Rory Feek is, without a doubt, known for being a man with many talents, a doting father, and, above all, a devoted husband to his wife, Joey Feek. The couple teamed up and became the country duo Joey + Rory we all came to love after they joined on the first season of CMT’s reality competition Can You Duet.
While they only took home the third prize, the duo’s incredible harmonies and sweet personalities drew many country fans to hear their songs. Soon enough, the duo landed a recording contract – and as expected, their debut album was well received.
However, many fans may not know that Rory Feek is also a passionate songwriter. He has spent years telling stories through songs. He has written tunes for country stars such as Blake Shelton, Tracy Byrd, and Clay Walker, among others. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Some Beach
From: Blake Shelton’s Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill (2004)
Feek jumped in the songwriting session room with renowned country music songwriter Paul Overstreet to pen “Some Beach,” which tells the story of a man dealing with frustrations like getting stuck in traffic and having to wait all afternoon at the dentist’s office. He finds himself wishing he was on “some beach, somewhere.”
Blake Shelton recorded the song and brought it to the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
2. The Truth About Men
From: Tracy Byrd’s The Truth About Men (2003)
Feek also wrote the title track to Tracy Byrd’s eighth studio album alongside Paul Overstreet and Tim Johnson, where the trio spelled out what men are really thinking. That would mean things such as drinking beer, working on cars, picking guitars, watching football, hunting, playing golf, driving around, and most of all, getting a little lovin’ from their woman.
3. How Do You Get That Lonely
From: Blaine Larsen’s Off to Join the World (2004)
During one of Feek and Jamie Teachenor’s songwriting sessions, it was interrupted by a phone call from the school of Feek’s daughter. Apparently, it was sad news about a friend of Feek’s daughter – 19-year-old Lance Emmitt, who had committed suicide.
In response, Feek and Teachenor penned “How Do You Get That Lonely” as a tribute to the young man.
4. Someone You Used To Know
From: Collin Raye’s The Walls Came Down (1998)
This heartbreaking ballad about a man mourning the loss of his lover as she moved on without him is a familiar story that connected with many country fans. “Someone You Used To Know” became one of Feek’s early biggest hits as a songwriter. Collin Raye brought the song to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and was a successful crossover hit.
5. I Will
From: Jimmy Wayne’s Do You Believe Me Now (2008)
Feek also co-wrote “I Will,” alongside Dave Pahanish, which finds country singer Jimmy Wayne showing his lover how much he loves her and telling her that he is willing to do anything for her – even if it means giving up his life for her or letting her go.
6. The Chain of Love
From: Clay Walker’s Live, Laugh, Love (2000)
For You
Feek collaborated with Jonnie Barnett to write “The Chain of Love,” originally recorded by country legend Charley Pride.
In 2000, Clay Walker released the song after a man about 6-foot-6 approached him and his companions, telling them that this was the only song that ever made him cry. He then turned around and walked off. The heartwarming ballad centers on different characters who, by helping each other, create a chain of love amongst them. Walker’s version quickly reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
7. A Little More Country Than That
From: Easton Corbin’s Easton Corbin (2008)
Easton Corbin entered the country music scene with a bang – thanks to his debut single “A Little More Country Than That,” which ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Feek wrote the song with Wynn Varble and Don Poythress while the trio were talking about how much they love country life and the simple things that come with it.
8. You Can Let Go
From: Crystal Shawanda’s Dawn of a New Day (2008)
“You Can Let Go” is one of the chart-topping hits Feek co-wrote, this time with Kent Blazy and Cory Batten. Canadian country music singer Crystal Shawanda recorded it, and became the fastest-rising debut Canadian country single ever. It even earned a nomination during the 2008 Canadian Country Music Association Awards in the Single of the Year category.
In the United States, the song peaked at No. 21 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
9. Met Him in a Motel Room
From: Trisha Yearwood’s PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit (2014)
This song, written by Feek and Jamie Teachenor, may not be what you expect it to be. “Met Him in a Motel Room” is a song about redemption that finds a couple longing to fill a deep void in their lives.
In 2021, Feek recorded the song as a duet with Trisha Yearwood for his album Gentle Man.
10. When Mama Prayed
From: Randy Travis’ Rise and Shine (2002)
Many may not be familiar with this song as it was never released as a single and had no commercial success, “When Mama Prayed” is one of the gems Feek has co-written. He penned this spiritual track with Paul Overstreet and was featured on Travis’ second career gospel record.
So, there you have it. Songs Rory Feek wrote that you might not know he has written. Did you find your favorite?
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