Album: Single release only (2020)
Charted: 42
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Thomas Rhett wrote this inspiring piano ballad with Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem toward the end of 2019. The lyrics find him trying to uplift others amid all the world's negativity and sadness.

    In a world full of hate
    Be a light
    When you do somebody wrong
    Make it right


    Rhett 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."
  • In early March 2020, a devastating tornado swept through Nashville, destroying much of the city. A couple of weeks later, the entire world found themselves caught up in the coronavirus pandemic. Rhett felt he needed to share the song's message, so he persuaded his label to release the track on his 30th birthday, March 30, 2020.
  • Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Keith Urban and Chris Tomlin join Rhett on the song. Each of the performers sings a portion of the tune, with McEntire and Scott trading vocals on the chorus. Said Rhett: "The voices who join me on this track are some of the brightest lights I know. I hope this song serves as a reminder that we are all in this together."
  • Proceeds of sales of "Be a Light" will go to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund aids members of the music industry who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and those in need of financial aid due to losing jobs because of the pandemic.
  • Thomas Rhett premiered the song live during the ACM Presents: Our Country special on April 5, 2020. He performed the song solo from his home during the show, which was broadcast in lieu of the postponed ACM Awards.
  • Chris Tomlin and show co-host Reba McEntire joined Rhett to perform the song onstage at the 2020 CMA Awards. Hillary Scott was also scheduled to perform, but had to drop out due to COVID-19 exposure.

Comments: 2

  • Dana Jackson from MichiganLove this message. We need this today
  • Annie Tush (henry) from Savonburg KansasBeautifully sung!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Strange Magnetics

Strange MagneticsSong Writing

How Bing Crosby, Les Paul, a US Army Signal Corps Officer, and the Nazis helped shape rock and Roll.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.