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.
Where the Heart Is
Brett Eldredge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are we all doin' here?
What do we see, what do we see
When we look in the mirror?
'Cause I'm just lookin'
Lookin' for somethin' true
And I believe that I might find it
Just show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Would you show me where the heart is?
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
I need to feel right where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Remember when you felt the sun?
Remember how the rain fell down on your skin?
Where'd you lose your sense of wonder?
The firework goin' off in your head
'Cause there was a time
We weren't thinkin', we were flyin'
We were alive
I wanna feel alive
'Cause I'm just lookin'
Lookin' for somethin' true
And I believe that I might find it
Maybe I'll find it in you
Just show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Would you show me where the heart is?
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
I need to feel right where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Show me how to never grow old
Show me now 'fore I lose my soul
In a world that's gone cold
In a world that's gone cold
Show me where the heart is
Would you show me where the heart is?
I need to feel right where the heart is
Show me where the heart is
The heart is
Show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Would you show me where the heart is?
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
I need to feel right where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
Show me where the heart is
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
The heart is, yeah
(Show me where the heart is)
Show me where the heart is
(Show me where the heart is)
I need to feel right where the heart is
(Show me where the heart is)
Show me where the heart is
(Show me where the heart is)
The heart is
The lyrics of Brett Eldredge's song "Where the Heart Is" explore feelings of searching for something genuine and true in life. The song begins with the singer questioning the purpose of our existence and what we truly see when we look at ourselves in the mirror. It reflects the universal desire to find meaning and purpose in the world.
The chorus of the song expresses the longing for someone to show the singer where the heart is. It suggests that the heart is the source of authenticity and true emotions. There is a yearning to feel connected and alive, reminiscent of a time when life was full of wonder and excitement. The lyrics convey a longing to reclaim that sense of wonder and connection.
The second verse builds on this nostalgia, asking the listener to remember the times when they felt the warmth of the sun and the touch of rain on their skin. It also questions when they lost their sense of wonder and the joy that used to ignite their imagination. The desire to feel alive and find something true remains, and the singer expresses a belief that it could be found in someone else.
Overall, "Where the Heart Is" is a heartfelt plea for authenticity, connection, and rediscovering the wonder and joy that may have been lost along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
What in the world, what in the world
What is the purpose or meaning of our existence?
Are we all doin' here?
Why are we all here and what are we supposed to be doing?
What do we see, what do we see
When we look at ourselves, what do we truly see?
When we look in the mirror?
When we examine ourselves and reflect on our identity and appearance?
'Cause I'm just lookin'
Because I am searching or seeking
Lookin' for somethin' true
Looking for authenticity or genuine experiences
And I believe that I might find it
I have faith or hope that I will discover what I'm looking for
Maybe I'll find it in you
Perhaps I will find it within you, another person
Just show me where the heart is
Please guide me to the place or state of genuine emotions or love
(Where the heart is, where the heart is)
The desired location or condition of sincerity and passion
Would you show me where the heart is?
Can you, as an individual, demonstrate or reveal the essence of love and authenticity?
I need to feel right where the heart is
I crave the experience of being in the presence of true emotions or love
Show me how to never grow old
Teach me how to maintain a youthful and vibrant spirit
Show me now 'fore I lose my soul
Reveal or demonstrate before I lose touch with my true self or identity
In a world that's gone cold
In a world that has become detached or lacking in warmth and sincerity
Remember when you felt the sun?
Recall a time when you experienced happiness or warmth in your life
Remember how the rain fell down on your skin?
Reflect on moments of vulnerability or emotional experiences that shaped you
Where'd you lose your sense of wonder?
At what point did you lose your curiosity and awe towards life?
The firework goin' off in your head
The explosion of excitement or inspiration within your mind
'Cause there was a time
Because there existed a period or phase
We weren't thinkin', we were flyin'
We were not preoccupied with thoughts, instead, we were soaring freely
We were alive
We experienced true vitality and passion
I wanna feel alive
I desire to once again experience the genuine feeling of being alive
The heart is, yeah
The heart represents authenticity, love, and emotional depth
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brett Ryan Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillion, Tyler Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
strongself37
Look at us all. Chills. Amazing chills.
All of us beautiful beings here together.
United.
We are many
We are strong
We are love
We are one
I love you all my divine brothers and sisters.
Thank you Brett for sharing your gift that is
Lifting all of us up.
Thank you Lorie for directing us to Brett and his amazing song
💫💛✨
I Love Masisi
Thank you Lorie Ladd for bringing me to the heart with this beautiful song from Brett Eldredge I’m a true fan now🙏🏿🙌🏿💕🎶
Jemma Oliver
I am watching this straight after my morning meditation Lori Ladd told me to listen and wow what a uplifting song totally changed my mood I want to learn it so I can sing along thankyou Brett for this song and for Lori Ladd sending me to it x
Kristina Marie
Lorie Ladd sent me here! Thank you Lorie and Brett. You're both amazing!
Donna Woodford
wing commander I think Lorie was speaking about the lyrics, but it sort of repeats itself. The tune sounds a bit country or down-to-earth. There seems to be a big emphasis on living from the heart space. Gregg Braden and others (Bruce Lipton?) speak of heart resonance and the effect it has worldwide. So, maybe the intent of Lorie's message, supported by the song, is to get us to focus more on compassion, unity, peace, and love as we evolve, ascend, and transition into a new paradigm. I and many believe this global "shift" can yield great outcomes for the environment and all beings, making our earthly home like Heaven, in many ways.🌐💚🕊️🌈🙏
wing commander
same here and ill be honest, this wasnt what i was expecting. As a musician myselfi dont find this acoustic track spiritual or uplifting , i have no idea what shes talking about. Dull and mediocre at best
Olivia Van hoof
Same ❤️
No Fap
Same
Nichole Allenbaugh
Oh this is really cool that Lorie sent many of us to this song and we all connect through it ❤️ beautiful! Thank you Lorie! And thank you Brett for this incredible song about showing me where the heart is.... it’s easy for us to get stuck in our mind and with a lot going on....we can be still a min and remember where the heart is in all of this ❤️❤️❤️
Krista Kellner
Amazing song!! Lorie Ladd recommended your song. So happy i listened to it because it opens up your heart and makes life exciting again😃.
Good as Goldy
Beautiful bright being Lorie Ladd led me right here to this super high vibrational gorgeous song and I am so glad she did! How does it get any better than this! One love y'all! I see your light.