Song Review – “10 Year Town” by Hailey Whitters
Country music is not for everyone, and that’s okay. And no, this is not some pronouncement that country music should only be for people from the country, nor does that mean that everyone isn’t welcome. But throughout history, country music has been the place where the lonely and brokenhearted turn to commiserate with others through the medium of song and storytelling. It’s music for those with the strange propensity to get feeling better by feeling sad. There is room in country for those with a sunny disposition as well, but the deepest power of country music has always been to convey that we’re not alone in our loneliness, that we share in our struggles and failures with generations of depressed and dispossessed. Even when it feels like the rest of the world has turned against you, country music is still there, welcoming you with open arms.
Usually the themes of heartbreak in country music revolve around relationships, death, or perhaps the erosion of small town life or the family farm. But in the current environment in country, another type of heartbreak has emerged that is more intimately tied to the music itself. Not everyone that has a dream to make it in music has the talent, or the fortuitous timing, or the self-discipline that it takes to make that dream a reality. A dream is not enough when you’re pursuing something that is an elective occupation, and with so few precious spots available to make steady income from, let alone succeed. But often in this current era, the best and brightest, and the most gifted of our generation are the ones relegated to obscurity, while it’s mediocrity is celebrated and elevated to the masses.
In the estimation of many, Hailey Whitters is one of those gifted people. A writer for Carnival Music, she released her debut album in 2015 called Black Sheep to positive reception. From a large Catholic family in Iowa, Hailey moved to Nashville when she was 17 to chase the dream, and here in 2019, it’s still more of a dream than a reality. Similar to Caitlyn Smith’s stunning “This Town Is Killing Me” from 2018, Hailey Whitters’ new single “Ten Year Town” speaks to the struggle of an aspiring performer and songwriter trying to get heard for the last 12 years in a city that seems to not want to listen if you really have something to say.
A new girl fresh off the bus,
she cut right in front of the rest of us.
I need longer lashes and a shorter dress,
to be that overnight success.
I thought this year I’d wear that crown,
I’m 12 years into a 10 year town.
Cutting and autobiographical, this acoustic song perfectly encapsulates the emotional toll that chasing a dream to a dead end delivers, but it also underscores how sometimes it’s our lowest states of mind that breed our greatest inspiration. “10 Year Town” is from an upcoming album from Hailey Whitters to be called The Dream. It will be released on Carnival Music, which Whitters signed to in 2012, and include co-writes with Brandy Clark and Lori McKenna.
Though Whitters may not be a household name, she has received some notable songwriting credits. Whitters was one of the writers on Alan Jackson’s “The Older I Get,” which he released as an album single to coincide with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. Whitters also co-wrote “Happy People” with Lori McKenna, which will appear on Hailey’s new record after also appearing on McKenna’s 2018 album The Tree, as well as comprising a radio single from Little Big Town, arguably their best song from their 2017 record The Breaker. Martina McBride also recorded Hailey’s solo-written “Low All Afternoon.”
Though the struggles of Hailey Whitters are very specific to her situation as a songwriter, they’re something we can all immediately relate to as refugees from one broken dream or another, having to face each day knowing things didn’t work out exactly how we wanted them to, but still needing to persevere and hold out hope in finding purpose and fulfillment in life. But most importantly, “10 Year Town” exemplifies how we can take our failures and frustrations, and through the gift of inspiration, channel that energy into something of beauty, and hopefully, something that will result in our greatest success.
March 7, 2019 @ 9:29 am
This is what country music has gotten to???
March 7, 2019 @ 9:37 am
What do you mean?
