Used To Be

Album: Happiness Begins (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Jonas Brothers worked with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder on this song. It was one of five Happiness Begins tracks on which Nick, Joe and Kevin collaborated with the songwriter, including the lead single "Sucker." Tedder also executive produced the album.
  • Tedder told Billboard the brothers were quick off the block when it came to recording potential tracks.

    "We would write a song in about 90 minutes. We would cut it in the second hour. It would be demo'd by dinner," he recalled.

    Their efficiency reminded Tedder of two other superstar collaborators: "Sam Smith and Adele are maybe the only other acts I've ever worked with, where they're like, 'Oh, my gosh. It's 6 p.m. Let's call it a day.'"
  • The song's sound is influenced by artists like Post Malone, whose material is on the rhythmic urban side. Kevin Jonas said that because Malone had referenced the brothers on his 2018 single "Better Now," they wanted to do the same. Post's shout out went:

    And I'm rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
    With my brothers like it's Jonas, Jonas

Comments: 1

  • P OlaIt's about Miley
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.