Thomas Rhett is celebrating his 30th birthday with a poignant new song called “Be a Light.” The emotive ballad was written in 2019 and features Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban.
Rhett penned the song with Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem as a way to process the negativity and sadness he was seeing in the world. The soaring piano ballad has Rhett trying to uplift others with thoughtful lyrics. “In a world full of hate/ Be a light/ When you do somebody wrong/ Make it right/ Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine/ In a world full of hate/ Be a light,” they sing on the poignant chorus.
The tune was released Monday (March 30) out of the urging of Rhett to his label team, he explained during an Instagram Live shortly after the song dropped. “I wrote this song last year,” he explained to his followers on Instagram Live. “This song was really just about being a light in a dark place; being an encouragement to people … We weren’t supposed to release this now, but I really felt like the song needed to come out today. I hope it puts a smile on your face in this crazy, crazy time.”
Ahead of performing the tune for fans, he shared that proceeds from the song will go the the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will go toward members of the industry who are currently suffering from the coronavirus and those out of work due to the pandemic. “Know that your money is going to a great cause,” Rhett said.
Rhett’s “Be a Light” is below.
