Songfacts®:

• "High Road" is a fiery duet between Koe Wetzel and country and pop hitmaker Jessie Murph. The song simmers with tension as their troubled relationship reaches a boiling point.
• Wetzel's exasperation is palpable. He's done with the endless fights, and his "high road" involves self-preservation. He'd rather get stoned and detach from the drama than get dragged back into the fray.
  
  Murph counters with a fierce resolve of her own. She won't stoop to his level, but she's no pushover either. Her "high road" hints at deeper frustrations; the late nights smelling of liquor and the constant infidelity are taking their toll.
• Wetzel co-wrote "High Road" with pop songwriter Amy Allen. This wasn't their first get-together: The duo previously collaborated on Wetzel's breakout single "Sweet Dreams." Wetzel, known for his unique blend of country, alternative rock and Americana, admitted that writing with Allen presented a new challenge.
  
  "She does a lot more pop music, and it's something that I'm not really used to," he told Billboard. "Working with somebody that's in the pop world."
• The man behind the boards, Gabe Simon, joined forces with Wetzel's guitarist Josh Serrato for the production. Rounding out the production team are Carrie K, who previously worked on Pvris' Evergreen album, and Ben Maddahi, the Senior Vice-President of A&R at Columbia Records.
  
  Gabe Simon boasts an impressive resumé. He crafted Jessie Murph's hit single "Pray" and is also known for his work with Lana Del Rey on Blue Banisters, including the title track and co-producing Noah Kahan's entire Stick Season album.
• Wetzel released "High Road" as the second single from 9 Lives. While his past albums embraced the wild side with anthems of sex, drugs, and rock & roll, 9 Lives explores new territory lyrically.
  
  "I want fans to know that there's a different side of me," said Wetzel. "I've grown up a little bit. I'm no longer the 20-year-old kid that's partying down and getting thrown in jail all the time. 9 Lives reveals a vulnerable side that people may not be used to hearing."
• As a token of appreciation for her contribution to this song, Wetzel gifted Murph a custom-engraved pistol. The piece, which took three months to create, incorporates their names and the song title. "I thought it was a very Texas thing to do," he told Billboard.