Brad Paisley is leaning into some heavy themes with his next album titled Son of the Mountains. He is sharing the first taste of what fans can expect from his forthcoming project with the release of “Same Here.”
Written by Paisley with Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith and produced by Luke Wooten, “Same Here,” which arrived on Friday (Feb. 24) via the Glen Dale, West Virginia, native’s new label Universal Music Group, highlights the importance of freedom and is about finding the similarities between different people from different places and realizing the familiarities that unite one another.
“However you talk / Whatever you think / From the songs that you sing / To the drink that you drink / You miss your mama and worry about your daddy / And love each other like crazy / You want someone to share your hopes and fears / Same here,” Paisley sings the chorus of the song as while accompanied by a melody reminiscent to the sounds he is best known and loved for.
“Same Here” Features Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The timing of Paisley’s latest release lines up with the first anniversary of the Ukrainian War, which saw Russian troops invading Ukraine, the second-largest European country. A deep subject, indeed, but a significant one and an intentional move on Paisley’s part as a heartfelt speech provided by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about his country and its people is featured in the track.
“‘Same Here’ with President Zelenskyy is one of the pieces of this album that represents so much a part of my journey from West Virginia to now,” Paisley shared his connection to the song and his forthcoming debut. “One of the prevailing themes on this album is freedom. That’s something I truly believe in and think is our most precious gift as Americans. The song is grounded in observing life in the United States, then to people from other countries who speak different languages, and to one across the ocean that’s at war. We start to realize how similar we all are.”
“That’s one of the things the President says in the song, ‘There is no distance between our two countries in such values.’ They are longing for what we, as Americans, have already. It’s heartbreaking watching this struggle in modern times for freedom and democracy and the ability to just simply be who they want to be in peace,” the three-time Grammy winner continues. “And this song is something that I hope resonates not only with my fans and people in America, but people anywhere that feel a similar desire to be free, safe, and happy. I really do believe that as human beings, when you take away the banners that determine what country we all live in, we all want the same things.”
In addition to the release of “Same Here,” Paisley is doing his part in stepping up to support his strong belief system. Revenue generated from “Same Here” will go toward UNITED24 – a project created by Pres. Zelenskyy to “collect charitable donations to rebuild and restore homes damaged by the current war,” per a press release.
Paisley, named an ambassador for UNITED24, has shown his strong heart and dedication to helping those in Ukraine. In 2022, he participated in a charity telethon called ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call,’ where he performed a touching rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
“I’m so proud to stand with the people of Ukraine. You can support by watching NBC’s “Ukraine: Answering the Call,” TONIGHT 7/6c on @nbc and streaming next day on @peacockTV. @RESCUEorg,” he tweeted out a post at the time.
“Same Here” Is The First Track From His New Album, Son Of The Mountains
As previously shared, Paisley is preparing for the release of his full-length studio album Son of the Mountains. On Instagram, he teased the project, saying, “A lot of surprises [are] yet to come, and I cannot wait to hear what you think. I’m excited to go on this journey with you.”
Although he has not yet revealed a release date for his upcoming album, Paisley added, “Son of the Mountains is a collection of songs I’ve been writing and working on for a while now. The music encompasses a lot of big themes and perspectives from a kid that came from a small town in West Virginia after having seen a bit of the world. The record doesn’t shy away from reflection, real life, and situations that are going on and what I think country music is – which is truth.”
