Keeping Score
by Dan + Shay (featuring Kelly Clarkson)

Album: Dan + Shay (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This mid-tempo ballad starts with the voice of Shay Mooney before Dan Smyers and guest vocalist Kelly Clarkson join him for the chorus:

    I know I'm only human
    Don't know how many sunsets I got left
    And I don't wanna ruin
    This moment by wondering what comes next
    I just want to love you like it's all I'm living for
    Hold you close, enjoy you more
    And spend a little less time keeping score


    The trio don't want to spend their time analyzing their relationship. They just want to enjoy the moment.
  • Dan + Shay had already recorded the song and were talking about getting a feature. Symers recalled to Taste of Country Nights' Sam Alex, he was like "who is a super-powerful singer that would be a great duet partner with Shay." Kelly Clarkson's name came to mind, so they sent the song over to her.

    The feature came together toward the end of recording Dan + Shay. The duo flew out to Los Angeles, where they worked in the studio with Clarkson as she cut her vocals.

    "It is such an honor for us to sing this duet with Kelly," the duo's Dan Smyers said. "Not only is she one of the most incredible vocalists of our generation, she is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people we have ever met. We're glad this song resonated with her as much as it did with us."
  • Best known as a pop vocalist, Clarkson has made several visits to the country chart including a #2 duet version of "Because Of You" with Reba McEntire in 2007 and "Don't You Wanna Stay" a collaboration with Jason Aldean which went to #1 in 2011.
  • The song was written by Smyers, with Jordan Reynolds and Laura Veltz, It was produced by Smyers and Dan + Shay's longtime collaborator, Scott Hendricks, whose also worked with Alan Jackson, Faith Hill and Blake Shelton.
  • Rather than getting dragged down by weighing up their relationship against others, Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney and Kelly Clarkson have decided to let go. Symers told HMV.com the lyrics can be taken as a metaphor for the music industry. He explained:

    "The idea of comparison is a big theme on this record, everything is so quantifiable in the music industry, you're constantly measuring yourself against everybody else rather than appreciating what you have."
  • The song was Dan + Shay's first Hot 100 Top 40 hit. Their previous best placing had been "19 You + Me," which peaked at #42.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.