March 7, 2019 @ 9:30 am
Ward Davis wrote the song “15 Years In A 10 Year Town”, and named his album the same thing, in 2015. https://youtu.be/fbRCRFBCOGY
March 7, 2019 @ 9:46 am
As explained above in the review, the amount of heartbreak that talented and worthy songwriters and performers are suffering from due to the skewed priorities of Nashville have become like their own cottage industry in songwriting. Ward Davis’s “15 Years in a 10 Year Town,” Caitlyn Smith’s “This Town Is Killing Me,” “Don’t Come to Nashville” by Dakota Jay which was also highlighted here last year are good examples. I agree the title and lyrical hook is similar to Ward Davis’s song, but “10 Year Town” also is very personal to Hailey Whitters, and well-written and delivered. There’s a TON of Cody Jinks fans who frequent this site, which means there’s a ton of Ward Davis fans too. Let’s not put down this young lady’s effort just because she hit on a potent theme that many other quality songwriters are also picking up on, and turning in career-level efforts.
March 7, 2019 @ 9:59 am
Curtis Grimes’ “10 Year Town,” while admittedly more of a protest song in some ways, also fits into this category.
March 7, 2019 @ 1:50 pm
Cody Jinks also has a song called Blacksheep. ????
March 7, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
so does John Anderson. Is only 1 artist is allowed to have that as a song title?
March 7, 2019 @ 3:10 pm
Yes, and many people accused Cody Jinks of ripping off a Jackson Taylor song on “Lifers” that is way more similar than “10 Year Town” is to “15 Years in a 10 Year Town.” This is all stupid. There was a reason Jason Isbell decided to get sober after he accused Dierks Bentley of ripping off “In A Razor Town.” Again, I’m glad people are on the lookout for this stuff, but frankly if you can’t listen past a title, you really to have the right to accuse people of a crime.
March 7, 2019 @ 3:09 pm
I never said that it wasn’t well-written and well-delivered. I actually enjoyed the song. I just mentioned the fact that a very similarly-titled and similarly-themed song already existed.
I think it speaks more to the problems that artists have in Nashville trying to “break in” as Ward puts it, than it does to plagiarism. I never mentioned that word, and never even implied it. I guess I should have expanded on my original comment before people read more into it than there was.
March 7, 2019 @ 3:15 pm
She was getting ripped apart on Facebook, and feel free to peep the comments below. I was piggy backing off of your comment to try and head off unnecessary accusations against her. It failed.
March 7, 2019 @ 9:33 am
“It’s music for those with the strange propensity to get feeling better by feeling sad”. This small sentence says so much. The whole first paragraph is the type of writing that I saw when I first visited this site and the reason I kept coming back. The song is really good. Best article/review in a while.
March 7, 2019 @ 9:40 am
While I love this site and agree with Trigger most of the time, I have noticed he easily dismisses blatant plagiarism when reviewing certain types of artists. If she’s been in Nashville for 12 years, she clearly should be aware of the Ward Davis song and should have reworked hers.
March 7, 2019 @ 10:37 am
Hey! Just to clarify, I honestly had never heard of the Ward Davis song up until last week. I’ve heard a lot of different songs from fellow writers/artists in town with the same title/sentiment … i think all of us are only speaking from our own unique (yet sometimes very similar experiences)… This song was not intended to be released as a single but simply as an intro into my new record “The Dream” because this song is where the storyline begins for me on it… not releasing it would have been a disservice to the album concept and my story.
I’ve heard only amazing things from peers about Ward and I wish him the best!
March 7, 2019 @ 10:54 am
”This song was not intended to be released as a single but simply as an intro into my new record “The Dream” because this song is where the storyline begins for me on it… ”
this clarifies …..and makes a ton of sense , hailey ………
continued d success ……
March 7, 2019 @ 4:47 pm
@Hailey Whitters… I love this song. I think it’s masterfully written and performed. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to it, even if they aren’t songwriters.
March 8, 2019 @ 8:33 am
This is a silly conversation my friends…I’ve never heard anyone say “Yeah but Hank Williams wrote a song about being drunk and brokenhearted in a honky tonk, so this isn’t so great” or “Conway did a song about cheating on his spouse, so this is nothing new”. How many topics are there to write about really?? Not many…we’re happy, sad, broke, drunk, sober, rich, in love, out of love, hungry or horny (I stole this from Bob DiPiero). Our job as writers is to find a new way to say what’s been said a million times before us, or find a different point of view…and still hopefully connect with someone listening.
