Songfacts®:

• Tyler Hubbard's "Back Then Right Now" is a heartfelt trip down memory lane to his formative years in Macon, Georgia. He wistfully reflects on the changes that have unfolded since his youth and how he longs for the simplicity of the past.
• Kicking off the tune, Hubbard laments how big-box stores have replaced his cherished old fishing spots and how asphalt has swallowed up the gravel roads. He's bewildered by the constant snapping of photos and their instant sharing on social media, a world he can't quite comprehend. Hubbard's yearning for the past is palpable, acknowledging that those bygone days are forever out of reach.
• In the chorus, Hubbard shares memories of his youth back in his hometown. They include:
  
  A '98 Chevy with the tailgate down,
  Blasting FM radio with the volume cranked up high,
  Embracing a carefree attitude with his friends,
  When the only thing that mattered was the hand he was holding,
  Living in the moment, surrounded by a fun-loving crowd
• Hubbard co-wrote "Back Then Right Now" with Jessie Jo Dillon, Geoff Warburton and David Garcia in April 2023 at Garcia's studio. It was their first time writing together; they gathered at David Garcia's house and studio with the title already in mind.
  
  The quartet began by exchanging stories and fond recollections, and the idea of crafting a nostalgic anthem took root. Their goal was to capture the essence of living in the moment, cherishing life to the fullest, and appreciating the simple pleasures. "It was a great day," Hubbard recalled. "I think we all kind of needed it, and it was just a reminder of the importance of making memories, being present and kind of where we came from as well."
• Hubbard co-produced "Back Then Right Now" with Jordan Schmidt. Hubbard's songwriting buddy Schmidt co-penned many of Florida Georgia Line's tracks, including "Blessings" and their Nelly collaboration "Lil Bit." He also co-produced Hubbard's debut solo album.
• "Back Then Right Now" is about more than just nostalgia. The song sums up a mindset that's been Hubbard's mantra since he embarked on his solo career in 2022.
  
  Back when you took a pic and didn't have to post it
  
  Hubbard understands the power of social media, especially as an artist who thrives on connecting with fans. Yet he's also a firm believer in setting boundaries, and in 2022 he drew a clear line in the sand.
  
  "I haven't been taking a lot of pictures for posting lately, and it's been good. Just being present, man," Hubbard told Taste of Country Nights' Evan Paul. "I do turn it off. I don't have social media on my phone anymore... It's been a good year of being present and trying not to be too consumed with the social media stuff, even though it's important. But it's something that can take over, you know, if you're not careful."
• It was Dillon who suggested the "Back Then Right Now" title. During a trip to East Tennessee her uncle got frustrated with his new-model truck.
  
  "He was like, 'I could use a little back then right now,'" she recalled to Billboard. "I was like, 'Oh, my God, that's such a great song title.' And so, I wrote it down, and that day we wrote it, that was the first title anyone said."
• "Back Then Right Now" is the lead single from Hubbard's second solo album, Strong. So why "Strong"?
  
  "One word kept popping up while writing and recording the project," the Georgia native explained. "It kind of came organically in a funny way where we kept referring to everything, well, that's a strong take or that's a strong mix or man, that's a really strong song for this next album, or that's a strong photo or whatever.
  
  "And as we were trying to title this project, we just kept saying that and finally, I'm just like, 'Guys, why don't we just call it Strong? You know, it feels like it's overall pretty strong project. I would confidently say that I'm proud of it, and I love the heart behind the actual song and I love the depth of the word strong, so let's just roll with that and see where it goes.' So, it felt right."
• David Garcia came into the writing session with a really cool groove, and that carried through to the recording process of the song.
  
  "I just sort of told the players to really take creative freedom and see where this song led. During the process we were really pulling a lot of I guess '80s inspiration, if you will, '80s sounds. Everything sort of had this undertone of '80s, vintage undertone, but it really just felt fresh and fun. It just livened it up for some reason," said Hubbard. "So, I told (the studio musicians) to really keep leaning into that, you know, whatever that thing is, it just feels classic and kind of felt unique at the time. And so, we just ran with it and had a lot fun with it, and I feel like it was the perfect blend of lifestyle."