Do You Wish It Was Me?

Album: single release only (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Gary Allan co-wrote this rising ballad with Jonathan Singleton and Andrew Dorff. It was a pretty quick writing session which resulted in an easily relatable song. "I think everybody's got somebody in the back of their mind or hope that somebody has them in the back of their mind," said the singer. "I think that was what was so intriguing about the title 'Do You Wish It Was Me.' And then after that, it was just trying to paint the picture, and it was an easy write. It was pretty quick."

    "It was a couple of hours," he added, "I was walking out of there going, 'We should do that again!'"
  • Allan used his longtime touring band on the recording, instead of a studio group.
  • The song has a universal theme. Allan commented during a stop at the Taste of Country Nights studio: "It's just one of those songs you know that when you break up with somebody or it doesn't work out with somebody and you're constantly wondering if they ever think about you or they wish it was you."
  • This had some tough competition when Allan came to pick his next single release. "Jonathan Singleton and Andrew Dorff. Man, I've always wanted to write with both of 'em," the singer said. "I had a song already that I wanted to beat, so I basically took that song and played it for them and said, 'If we beat this, we have a single.'"

    "And, then we went through a couple of their hooks, landed on the hook," Allan continued. "It was a great write. It was an easy write, and then I tracked it with my band and my band absolutely delivered. I love the track, so proud of it."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

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.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.