It’s not hard at all to come up with dozens of songs with similar themes…or chord structure…or titles…if we had to always write a completely new and original concept everytime we sit down to create music, the songwriting profession would have been toast decades ago.
So for me, I’ll listen to a song and like it, or I won’t. This song in particular, I like a lot…enjoyed hearing this from her point of view and it’s sung/produced beautifully.
And by the way Hailey, I’m 15 years in…here’s hoping it’s a 16 year town. 🙂
March 7, 2019 @ 12:22 pm
Plagiarism is a criminal act that involves outright stealing a melody or set of lyrics, and Hailey Whitters did not come even close to doing that in this case. Instead, she did what country songs have been doing for over 100 years, which is taking a classic, eternal theme, and expounding upon it with her own personal story. To prove plagiarism, you also have to prove intent. I find it completely plausible that Hailey had no idea of the Ward Davis song before she wrote hers. And even then, the songs aren’t identical in any way aside from a broad theme. As I said above, Ward Davis looms large in the minds of many around here, but in the grand scheme, he is still an unknown artist to most people, including to many folks who live in Nashville.
Some people want throw out accusations of plagiarism without any real context of what they’re implying, or understanding how hurtful and misguided that can be. There are specific benchmarks and lawyers and courts that deal with these issues on a regular basis, and rarely is anything ever found to be outright plagiarism. People were up Cody Jinks’ ass for ripping off Jackson Taylor on his last album. Turned out it was basically coincidence, and neither artist really cares. With so much music out there these days, there’s going to be similar-sounding songs, and similarly-worded verses. Most of these accusations basically come down to witch hunts, and that comes from someone whose had his articles ripped off so many times I’ve lost count, and litigated three separate cases against big companies in my favor for copyright infringement, with the legal winnings being the only reason this site still exists.
You don’t like a song, that’s totally understandable. Think it’s unoriginal because it’s too close to someone else’s? That’s totally understandable too. But be careful throwing out terms such as “plagiarism,” because it’s implying a crime has been committed when this is rarely the case.
March 7, 2019 @ 12:55 pm
Also, I appreciate that so many folks are looking out for Ward, and that’s not a bad thing. Songs can get ripped off,and we should be the eyes and ears of artists to make sure this doesn’t happen. But I think a lot of folks are being really unfair to this young woman’s song that is really resonating with a lot of folks. That’s why I wanted to write about it.
March 7, 2019 @ 1:00 pm
I hold no reservations about my accusations of plagiarism. I understand fully its implications and also know that rarely do artists litigate such violations. Rarely is there an upside to such litigation from the artist standpoint. So, they shrug their shoulders and move on. Much like Chris Wall did when Aaron Watson stole his lyrics. That should never excuse the violator from their actions, whether intentional or accidental. I respect Ms. Whitters response here and will take her at her word that she has never heard of Ward Davis, but you can’t convince me that changing from 15 to 12 frees her from a possible copyright violation.
March 7, 2019 @ 2:59 pm
Alright let’s rule out rain, trains, trucks and gettin drunk. Stop the genre now and let’s bury our heads. The gal clearly explained her journey and how it leads into describing her journey.
March 7, 2019 @ 7:40 pm
This is what Ward Davis had to say about it on Facebook:
Listen- there’s lots of guys and gals alike that have worn the soles off their shoes on music row, going from door to door, trying to get one to open. I certainly don’t hold a monopoly on what the Nashville machine can do to a human being, and I’m certainly not going to fault someone else for using the old adage of Music City being a “10 year town,” in a song, especially when it’s executed this well. Kudos Hailey- I have felt your pain.
