“Honesty” by Rodney Atkins sets the record straight on Trust and Integrity 

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Patience Clemens and David Kent wrote the song “Honesty (Write Me a List)” and was recorded by country music artist Rodney Atkins. Released in June 2003, this third single from Atkins’ 2003 debut solo album, “Honesty,” is known as a distinct mid-tempo ballad accompanied by piano. 

Raised in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, Rodney Atkins decided to go to Nashville determined to sign a record deal. Eventually, Atkins was able to do so with Mike Curb. With the work he did with the label, the album “Honesty” produced a Top 5 hit of the same name. Of all Rodney Atkins’ hits, “Honesty (Write Me a List)” led to his groundbreaking success. 

Upon its release, “Honesty (Write Me a List)” was ranked 60 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of June 21, 2003. It spent 33 weeks on our Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, peaking at number 4 on January 3, 2004. In addition, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 at number 57.

Meaning Behind the Song

“Honesty” tells the story of a couple on the brink of divorce. In the music video, the couple is seen at a restaurant. The man then asks the woman to write down a list of things she would like to keep from what they owned as a couple. Instead of the expected list of objects, the woman writes down what she wants from the man: “honesty, sincerity, tenderness, and trust.” Ultimately, the man leaves with his new car while the woman cries in bed. 

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In an interview, it is revealed that the song was written based on the real-life circumstances of co-writer Patience Clemens’ separation. 

Rodney Atkins‘s hit interpretation of “Honesty” shows passion. Get the full experience of the song’s message through the music video below. 

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