Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know” stands as one of the most poignant and personal releases in the country star’s discography. Released in 2022 as part of his album “One Thing at a Time,” this emotional tribute to his mother captured the hearts of fans and critics alike, showcasing a more vulnerable side to the often controversial artist. This deep dive examines the song’s lyrical content, musical composition, cultural impact, and reception, offering insights for both casual listeners and dedicated country music enthusiasts.
The Story Behind “Thought You Should Know”
“Thought You Should Know” emerged from a deeply personal place for Morgan Wallen. Written alongside Miranda Lambert and Nicolle Galyon, the song takes the form of a heartfelt phone call from Wallen to his mother, Lesli. The timing of its release was particularly meaningful—Wallen first teased the song on Mother’s Day 2021 with a simple acoustic performance on social media, dedicating it to his mom before its official release in 2022.
The song’s genesis reflects Wallen’s life journey, coming during a period of personal growth following controversies that had threatened his career. This context adds layers of meaning to lyrics that speak of redemption, gratitude, and the desire to make a parent proud despite past mistakes.
Lyrical Analysis
What makes “Thought You Should Know” particularly striking is its straightforward, conversational approach. The lyrics unfold as an intimate update from a son to his mother:
“Just called to tell you that I’m gettin’ home tonight
Thought you should know that I’ve been doin’ fine
You said you’ve been worryin’ ’bout me, you’ve been losin’ sleep
But mama, that ain’t necessary, I’ve been sayin’ prayers and countin’ blessings.”
This opening verse immediately establishes the song’s premise—a long-overdue check-in with a worried mother. Throughout the track, Wallen balances:
- Acknowledgment of past struggles – References to “wild oats” and times when he “couldn’t see the light”
- Signs of personal growth – Mentions of prayer, counting blessings, and finding direction
- Expressions of gratitude – Recognition of his mother’s unconditional love and support
The chorus delivers the emotional core:
“I thought you should know that all those prayers you thought you wasted on me
Must’ve finally made their way on through
I thought you should know I got a new girl down in Jefferson City, and
She lets me fish whenever I want to.”
This blends profound emotional sentiment with everyday details, a hallmark of effective country songwriting that grounds the spiritual in the mundane.
Musical Composition and Production
Technically speaking, “Thought You Should Know” exemplifies contemporary country ballad structure while incorporating elements that have become signature to Wallen’s sound:
- Key and Tempo: Written in the key of G major with a moderate tempo of approximately 72 BPM, creating a reflective atmosphere
- Instrumentation: Features acoustic guitar as the foundation, with subtle steel guitar accents and minimal percussion
- Vocal Performance: Wallen employs his characteristic Tennessee drawl but with notably restrained delivery compared to his more upbeat tracks
- Production Approach: Producer Joey Moi maintained a stripped-back production that prioritizes vocal clarity and emotional authenticity
The song’s bridge introduces a dynamic shift with increased instrumental presence before resolving back to the intimate chorus, effectively mirroring the emotional journey of reconnection.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon its release, “Thought You Should Know” achieved significant commercial success, reaching #3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and eventually being certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA. The song received particular praise for its sincerity and marked a significant turning point in Wallen’s public perception following earlier controversies.
Music critics highlighted several strengths:
- The authenticity in Wallen’s delivery
- The universality of the mother-child relationship depicted
- The technical restraint in both vocal performance and production
Some criticisms centered around:
- Questions of whether the sentiment was calculated to rehabilitate Wallen’s image
- The relative simplicity of the musical arrangement
- Its positioning within a crowded field of similar country ballads
Regardless of divided critical opinion, audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with many listeners relating to the themes of reconnection and gratitude toward parental figures.
“Thought You Should Know” in Wallen’s Discography
The song represents an important evolutionary step in Wallen’s artistic development. While his breakthrough hits like “Whiskey Glasses” and “7 Summers” established his commercial appeal, “Thought You Should Know” demonstrated his capacity for emotional depth and songwriting maturity.
When compared to other tracks on “One Thing at a Time,” this song stands out for its:
- Intensely personal subject matter
- Stripped-back production
- Emphasis on storytelling over commercial hooks
This positioning helped balance the album, providing an emotional anchor amid more radio-friendly tracks and showcasing Wallen’s range as an artist.