Hailey’s response was:
” Thank you for saying this brother, I know we’ve all been brokenhearted by Nashville at some point and feel each others struggle. I listened to your tune over the weekend when I found out and its absolutely badass. Have also heard (more badass things) about you through mutual friends around town… lets write one together sometime.”
Let’s not make drama where there isn’t any.
March 7, 2019 @ 8:16 pm
Hell, I’m guilty of it too. I wrote a song called “Shifty Chitty Gang Bang” and didn’t even realize that there a porn of the same name.
March 7, 2019 @ 10:22 am
One of the reason I enjoy country music is because it tells a personal story of the songwriter that others can relate to. I think this fits that mold. Yes it may have a similar subject of other songs but what song doesn’t?
I’ve known of Hailey for 10+ years (back when she went by Hailey Faith) and I am glad to see her getting some traction. Keep it up.
March 7, 2019 @ 10:22 am
as a songwriter , I understand the ‘ real ‘ in this song and the writer’s honesty , but I don’t connect or relate as Jane or Joe Listener . ………
… again , as a writer , I feel for her efforts to make it in Nashville ….but I’m not sure most people would empathize with her struggle or understand it the way she’s hoping they will . mostly ,people resonate to songs where they can find themselves in the lyric ….or simply an inescapably infectious melody ……..this song delivers on neither count ,IMHO .
craft-wise , this is not a terribly hooky or memorable melody ( not that most mainstream songs really are anymore ) but as such it stands little chance of rising above that crowd , if that’s the kind of $$$$ success hailey is hoping for .
the ‘ 10 year town ‘ is an insider reference …..and a good one if you’re a biz ‘insider ‘ but songs about songs and the biz in general are iffy in terms of being significant successes …there are just so many around . ashley mcbryde’s ‘ girl goin nowhere ‘ is a GREAT example of how to do that the right way ….and got little to no mainstream attention …at least not on radio here in Canada .
she’s ,apparently , had cuts other writers would DIE for while countless , countless GREAT singers and writers …veterans and newbies …., can’t get the time of day .
I’d like to hear more from hailey …..I think she has a solid handle on the craft and I’m curious about the kinds of songs she writes and the emotional quotient . more power to her .
and WHY IS KELSEA BALLERINI THE NEWEST OPRY MEMBER WITH PEOPLE LIKE HAILEY AROUND ??????
March 7, 2019 @ 5:42 pm
If you look beyond the literal meaning of the lyrics, I’m betting everyone out there can relate to this song on a personal level
March 7, 2019 @ 10:42 am
Sounds too much like Kacey Musgraves but hey, that’s Nashville for ya: Copycat City, USA.
March 7, 2019 @ 10:56 am
High irony with folks here (especially folks who prefer older classic country) claiming that this song is too similar to another country song. Haha.
I really like the tune.
March 7, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
If anything the song’s title shows the incredible bubble that Nashville lives in and thinks it’s original as fuck.
March 7, 2019 @ 12:33 pm
Hailey Whitters is not “Nashville.”
As Black Boots said above, really embarrassing how many folks in this thread are painting with a broad brush here about an artist who is probably waiting tables to survive, and wrote and recorded a song to speak to her struggles just like Ward Davis did. Call it unoriginal if you wish, but it’s completely plausible she never heard the Ward Davis song before, as probably 99% of of people who would self identify as “country” fans never have. Most people have never even heard of Cody Jinks, Jason Isbell, or Sturgill Simpson. That’s the bubble we live in.
March 8, 2019 @ 1:48 pm
She’s not “Nashville” but has lived there for 12 years and wrote for a publishing company that ended up giving some of her songs to Little Big Town, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride.
I came across this video as well. Both have the exact same hook for their song. I wonder who had it first?
https://youtu.be/tOalCTDsI3E
March 8, 2019 @ 1:57 pm
Stupidwordpress,
Ward Davis has addressed this now himself, and is in no way worried about the song. I appreciate your concern, but you’re trying to stir shit in between two independent artists that they don’t even want stirred. You’re not being helpful to anyone.
