
I am in loooove with these new releases. Hitting my soul, on so many levels. Thank you 💕
Kim Alexander
I love how the melody goes up and down! The hope for love!
Heidi Jones
Love this song! It is true!!!! I certainly can relate. Love is hard bu Brett's new songs give me hope ❤ love him😇
Linda Kops
I play this in my office. EVERYONE loves it!! For sure, your next hit! PLAY PLAY PLAY BRETT!