Career
Carly Pearce was born in Taylor Mill, Kentucky. She dropped out of school when she was 16 and moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in order to perform at Dollywood five times a week, in addition to contributing to bluegrass music compilation albums. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was 19. She signed a developmental deal with Sony Music Nashville in 2012, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
In 2016, she was a featured vocalist on Josh Abbott Band's "Wasn't That Drunk", which charted in the top 40 of Country Airplay. Pearce also toured with the band to perform the song, including a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The song's success led to her working with songwriter and producer busbee on her solo debut single "Every Little Thing". After this song received airplay on Sirius XM's "The Highway" channel, Pearce gained a contract with Big Machine Records, which released the single to country radio on February 22. The song also received a music video, which features Pearce performing the song live at Brown Owl Studio. On October 13th, 2017 her first studio album named after the title track "Every Little Thing" was released.
At the time of its release, Pearce established herself further with further musical projects. This included touring with Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Blake Shelton. Her next single release, "Hide the Wine", was spawned from her 2017 album. It became Pearce's second major hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2018. The same year, she issued a single that was to be the lead release of her upcoming second studio album. Entitled "Closer to You", the song was released in November 2018 and reached the top 40 of the Billboard country charts.
In October 2019, Pearce released a second single from her upcoming second studio album. The song, "I Hope You're Happy Now", was a duet with country artist Lee Brice. The song was her second to reach the number one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. After taking time to marry singer Michael Ray, her self-titled second studio album was issued in February 2020. It would be Busbee's final production project before his death in 2019. It debuted at number six on the Top Country Albums list and number 73 on the Billboard 200.
In June 2020, Pearce revealed that she was recording new music and that her next single will not be a track off of her second album. In September 2020, she released the single, "Next Girl". In February 2021, Pearce released her first extended play, “29”. The album's name was derived from personal setbacks she endured during her twenty ninth year. These events included her divorce from singer, Michael Ray, and the death of her long-time producer, Busbee. The EP received praise from critics, with American Songwriter calling it an "exquisite seven song collection.". Following its release, "Next Girl" reached the top 15 of the Billboard country airplay chart
In June 2021, Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton to become a cast member of the Grand Ole Opry. A month later, she announced the release of her third studio album titled 29: Written in Stone alongside the promotional single "Dear Miss Loretta", a tribute to Loretta Lynn featuring Patty Loveless. The album was a continuation of her 2021 EP. It was officially released in September 2021. It reached number nine on the Billboard country albums chart and number 83 on the Billboard 200. The disc received positive reviews from critics, including AllMusic, which praised her "vulnerability" and Variety, which highlighted its traditional musical sound. The disc spawned the 2021 single, "Never Wanted to Be That Girl", a duet with Ashley McBryde. It became Pearce's third single to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart. In October 2022, Pearce headlined two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium. The album's third single "What He Didn't Do" reached number one on the Aircheck/Mediabase chart, becoming the first woman in 80 weeks to top the country radio charts with a solo track.
In early 2023, Pearce won her first accolade from the Grammy Awards for her performance on "Never Wanted to Be That Girl". In March 2023, Pearce's first live album was released titled 29: Written in Stone (Live from Music City). It featured the entirety of her previous album, along with several additional tracks and special guests.
In 2024, Pearce announced the release of her next studio album Hummingbird. The original release was scheduled for June 14, but Pearce pushed the release date to June 7 to correspond with CMA Fest. Hummingbird rose to number 31 on the US country albums chart. Its lead single "We Don't Fight Anymore" (featuring Chris Stapleton), reached the US country top ten in 2024.
Dare Ya
Carly Pearce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a little too close, come on, don't you know?
Am I giving you enough to let you know that I want ya?
My heart is beating out loud like thunder
Are you gonna kiss me? Are you gonna make me wonder?
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boyAnd I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
These strung-up lights are staring right at us
It'd be the perfect time to mess my lipstick up
Tryna keep my cool, but you give me fire
I'm already high, but you could take me higher
Turn this sweet night into something wilder
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
Am I giving you enough to let you know that I want ya?
My heart is beating out loud like thunder
Are you gonna kiss me? Are you gonna make me wonder?
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boyAnd I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
In Carly Pearce's song Dare Ya, the lyrics describe a woman who is interested in a man and is giving subtle hints that she wants him to make a move. She takes his coat, gets close to him, and looks at him daringly, hoping he will take the hint and make a move. The lyrics also suggest that the woman is attracted to the man's confidence and is willing to follow his lead, but she still asserts her independence by stating that she is a lady and will not lead.
