Carly Pearce Reminds Women of Their Self-Worth in “What He Didn’t Do”

On June 13, 2022, Carly Pearce released “What He Didn’t Do” as the final single from her most revealing and honest album to date, 29: Written in Stone.

Many relate to the song that describes a breakup from a female perspective, so it’s no surprise when it swiftly climbed the country charts. “What He Didn’t Do” reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while ranking second in Billboard’s Country Airplay.

Truly, this relatable tune is set to be one of the best songs by Carly Pearce. 

The Meaning Behind The Song

Written by Carly Pearce herself, alongside Ashley Gorley and Emily Shackelton, “What He Didn’t Do” fires off a list of everything a male lover didn’t do, ultimately leading to the relationship’s demise.

Pearce said she co-wrote the song at the end of 2020. If fans recall, it was the same year the Kentucky native announced the end of her marriage to fellow musician Michael Ray and filed for divorce eight months after exchanging vows.

Pearce revealed that Gorley and Shackelton were the first to message her at that moment, knowing they really cared about her.

However, “What He Didn’t Do” wasn’t only written during the early days of heartbreak but also part of Pearce’s grieving process of a breakup.

“Life goes on,” Pearce said in a post on her social media. “You KNOW that when you’re reeling…feeling like the fool and so hurt… but then there’s a moment when those emotions start to clear.” Pearce added that the song is about “hope and trying to get smarter before moving forward.”

You can play the video below to listen to “What He Didn’t Do” by Carly Pearce.