Jealous Of Myself
by Tenille Arts (featuring LeAnn Rimes)

Album: To Be Honest (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Music City songwriter John Byron wasn't exactly thrilled to learn his ex of eight years had a new beau hotfooting it to Nashville from Colorado. Sure, there was a twinge of jealousy for the new guy, but as Byron confessed to Billboard, "I was definitely more jealous of me when I did have her." That potent cocktail of emotions became the seed for "Jealous of Myself," a breakup anthem steeped in self-reflection.
  • Knowing a woman's touch could elevate the song's vulnerability, Byron took the title to a writing session with Emily Weisband on January 13, 2022. Joined by Old Dominion's Trevor Rosen, the trio crafted a self-reflective ballad where the singer ruminates on a once-vibrant romance.
  • Initially a guitar drove the song, but Weisband's switch to piano steered the track in a new direction. Her vocals on the demo showcased the song's raw honesty.

    "When Emily sings, she does whatever she needs to get into the real emotion," Byron told Billboard. "She gets down on her knees and starts wearing into this song, and it's just breaking my heart because the title is already near and dear to me. And so she's ripping my heart out."
  • Feeling the potential, Weisband uploaded the demo to TikTok, posing a question to her followers: who should sing it? Enter Tenille Arts.

    Her playful comment, "Ummm, you. Or me. Lol," masked a genuine desire to take the reins. After securing the writers' blessing, Arts teamed up with producer Nathan Chapman. While Chapman envisioned a pop-leaning track, Arts pushed for a more emotionally resonant country sound complete with a steel guitar.
  • Arts debuted the song at the CMA Music Festival in June 2022, and properly released it in on October 14, 2022. Marking Arts' first outing with her new label Dreamcatcher Artists, the song's promotion included hand-painted denim jackets sold on her website.
  • Channeling her childhood idols, Arts enlisted country powerhouse LeAnn Rimes for a searing duet version.

    "LeAnn Rimes, the Chicks, Shania Twain and Kelly Clarkson were my idols growing up. LeAnn in particular has been a huge part of my story in country music since I was very young," Arts shared. "One of my most viewed videos on TikTok is of me singing 'Blue' when I was 11 years old, and then it transitions to a full circle moment of performing it on the Opry."
  • Arts released the duet version via Dreamcatcher Artists as the lead single off her To Be Honest album on April 14, 2023.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Phone Booth Songs

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?