Live Performance and Fan Connection
In concert settings, “Thought You Should Know” typically creates powerful moments of connection. Wallen often introduces the song with personal anecdotes about his mother, and fan videos capture audiences singing along to every word—particularly notable for a ballad without the energy of his party anthems.
The song has become a staple in Wallen’s setlists, typically performed with minimal backing during acoustic segments of his shows. This presentation enhances the intimate nature of the lyrics and allows his vocal delivery to take center stage.
Technical Vocal Analysis
From a technical perspective, Wallen’s vocal performance on “Thought You Should Know” demonstrates his growth as a vocalist:
- Dynamic Control: The song requires subtle shifts in volume and intensity that showcase Wallen’s improving technical control
- Phrasing: His breath control and phrasing choices emphasize key emotional moments in the lyrics
- Tone Color: Wallen employs a warmer, less nasal tone than in some of his more uptempo works
- Dialect Features: His East Tennessee accent is authentically employed rather than exaggerated, lending credibility to the personal narrative
These elements combine to create what many vocal coaches have noted is one of Wallen’s most controlled and effective vocal performances.
Songwriting Collaboration
The collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Nicolle Galyon deserves particular attention. Lambert, known for her emotional depth and storytelling prowess, and Galyon, a hit songwriter with numerous chart-toppers, brought complementary strengths to the writing process:
- Lambert likely contributed to the emotional authenticity and narrative structure
- Galyon, known for crafting commercially successful yet emotionally resonant songs, helped balance accessibility with depth
- Wallen provided the personal experience and voice that grounds the song in his specific relationship with his mother
This collaborative approach yielded a composition that feels both universal in its themes and specific in its details.
Contemporary Context and Cultural Significance
“Thought You Should Know” arrived at a time when country music was examining its relationship with traditional values and authenticity. The song’s emphasis on family relationships, redemption, and gratitude aligned with enduring country music themes while feeling contemporary in its execution.
Its success demonstrated the continued commercial viability of traditional country storytelling when delivered with modern production sensibilities. This balance has become increasingly important as country music navigates shifting cultural and commercial landscapes.
Conclusion
“Thought You Should Know” represents Morgan Wallen at his most vulnerable and authentic. Through its carefully crafted lyrics, restrained production, and emotionally resonant vocal performance, the song successfully bridges the personal and universal—telling Wallen’s specific story while inviting listeners to reflect on their own family relationships.
For fans of country music, the song demonstrates the genre’s continuing power to connect through storytelling, emotional honesty, and relatable human experiences. For Wallen himself, it marks an important artistic milestone, showcasing his growth as both a vocalist and songwriter capable of genuine emotional depth.
Whether approached as a touching Mother’s Day anthem, a technical study in contemporary country balladry, or a key chapter in Wallen’s evolving career narrative, “Thought You Should Know” has secured its place as one of the most significant entries in his discography—a song that reminds us of the enduring power of a simple message from a son to his mother.
FAQs about Thought you should know
1. What is “Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen about?
“Thought You Should Know” is a heartfelt country song where Morgan Wallen expresses gratitude to his mother. The lyrics detail his struggles, personal growth, and appreciation for her prayers and support.
2. When was “Thought You Should Know” released?
The song was officially released on May 6, 2022 as a single and later included in Morgan Wallen’s 2023 album, One Thing at a Time.
3. Who wrote “Thought You Should Know”?
The song was co-written by Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, and Nicolle Galyon.
4. Is “Thought You Should Know” based on a true story?
Yes, the song is a deeply personal reflection of Morgan Wallen’s life and his appreciation for his mother’s influence, making it autobiographical in nature.
5. How did “Thought You Should Know” perform on the charts?
The song performed well, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and also topping other country music charts.
6. What genre is “Thought You Should Know”?
The song falls under the country genre with a blend of heartfelt storytelling and acoustic-driven melody.
7. What inspired Morgan Wallen to write this song?
Morgan Wallen wrote this song as a way to thank his mother for her prayers and support throughout his journey, acknowledging the ups and downs in his life.
8. Is there a music video for “Thought You Should Know”?
Yes, the official music video features personal home footage of Morgan Wallen with his mother, giving it an intimate and sentimental feel.
