Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Miranda Lambert or Gwen Stefani: Who’s The Muse Of Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs”?

Blake Shelton's "I'll Name The Dogs"
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Question: For who is Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs” written for?

Fans have a lot of speculation for Blake Shelton‘s hit song as the song talks about settling down for good. It’s not a secret that Shelton was once married to country music star Miranda Lambert. Their romance was highly loved by their fans, and their marriage back in 2011 was celebrated. Sadly, the couple announced their divorce in July 2015.

When the hit song was first released in 2017, netizens debated on social media over the possibility that it was about Miranda Lambert because she’s known as a dog lover. Meanwhile, some listeners argued that it might be for Gwen Stefani, Shelton’s current girlfriend. The Voice co-stars were revealed to be dating in November 2015 by his reps, a few months after his divorce.

So who is it for?

Real Story of “I’ll Name The Dogs”

Here’s the answer: None of the above.

Because of its theme of settling down, it’s not surprising that fans have linked the past and present of the famous country crooner. However, the real inspiration came from one of the song’s songwriter’s dilemma, which is coming up with a name for his future son.

Songwriters Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson, and Matt Dragstrem were brainstorming for the name of Thompson’s child. But what they found amidst their idea session was a killer hook for a country hit. 

“I’ll Name The Dogs” is an ode of domestic bliss, which is apparent in each verse and accompaniment. It’s a traditional country jam with steel and fiddle that takes you on a throwback. What’s more, the song’s chart reached number one both in Canada Billboard Country and US Billboard Country Airplay from 2017 to 2018.

Songwriter Hayslip even mentioned that they won’t write any Blake Shelton songs that the singer won’t even say in real life. He elaborated that the country music star is a high-profile guy that they’ll only write what the current situation he’s in. The songwriters will never put Shelton in a bad light, that’s for sure.

The bright side of this hit song is the fun and energetic yet romantic music video which won both Male Video of the Year and Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards in 2018.

Check out Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs” music video below.

Latest Stories

Female Country Singers Who Smoke and How It Affects Their Careers

Female Country Singers Who Smoke and How It Affects Their Careers

Smoking has long had a rebellious connection in country music. Still, it’s not something you’d expect when it comes to female country singers. While some stars kept their smoking habits ...

What George Strait’s ‘Ocean Front Property’ Really Says About Heartbreak

What George Strait’s ‘Ocean Front Property’ Really Says About Heartbreak

Have you ever told yourself you didn’t care, only to realize you were fooling yourself later? That’s precisely the emotional punch behind George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.” Beneath the song’s ...

Country Top 30 Week of September 14,2024

Country Top 30

Country Chart – Week of September 14, 2024 Country music fans, get ready—this week’s chart is packed with songs that hit every corner of the genre. Whether you’re into heart-wrenching ...

What You Never Knew About Annie D'Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

What You Never Knew About Annie D’Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

Every legend has a secret weapon, a steady hand that keeps them grounded in a constantly spinning world. For country music icon Willie Nelson, that guiding force is Annie D’Angelo. ...

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

Dolly Parton isn’t just a country music icon—she’s a cultural force. Her larger-than-life image, from glittering outfits to sky-high heels, is as legendary as her voice. But if one thing ...

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

Megan Moroney, a rising star in country music, showcased her talent and her playful side when she pulled off a memorable prank on Kenny Chesney. During the final leg of ...

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith's World Together While Staying Unseen

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith’s World Together While Staying Unseen

Toby Keith may have been the face of success, but behind every great artist is someone who keeps it all together. For Toby, that someone was Tricia Lucus—his wife, partner, ...

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd's Daughter's Unbelievable Downfall

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd’s Daughter’s Unbelievable Downfall

Grace Pauline Kelley, daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd, has lived a life filled with public scrutiny, legal struggles, and attempts at redemption. Born into a family synonymous with ...

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain't No Love in Oklahoma

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma

When Luke Combs delivers a song, you don’t just hear it—you feel it. “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” a standout track from the 2024 Twisters soundtrack, is no exception. This ...

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Dustin Lynch’s “Chevrolet,” featuring Jelly Roll, is more than just another song about country life—it’s a tribute to the freedom found in the open road, love, and the small, meaningful ...