The verses describe the sexual tension between the two and the possibility of taking things to the next level. The lyrics use imagery of strung-up lights and messed-up lipstick to paint a picture of a wild and adventurous night.
The chorus features repeated lines of "I dare ya," suggesting that the woman wants the man to take a chance and make a move. The song's overall message is one of empowerment, as the woman asserts her desire and willingness to follow the man's lead while still upholding her own values and strength as a woman.
Overall, Carly Pearce's Dare Ya is a playful yet assertive love song that celebrates the power of attraction and the thrill of taking risks in romance.
Line by Line Meaning
I took your coat, I wasn't that cold
I made a move on you, even though I didn't need your coat
Got a little too close, come on, don't you know?
I deliberately got closer to you than necessary, hoping you'd pick up on my interest
Am I giving you enough to let you know that I want ya?
I'm trying to show you my attraction, but I'm not sure if it's clear enough
My heart is beating out loud like thunder
I'm feeling a rush of emotions and physical sensations in response to you
Are you gonna kiss me? Are you gonna make me wonder?
I'm hoping you'll make a move and escalate things between us
It's your move, boy, I'll follow you, boy
I'm leaving it up to you to take the lead in our interaction
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
I believe in traditional gender roles, so I'm not going to be the one to initiate
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like I, I, I dare ya
I'm going to keep making eye contact with you, daring you to make a move
These strung-up lights are staring right at us
The setting is perfect for a romantic encounter between us
It'd be the perfect time to mess my lipstick up
I'm open to physical intimacy and the passion it can bring
Tryna keep my cool, but you give me fire
I'm trying to play it cool, but you're making me feel excited and aroused
I'm already high, but you could take me higher
I'm already feeling good, but I believe you could make me feel even better
Turn this sweet night into something wilder
I'm hoping we can take our interaction to the next level and make it more intense
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, BMG Rights Management, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Allison Margaret Cruz, Carly Pearce, Joe Ginsberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ieksoreacts
I took your coat, I wasn't that cold
Got a little too close, come on, don't you know?
Am I giving you enough to let you know that I want ya?
My heart is beating out loud like thunder
Are you gonna kiss me? Are you gonna make me wonder?
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
These strung-up lights are staring right at us
It'd be the perfect time to mess my lipstick up
Tryna keep my cool, but you give me fire
I'm already high, but you could take me higher
Turn this sweet night into something wilder
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
Am I giving you enough to let you know that I want ya?
My heart is beating out loud like thunder
Are you gonna kiss me? Are you gonna make me wonder?
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
It's your move, boy
I'll follow you, boy
And I ain't gonna lead, I'm a lady like that
So I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I, I, I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
I'm gonna keep looking at you like
I, I, I dare ya
@sharonpeppers3341
#CARLYPEARCE #EVERYLITTLETHING This is a terrific album. Every song is a delight. Carly is growing into a fantastic songwriter. She writes about life experiences that we can all relate to. I am a devoted fan 😀👍👍👍🎸🎻🥁🎹🎸💖💙💚🧡💛❤️💜
@DanaGood-rl7bu
I never got married because the lady from Kentucky was already married the one I fell in love with keep your photo for a long time I hope you’re doing well God bless you
@xiongher3080
🥰 it's sad how modern-day women don't feel this way anymore. I sure miss the good ol days.
@DanaGood-rl7bu
no you are not letting me know personally i need more
@jamalnelson857
Bro if you really just listen.. The r&b rhythm with her country Kentucky tone voice pshhh this shit is 🔥🔥 imo
@kianalauj1
Went to your concert when you and Brett came to Western Carolina University! Enjoyed it! This is my favorite song 💕
@joeknott2520
Heard her at the bluebird the night she signed her record deal. Radio, computer, album doesn't do her voice justice. You've got to hear her live, you'll get goosebumps.
@ZijaVisionQuest
So very refreshing to have a new dominating female country artist who is truly worthy of the SPLASH she has made. Great writer, exceptional vocal talent with a wise and very sweet spirit. Wish I could make it to her concert in my hometown of Albuquerque New Mexico this weekend... truly one of my fav artists on my workout list so that just have to do. Cheers to her continued success....she is just gettin' started ♡
@martharoush8034
What a LADY, Thank You
@raleemay
This is my favorite song of Carly’s. The guitar sounds really cool too.