The track opens with soft acoustic guitar and Secor’s familiar fiddle lilt. His voice carries the weight of nostalgia as he sings, “I jotted my name in ballpoint under theirs in gold”—a playful nod to sharing space with legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash[1]. When Molly Tuttle enters with her crystalline harmony, it’s like ancient footsteps echoing down modern streets—timeless, earnest, and full of reverence.
Lyrically, it’s a conversation between past and present: “dreams take flight or flounder” under a skyline that’s part history, part hustle. Secor’s spoken-word cadence strolls alongside classic Nashville chord changes, grounding the song in lived experience and deep roots[1][2].
The production is stripped and intimate, mirroring the visuals—Secor and Tuttle walking vintage Nashville streets in the video, interspersed with historical clips that whisper of unhurried nights and genuine camaraderie[2]. No flash, no gimmick—just two storytellers staking a claim to the city’s soul.
Final Verdict:
“What Nashville Was” is more than a song—it’s a soulful echo of a city and its story. Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle pay homage without nostalgia overload. They honor what made Music City real and remind us why that truth still matters. Rooted, reverent, and ready for anyone who still believes in the song behind the stars.
Sources:
- mxdwn Music — Debut solo single featuring Molly Tuttle; mentions Dylan/Cash sample and lyrical context.
- Wildfire Music + News — Video description, guest artists, production/nostalgia quotes.
