Reckless

Album: Reckless (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lead single from Martina McBride's 13th album, this was written by Sarah Buxton, Zach Crowell and Heather Morgan. "I was immediately drawn to this song. It's really a song expressing gratitude to someone who is willing to reach out and see the best in you and loves you unconditionally," said McBride. "I feel like its universal and that most everyone has someone who believed in them and maybe even pulled them through a hard time. I've heard people say it reminds them of their relationship with their mom or sister or counselor."
  • McBride explained to Billboard magazine the reasons why the song resonates for her. "Well, there are all kinds of 'reckless,' she said. "Probably the time when I was the most reckless was when I was 19 or 20 years old, and singing in clubs until all hours of the morning, trying to get my career started. Luckily, that was when I met [sound engineer husband] John and got things together. But, I think it can mean a lot of things - from moving across the country for a new job or loving someone. I think we all have reckless points in our lives, for sure."
  • McBride premiered the song while playing a show at the Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 16, 2016.
  • Speaking to People about the song's meaning, McBride said: "My interpretation of [the song] is, it's about gratitude for unconditional love, and it's about being vulnerable."

    "The track is big and energetic and kind of tough, but the lyrics are vulnerable and powerful," she continued. "There's a lot of different kinds of reckless: It's taking chances, it's being daring, it's doing the unexpected. I think it has a positive connotation."
  • The laying down of this song was a poignant experience for McBride. "I've never recorded a song as vulnerable as this one," she admitted to Taste of Country. "I was tearing up in the vocal booth because I was just so grateful for the song."

    She added: "And after doing Everlasting, which was so much fun and a great project for me personally - but they're cover songs and it is what it is - to come back and make a country album and have a song that I had such a connection to was so moving to me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Who Did It First?

Who Did It First?Music Quiz

Do you know who recorded the original versions of these ten hit songs?

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.