If you’re a country music fan and you’re not listening to Maren Morris, then you’re doing it wrong. The 25-year-old Texas native released her self-titled EP back in November and has been making waves ever since.
Morris' guitar-infused, “My Church,” even got a major cosign from country star Keith Urban, who asked Morris to perform on tour with him.
In an annotation on Genius, Morris explains that the song is an ode to the spirituality of songwriting. “My version of church has always been through songs.” It’s a quintessential country singalong—perfect for blaring through car speakers on a long road trip.
The song’s standout line connects with country’s past:
“When Hank bring the sermon
And Cash leads the choir
It gets my cold cold heart burning
Hotter than a ring of fire”
Morris says she’s always been inspired by old country records.
“I was really young when I first heard ‘So Lonesome I Could Cry’ by Hank Williams. I remember trying to learn it. Listening to it now, as an adult and as a songwriter, it has this nostalgic quality. He really was so ahead of his time as a writer–it’s so heartbreaking.”
On Johnny Cash, she says:
“I have always been fascinated by Johnny’s story with June Carter. I grew up listening to their records. It was always being played through the house. ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ is one of those bone-chilling songs.”
Murmurs of a 2016 full-length album have us all wondering: Is Maren Morris country music’s next big star?
Time will tell. But in the meantime, check out all of Morris' annotations.