March 7, 2019 @ 11:32 am
Good song. Nice article. Although the shorter skirt line is a little ironic.
March 7, 2019 @ 11:58 am
“A dream is not enough when you’re pursuing something that is an elective occupation, and with so few precious spots available to make steady income from, let alone succeed.”
It IS an elective occupation. It’s not a right to make it. Some who are complaining about not being played because of gender or whatever needs to be reminded that it is not a right to succeed. But that is society nowadays where everyone gets a participation trophy because winning is unfair.
Yes, the odds are indeed stacked against some. But if one is a 125 lbs. football player and signs up to play for a league where the average player is 250 lbs., then don’t complain if the coach doesn’t play you because you are are not big enough. Or don’t complain because you were hit too hard and carried off the field on a stretcher. And not everyone receives a trophy.
I’m a musician but not professionally. I choose to pursue other professional endeavors and play on the side. I prefer to eat well. If some choose a musical career professionally, congrats to them and they have my best wishes to succeed and fulfill their dreams. But it is not their right to be successful. Many never make it. That’s the way the game is played and that is what they signed up for.
March 7, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
Fortunately they do have the right to feel bad about it, and we have the right to commiserate with them and enjoy the music when they choose to exercise their right to turn their woe into songs.
March 7, 2019 @ 12:29 pm
I agree with some who said the song is not one to easily relate to unless you’re in the business but since she said it’s basically a prelude to her new record the song does has me intrigued to check the the rest of the record out. This song is the writing of real life experiences, struggles and just being truthful. Not just the fluffy on the surface subjects so often that are on mainstream radio.. Hope she writes like that on her other songs.
Reminds me of Jon Pardi’s opening song ‘Out of Style’ on his CA Sunrise record. I always skip it cause I can’t relate in the slightest in the music business but the rest of the record is awesome.
March 7, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
FYI if anyone streams music using Amazon Unlimited Music her record ‘Black Sheep’ is on there
March 7, 2019 @ 3:49 pm
I really like this. The first comparison that came to mind is Miranda Lambert and Tin Man. A great voice and lyrics that aren’t just more of the same. Looking forward to hearing more from Whitters.
March 7, 2019 @ 4:13 pm
Came here initially to say damn good song. Still gonna say but also add in… comments section is more nuts than usual for a good one like this
March 8, 2019 @ 7:54 am
Seems we now live in a world where we attack first and ask questions later.
Sure the songs are similar…in the same way two different songs by two different women about taking revenge on two different cheating lovers are similar. Or the way two different men sing two different songs about driving two different trucks on two different dirt roads are similar. Or the way two different artists sing two different songs about sitting in two different bars drinking two different kinds of booze getting over two different breakups are similar.
Artists write about their feelings and their experiences. It’s common sense that two artists would have similar experiences trying to make it and both would write songs about it.
Social media has made it WAY to easy to sit behind a keyboard and make accusations that are highly damaging to others.
As for me, I enjoyed the song and will seek at more of Whitter’ music.
March 8, 2019 @ 11:01 am
Yes. It is easy to make accusations, especially when the accuser feels no need to present proof.
March 8, 2019 @ 8:15 am
Reading the comments is like watching an animal eat its young.
March 8, 2019 @ 9:42 am
Aside from all the back and forth bickering, I just think it is an extremely well written article and review Trigger. You seem to have a deep understanding of all things country and I bet Ken Burns would have loved to have some of your insight on his highly anticipated documentary about Country Music coming in September. The opening two paragraphs are so in depth about the root of this genre we all love. Keep up the great work.
March 8, 2019 @ 12:38 pm
Good song.
I think we’ve been exposed to different versions of this song so many times that it’s getting a little stale for many of us, but that’s certainly not Hailey’s fault. The songwriter must write the words that pop into ye olde noggin.
Will keep an eye out for her new album.
March 8, 2019 @ 1:08 pm
This is awesome. “Black Sheep” still gets plenty of rotation in my playlist.